A Fireside Chat with Frank McCormick
Join MCBcDNA for a fireside chat with Frank McCormick, Founder of Onyx Pharmaceuticals, former Director of the NCI’s RAS Initiative, and David A. Wood Distinguished Professor of Tumor Biology & Cancer Research at UCSF.
Frank has spent decades at the forefront of cancer biology, biotechnology, and drug discovery. He held leadership roles at Cetus and Chiron before founding Onyx Pharmaceuticals in 1992, helping translate advances in cancer biology into new therapeutic approaches. At UCSF, his research has focused on Ras signaling and developing strategies to target Ras-driven cancers. He also previously led the National Cancer Institute’s RAS Initiative, a national effort to accelerate research into one of the most important drivers of human cancer.
In this conversation, we'll talk about Frank's journey from scientist to biotech founder, the evolution of cancer drug discovery, the challenges and promise of targeting Ras, and what it takes to translate fundamental biological insights into new therapies. We'll also explore his perspective on building biotech companies, the Bay Area life science ecosystem, and the future of cancer research and therapeutics.
Agenda
7:30 PM — Doors open
7:40–7:45 PM — Welcome & introductions
7:45–8:15 PM — Fireside Chat with Frank McCormick
8:15–8:30 PM — Audience Q&A
8:30–9:00 PM — Networking reception with food & drinks
Event Sponsor: Quartzy
Quartzy is a lab management and procurement platform used by research labs worldwide, helping scientists order supplies, track inventory, and manage purchasing in one place so they can spend less time on logistics and more time on science. Learn more at quartzy.com.
Series Partner: Biocom California
Biocom California is the largest life science association in the state, and through its Biocom Institute it works to connect students and emerging talent with careers across biotech and the life sciences. Learn more at biocom.org.
Event Partner: LSBE
We're proud to have UC Berkeley's Robinson Life Science, Business, and Entrepreneurship (LSBE) Program as a partner for our Fall 2026 Speaker Series. The LSBE Program prepares students to become future leaders in biotech by combining business and biological sciences with mentorship, career coaching, and connections across the Bay Area life science ecosystem. Learn more at lsbe.berkeley.edu.