Funder: Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation
Due Dates: January 19, 2027, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (Application) | March 2027 (Finalist notification) | April 30, 2027 (Interviews) | July 1, 2027 (Funding begins)
Funding Amounts: $600,000 over three years ($200,000 annually), plus up to $100,000 in qualifying medical school debt repayment
Summary: Supports early-career physician-scientists conducting innovative clinical cancer research while developing as independent investigators through mentored training.
Key Information: Institutional nomination is required, and only institutions invited by the Foundation may nominate applicants.
Description
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation’s Clinical Investigator Award supports independent young physician-scientists conducting innovative, disease-oriented research aimed at improving cancer medicine. It combines research funding with mentored training and institutional support to help physicians become successful independent investigators moving between the laboratory and the patient’s bedside.
Supported clinical research includes patient-oriented studies of disease mechanisms, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, clinical trials, and technologies for cancer detection, treatment, and prevention. Epidemiologic, behavioral, outcomes, and health services research also qualify. Applicants must participate in patient care and conduct research with potential to affect patients. Preference goes to studies directly involving patients—the “Handshake Rule,” which does not apply to pathologist candidates.
