Funder: Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation
Due Dates: December 1, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time (Application) | March 5, 2027 (Review panel) | July 1, 2027 (Funding begins)
Funding Amounts: $460,000 over four years, plus up to $100,000 in qualifying medical school debt repayment
Summary: Supports mentored cancer research training for clinically trained physicians seeking independent physician-scientist careers.
Key Information: Open only to MD or DO applicants, not MD/PhDs; institutions must guarantee at least 80% protected research time.
Description
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation supports clinically trained physicians who want to develop independent careers in cancer research. The award provides a protected, mentored research training experience after clinical training, helping physicians gain the scientific, technical, and analytical skills needed to translate discoveries into advances in cancer diagnosis, treatment, or prevention.
The program addresses both limited research-training opportunities and the financial disincentives physicians face when choosing research careers. It combines salary and research support with a formal training plan, institutional support, and mentorship from an established researcher. Applicants propose cancer-related research alongside a plan for scientific development and transition to independence. Research occupies at least 80% of the awardee’s effort; clinical activities may occupy no more than 20%.
