HOUSTON (Oct. 5, 2026) – Dr. Michael Taylor , a Texas Children’s pediatric neurosurgeon and researcher whose work has advanced understanding of childhood brain tumors, is among the first four grantees to receive a Texans Conquer Cancer Award from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas ( CPRIT ).
Taylor, who directs the Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center and is a professor of pediatrics and neurosurgery at Baylor College of Medicine , was honored Oct. 5 in Galveston as one of four grantees selected by their peers and CPRIT leadership for scientific excellence, innovation and impact on health care improvement. The awards were presented at Moody Gardens during the opening dinner of the CPRIT Innovations VII Conference.
A pediatric neurosurgeon and CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research, Taylor holds the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Chair of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology at Texas Children’s. His research focuses on medulloblastoma and ependymoma, two types of malignant childhood brain tumors, with the goal of translating discoveries about their biology into more effective, targeted treatments.
“The best place in the entire world right now to do high-quality cancer research is the Texas Medical Center," said Taylor. "A critical mass of clinicians and scientists, with the world’s best technology and positive Texan attitudes. I look forward to seeing what we do in the near future.”
Taylor and his collaborators have helped establish that medulloblastoma comprises biologically distinct diseases, advancing understanding of how these tumors should be studied and treated. His laboratory also investigates how disruptions in early brain development can lead to cancer and explores potential ways to intervene in the processes that drive tumor growth.
“Every child with a brain tumor deserves treatments that are more effective and less toxic,” said Dr. Huda Zoghbi , founding director of the Duncan Neurological Research Institute ( Duncan NRI ) at Texas Children’s and Distinguished Service Professor and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator at Baylor College of Medicine. “Dr. Taylor has dedicated his career to that goal, and with CPRIT's generous support and the collaborative environment at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, his work is reaching patients faster.”
Taylor’s team combines genetic analysis, computational tools and laboratory studies to uncover how childhood brain tumors begin and progress. The work aims to identify treatment approaches that improve survival while reducing the long-term effects children can experience from existing therapies.
“This award recognizes Dr. Michael Taylor's vision, scientific leadership, and commitment to improving outcomes for children with brain tumors. Dr. Taylor has dedicated his career to advancing our understanding of these devastating diseases and translating discoveries into more effective, personalized therapies for patients,” said Dr. Tammy Kang , Interim Director, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center and Interim Chief, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine. “We are proud to see his innovative work supported by CPRIT, and we look forward to the impact this research will have for children and families facing brain cancer in Texas and beyond."
Established in 2023, the Texans Conquer Cancer Award initially recognized four legislators for their roles in creating and reauthorizing CPRIT. The 2026 awards mark the first recognition of distinguished CPRIT grantees selected by their peers.
About Texas Children’s
Texas Children's, a nonprofit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children's hospital in Texas and among the top in the nation, Texas Children's has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women's health. The system includes the Texas Children's Duncan NRI; the Feigin Tower for pediatric research; Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children's Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; Texas Children's Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children's care for communities north of Houston and Texas Children's Hospital North Austin, the new state-of-the-art facility providing world-class pediatric and maternal care to Austin families. The organization also created Texas Children's Health Plan, the nation's first HMO focused on children; Texas Children's Pediatrics, the largest pediatric primary care network in the country; Texas Children's Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that is channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children's Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, visit www.texaschildrens.org .