Damon Runyon Clinical Investigator Award
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation is accepting applications for the 2026 Clinical Investigator Award, a highly competitive program designed to support early-career physician-scientists conducting patient-oriented research with high potential to improve cancer care.
Who is eligible?
Applicants must:
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Hold an MD, DO, or equivalent and be actively engaged in clinical cancer research
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Have a tenure-track or equivalent faculty appointment at a U.S. institution
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Be guaranteed 80% protected time for research (waivers considered in exceptional cases)
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Be nominated by their institutional leadership with strong letters of institutional support
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Have a mentor who submits a training plan, letter of support, and biosketch
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Submit through ProposalCentral
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Only one application accepted per mentor per cycle
Funding at a glance:
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$600,000 total funding over three years ($200,000/year)
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No indirect costs or overhead allowed
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Designed to enable independent clinical research programs
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Finalists undergo interviews in April 2026
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Funding begins July 1, 2026
Key deadlines:
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Application Deadline: January 20, 2026 (4:00 PM ET)
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Finalist Notification: March 2026
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Interviews: April 17, 2026
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Award Start: July 1, 2026
Required materials:
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Institutional letter of commitment and applicant’s appointment letter
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Applicant’s NIH biosketch, personal statement, and career vision
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5-page research proposal and 1-page summary
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Mentor’s letter of support, biosketch, and funding list
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Two reference letters from qualified individuals (not mentors)
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Optional: collaboration letters (up to 3)
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
More info: www.damonrunyon.org
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