Damon Runyon Physician-Scientist Training Award
Supports early-career MD or DO physicians in developing independent research careers in clinical or translational cancer investigation through four years of funding, mentorship, and protected research time.
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Funder: Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation
Due Dates: December 1, 2026: Full application deadline — application must be submitted through Proposal Central by 4:00 PM Eastern Time (includes required reference letters).
Funding Amounts: $460,000 total over 4 years ($100K year 1, $110K year 2, $120K year 3, $130K year 4); up to $100,000 in medical school loan repayment; $1,000/year per dependent child.
Summary: Supports early-career physicians (MD or DO) in developing research careers in clinical or translational cancer investigation through intensive mentorship, protected research time, and structured training.
Key Information: MD/PhD holders are not eligible; at least 80% research effort required; no indirect costs allowed.
Description
This award is designed to address the critical shortage of physician-scientists in cancer research by supporting U.S. Specialty Board eligible MD or DO physicians who have completed all clinical training and wish to pursue intensive research careers in clinical or translational oncology. The program provides four years of substantial salary and research support, structured mentorship, and protected research time (minimum 80% effort), enabling recipients to develop into independent physician-scientists. The award also includes a medical school loan repayment benefit and a dependent child allowance, helping to remove major financial barriers that deter physicians from research careers. The program emphasizes institutional commitment, robust mentorship, and high-impact cancer research.
