Professor Tung Ta-Cheng（1916 - 2008）was the founder of the Taiwan Oncology Society and two-term president of the society. The Tung Ta-Cheng Cancer Research Award was established in his honor to recognize a distinguished scholar in the field each year in Taiwan.

After graduating from Taipei Imperial University Medical College（renamed National Taiwan University College of Medicine after World War II）, Professor Tung studied biochemistry under Professor Hirohata Ryuzo（廣畑龍造）and started his career in teaching and research. In 1944 he received a doctorate degree from Kyushu Imperial University Medical School in Japan. At age 29, he became Chairman of Department of Biochemistry at National Taiwan University College of Medicine（NTUCM）, and served in that position for 27 years. During 1949-1951, Professor Tung was selected to conduct advanced studies of transamination reactions with Dr. Philip P. Cohen, and in enzyme chemistry with Dr. Henry A. Lardy, at the University of Wisconsin.

Professor Tung dedicated his life to studying numerous facets of biochemistry--including enzymes in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism（e.g. demethylase）； food safety and nutrition（including enriched rice, milk substitutes for infants）； toxins, such as PCB, abrin, ricin, aflatoxin -- and their effects on cancer and the potential anti-cancer effects of jack beans（白鳳豆）and ganoderma lucidum（靈芝）in stimulating immune system.

He taught many students who became prominent members in biomedical research and teaching both at home in Taiwan and abroad in the United States. Professor Tung enjoyed collaborating with his colleagues and students, publishing more than 100 scientific papers and books. Serving as Dean of Students at NTUCM for 18 years, he was known to be one of the most popular professors at NTUCM.

After retiring from NTUCM in 1983, he was asked to serve as Dean of the Taipei Medical College. During his time there, he successfully reformed the institution. He also served as the sixth Chairman of the Board at MacKay Memorial Hospital, despite having to overcome the hospital’s most challenging management and finance crises.

Professor Tung was a devoted Christian and very active at church. A true community leader, he headed numerous philanthropic organizations, including the Taiwan Red Cross, where he served as President and as Chairman of the Board for two institutes for blind children. Professor Tung’s generosity of spirit and excellent leadership enhanced the many incredible achievements he made in the scientific field during his lifetime.