Damon Runyon Scholars Program for Advancing Research and Knowledge (SPARK)

The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation offers the Scholars Program for Advancing Research and Knowledge (SPARK) to support and mentor young scientists, especially those from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the sciences. This year-long post-baccalaureate program is intended for college seniors and recent graduates who have demonstrated a deep interest in pursuing a career in biomedical research. SPARK aims to provide research training through direct placement in a Damon Runyon scientist’s lab at a partnering academic institution. Scholars are embedded into research environments and treated as full members of their host institutions' scientific communities. They also participate in supplemental training such as the Damon Runyon Fellows’ Retreat and virtual quarterly sessions focusing on professional development and scientific communication. The program awards a stipend of up to $50,000 to the host institution to support each scholar, a living allowance of $8,500 paid directly to the scholar, and $2,500 for travel to scientific events. An additional $1,500 is provided to the institutional program director for community-building activities. No indirect or overhead costs are allowed. Scholars must be full-time researchers during the award period and may not hold concurrent positions or enroll in degree programs. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients who are legally able to work in the United States. Candidates must have graduated within the past 36 months or be graduating seniors and plan to pursue advanced degrees such as PhD, MD, DO, or MD/PhD. The program particularly encourages applications from individuals who have had limited access to research opportunities or who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Applications are submitted through Proposal Central, with a final deadline of February 3, 2025, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. An informational session will be held on January 7, 2025, to provide guidance and answer questions. Selection is based on passion for research, academic excellence, and strong recommendations, with an explicit commitment to minimizing unconscious bias in review. Questions about the program can be directed to awards@damonrunyon.org.

The program also provides an additional allowance of $1,500 to the institutional program director for community-building events.