Dr. Popi Siziopikou named Breast Cancer Institute leader

Following a national search, the University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center (UACC) has appointed Popi Siziopikou, MD, PhD as the inaugural director of the Ginny L. Clements Breast Cancer Research Institute (GLCBCRI). As director, Dr. Siziopikou will hold the Ginny L. Clements Breast Cancer Endowed Chair and a primary academic appointment as Professor of Pathology and Vice Chair of Pathology in the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. Dr. Siziopikou started her tenure as the institute’s director on July 6.  

“Dr. Siziopikou is a visionary physician-scientist whose leadership arrives at a pivotal moment for the Ginny L. Clements Breast Cancer Research Institute,” said Dan Theodorescu, MD, PhD, the Nancy C. and Craig M. Berge endowed chair and director of the Cancer Center. “Her depth of scientific expertise, commitment to translational impact, and ability to unite clinicians and researchers around a shared mission make her uniquely qualified to lead this institute.” Dr. Theodorescu said that under Dr. Siziopikou’s leadership, the institute will continue to grow as a hub for innovation, education, and compassionate, science-driven care.

In her role as director, Dr. Siziopikou will lead the strategic growth of the Ginny L. Clements Breast Cancer Research Institute, expand its basic, translational, clinical, and population science research portfolios, and foster team science initiatives that connect investigators across the University of Arizona with its clinical partner, Banner Health. She will also identify knowledge gaps and leverage unique UACC strengths, guide key faculty recruitment, mentor early-career breast cancer investigators, strengthen industry and philanthropic partnerships, and advance innovative strategies aimed at improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer.

Dr. Siziopikou said she is enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead the GLCBCRI and shape the institute’s future from its inception. “It’s an honor to serve as the inaugural director of the Ginny L. Clements Breast Cancer Research Institute,” said Dr. Siziopikou. “Positioning an academic breast pathologist at the helm of the GLCBCRI is a bold choice consistent with the deep understanding that precision diagnostics serve as the bridge between scientific discovery, clinical research and effective patient care. This Institute represents an extraordinary opportunity to bring together various stakeholders in a way that truly changes lives. I’m excited to work alongside our outstanding faculty, trainees, patients, and partners on innovative breast cancer research, clinical, educational and community outreach programs that will honor Ms. Clement’s vision and build an impactful  Breast Cancer Institute.” 

Dr. Siziopikou brings to the role an exceptional record of leadership in academic breast pathology, translational breast cancer research, and breast cancer biology. She is known internationally for her expertise in breast pathology, prognostic and predictive biomarker development, and the integration of state-of- art pathologic diagnosis with pivotal clinical trials and precision oncology. Dr. Siziopikou was recruited to the University of Arizona from the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University in Chicago, where she was widely respected for her role in building highly collaborative, multidisciplinary breast cancer programs.

The Ginny L. Clements Breast Cancer Research Institute is housed within the University of Arizona Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute–Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center headquartered in the state. The Institute was created to accelerate discovery, translate innovation into care, and improve outcomes for patients with breast cancer in Arizona and beyond. The Ginny L. Clements Breast Cancer Research Institute is the only accredited breast cancer program in Arizona, and plays a central role in the University of Arizona Cancer Center’s mission to reduce the state’s cancer burden and improve the lives of the cancer patients we serve.