Damon Runyon-Dale F. Frey Award for Breakthrough Scientists
Funds research teams and institutions for Damon Runyon Dale F. Frey Award for Breakthrough in biotechnology, medical technology, and synthetic biology.
The Damon Runyon-Dale F. Frey Award for Breakthrough Scientists is a supplemental $100,000 research award offered by the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation to a select group of exceptional Damon Runyon Fellows who have greatly exceeded expectations during their fellowship. The award recognizes outstanding productivity and scientific accomplishment within the fellowship period and targets individuals who show strong potential to become field leaders and to make a significant impact on cancer research. It is not a standalone, open-competition grant; eligibility is strictly limited to fellows from designated prior cohorts.
For the 2026 cycle, only fellows selected in November 2022, May 2023, or February 2024 are eligible to apply. Fellows who departed their fellowship early to accept an independent faculty or research position remain eligible, provided they are not employed by a for-profit organization at the time of application. The $100,000 award is disbursed over one year and must be fully expended within two years of the initial award date. Funds may be used for salary, equipment, supplies, or healthcare benefits but may not be applied to institutional overhead. A minimum 80% research effort commitment is required throughout the award period.
Applications opened in May 2026 on the Proposal Central platform and are due July 15, 2026. This is an open application process — eligible fellows apply directly without institutional nomination. The Fellowship Award Committee reviews submissions and recommends selections to the Foundation's Board of Directors. Competitive applications document exceptional research output during the fellowship, articulate a clear vision for the proposed work, and demonstrate the candidate's trajectory toward scientific leadership in cancer research.
Supplemental cancer research funding for exceptional Damon Runyon Fellows from designated cohorts who have significantly exceeded expectations during their fellowship.
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