The Judith Ann Lippard Memorial  Lecture

Every fall, the Koch Institute community comes together to honor the memory of Judith Ann Lippard through an invited keynote lecture by a prominent researcher working at the interface of laboratory research and clinical care. The Judith Ann Lippard Lecture brings together the most innovative minds in cancer research from a variety of disciplines—biology, chemistry, engineering, clinical medicine—and features individuals whose research has the possibility to change the face of women's cancers. The Lippard Lecture also unites two extraordinary cancer centers—MIT’s Koch Institute and the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center. In addition to the formal lecture at MIT, the honoree delivers Grand Rounds at MGH, and spends time with trainees, researchers, and physician-scientists at both institutions, thus inspiring the best and brightest young minds to advance cancer therapies. 

History

The Judith Ann Lippard Memorial Lecture was established in 2014 in memory of Judy Lippard, the wife of Stephen J. Lippard, the Arthur Amos Noyes Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at MIT. Judy died of endometrial cancer on September 9, 2013. Steve, Josh, and Alex Lippard, together with countless friends, students, colleagues, and family members created the lecture to honor Judy’s memory and celebrate her remarkable love of life. 

The creation of the Judith Ann Lippard Lecture was inspired by a similar lecture, created in 1974 in memory of Judy’s and Steve’s eldest son, Andrew, who died from a neurological disorder at age 7. Over time, the Andrew Mark Lippard Lecture at Columbia University has become one of the preeminent neurology lectures in the world. 

The 2025 Lippard Lecture

David Mutch has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Judith Ann Lippard Memorial Lectureship. He will present his lecture, The evolution of our understanding, and eventually treatment, of endometrial cancer, to the MIT and Koch Institute communities in the Luria Auditorium (76-156) on Thursday, November 13 from 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Dr. David G. Mutch is the inaugural Ira C. and Judith Gall Distinguished Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. A gynecologic oncologist for over 40 years, he has shaped the field through his leadership in research, clinical care, and education. In 1987, he established WashU’s clinical trials program, which now ranks among the top five institutions nationwide for patient accruals within NRG Oncology. 

Dr. Mutch has authored more than 460 scientific publications and secured numerous research grants, including a prestigious SPORE  (Specialized Program of Research Excellence) award from the National Cancer Institute. A committed mentor, he has trained over 50 fellows—many now leaders in the field—and established a scholarship program for residents within WashU Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology through the Nelson Alumni Society. His excellence in teaching has been recognized with multiple honors, including two Teacher of the Year awards and the establishment of the David G. and Lynn Mutch Distinguished Professorship in 2022.  

In 2024, Dr. Mutch stepped back from one of the busiest clinical practices in the country to focus on research. He continues to shape the future of gynecologic oncology through advisory roles with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and the American Joint Committee on Cancer. 

Supporting the Lippard Lectures

To join the Lippard family in celebrating Judy's life and legacy, please contact Karen Sveda, Managing Director of Development, at ksveda@mit.edu or (617) 324-7399, or give online.