Damon Runyon-Rachleff Innovation Award

The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding high-risk, high-reward cancer research. Its Clinical Investigator Award program seeks to bridge the gap between laboratory research and patient care by supporting early-career physician-scientists who are committed to clinical cancer research. This award is designed to encourage and support young physician-scientists as they transition into independent research careers and secure tenure-track positions in academic institutions. The award provides substantial support to ensure that awardees have sufficient time protected from clinical duties to focus on research. It guarantees 80% protected time, with rare exceptions permitted under stringent conditions. To be eligible, applicants must have a tenure-track or equivalent faculty appointment at the time of the award, though the appointment must not be contingent on securing the grant. The institutional commitment is demonstrated through a Letter of Commitment that addresses academic appointments, support structures, dedicated lab space, and startup packages. Applicants must submit a comprehensive application through Proposal Central, which includes multiple components: an application cover sheet, a research experience sheet, a personal statement, a full bibliography, a research proposal, and multiple letters including institutional and mentor letters of support. The application must be supported by two letters of recommendation, a detailed NIH biosketch, and a list of accomplishments and other funding sources. Mentor documentation must include a training plan and biosketches, with details on current and pending support. The application deadline for the 2026 cycle is January 20, 2026. Finalists will be notified in March 2026, with interviews scheduled for April 17, 2026. Funding commences on July 1, 2026. All application materials must be uploaded electronically through Proposal Central by the deadline. Hard copies or emailed submissions are not accepted. Only one application per mentor per review cycle is allowed, and collaboration letters may be included where relevant. The award process includes a rigorous selection protocol led by a committee of esteemed clinical researchers from premier institutions, including University of Texas Southwestern, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Weill Cornell Medicine. The final decision is influenced significantly by the quality of the application, the applicant’s track record, and the depth of recommendations. For questions or additional information, applicants can contact the awards office at awards@damonrunyon.org or call 1.877.7CANCER.

Emphasize depth and quality of personal and mentor statements; ensure recommendation letters are robust and well-informed; check for alignment between proposed research and institutional support