Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation

American cancer research organization

Logo of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation

The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to funding innovative cancer research. Established in 1946, the foundation supports early-career scientists who are committed to discovering new approaches to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer.

History

The foundation was named after the famous journalist and writer Damon Runyon, who passed away from throat cancer in 1946. His friend, Walter Winchell, a well-known columnist, initiated the foundation to honor Runyon's legacy and to combat the disease that claimed his life. The foundation has since become a leading supporter of cancer research, providing critical funding to young scientists at the start of their careers.

Mission and Goals

The primary mission of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation is to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer research by funding the most promising early-career scientists. The foundation aims to:

• Identify and support exceptional researchers with high potential to impact cancer research.
• Foster innovation and creativity in the field of cancer research.
• Encourage collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex cancer-related problems.

Programs

The foundation offers several key programs to support its mission:

Damon Runyon Fellowship Award

This program provides funding to postdoctoral scientists conducting basic and translational cancer research. The fellowship supports innovative projects that have the potential to significantly advance the understanding of cancer.

Damon Runyon Clinical Investigator Award

This award supports early-career physician-scientists conducting patient-oriented cancer research. It aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical application, fostering the development of new therapies and diagnostic tools.

Damon Runyon-Rachleff Innovation Award

This award is designed to provide seed funding for high-risk, high-reward research projects. It encourages bold and unconventional approaches to cancer research that have the potential to transform the field.

Impact

Since its inception, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has funded over 3,750 scientists, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions to cancer research. The foundation's support has led to numerous breakthroughs in understanding cancer biology, developing new treatments, and improving patient outcomes.

Related pages

• Cancer research
• Oncology
• Damon Runyon
• Walter Winchell