Atlanta's Priti Bandi Named to TIME100 Health List

Bandi is the first Indian American from Atlanta to earn a place on the prestigious TIME100 roster.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Atlanta resident and public health leader Priti Bandi has been named to the TIME100 Health list, a rare national honor. Bandi serves as Scientific Director of Cancer Risk Factors and Screening Surveillance Research at the American Cancer Society (ACS), where she leads national research examining cancer risk factors and why millions of eligible Americans are not getting screened early.

Why it matters

Bandi's recognition stands as a reminder of the critical role immigrant scientists continue to play in shaping U.S. public health policy and saving lives through research that bridges science and equity. Her work at ACS has the potential to significantly impact cancer screening and prevention efforts nationwide.

The details

In a landmark study published in 2025, Bandi and her team found that screening every eligible U.S. adult for lung cancer could prevent more than 62,000 deaths over five years. Despite the availability of effective screening tools, lung cancer screening rates remain among the lowest of all major cancers. Bandi's research takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining surveillance data, health services research, and policy analysis, with a strong emphasis on understanding and reducing inequities in cancer outcomes.

  • Bandi's study was published in November 2025.
  • Bandi will receive the TIME award on February 19, 2026.

The players

Priti Bandi

Atlanta resident and public health leader who serves as Scientific Director of Cancer Risk Factors and Screening Surveillance Research at the American Cancer Society (ACS).

American Cancer Society (ACS)

A national organization that Bandi works for, where she leads research examining cancer risk factors and screening.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What struck me when I moved to the United States from India 25 years ago was the 'American way' of making policies and regulations. There was always a reliance on science to drive policy. This way of thinking motivated and inspired me. At the American Cancer Society, I am fortunate to be able to do just that – generate science-based evidence to inform cancer policy and practice. Getting this recognition is a validation of this ethos.”

— Priti Bandi (NRI Pulse)

What’s next

Bandi and fellow honorees will receive the TIME award during a special Impact dinner: Leaders Shaping the Future of Health on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in New York City.

The takeaway

Bandi's recognition on the prestigious TIME100 Health list highlights the critical contributions of immigrant scientists in shaping U.S. public health policy and driving innovation to improve cancer screening and prevention efforts nationwide.