Dr. Stephen B. Baylin

Dr. Stephen B. Baylin, MD, is an internationally recognized physician–scientist specializing in cancer epigenetics, with a particular focus on how DNA methylation and chromatin alterations drive tumor development. He serves as the Virginia and D.K. Ludwig Professor for Cancer Research in the Department of Oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and is Deputy Director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Baylin earned his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine and completed his residency in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital, followed by fellowship training in oncology at Johns Hopkins. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine.

A pioneer in the field of cancer epigenetics, Dr. Baylin has led landmark studies defining the role of DNA methylation and gene silencing in tumor suppressor inactivation. His research has been central to the understanding of how epigenetic alterations contribute to cancer initiation and progression, and it has laid the groundwork for epigenetic therapies now in clinical use. He has authored more than 450 peer-reviewed publications and his work has consistently shaped the direction of translational oncology research.

Dr. Baylin has received numerous honors recognizing his impact on cancer research, including election to the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine. He has served on national and international advisory panels, including leadership roles within the NCI’s Epigenetics and Chromatin Program. A dedicated mentor, he has trained and inspired generations of physician–scientists who continue to advance the field of cancer biology. Through his groundbreaking research, academic leadership, and mentorship, Dr. Stephen B. Baylin continues to shape the global understanding of cancer epigenetics and its therapeutic applications.