The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation is now accepting applications for the prestigious Dale F. Frey Award for Breakthrough Scientists, a career-launching opportunity available exclusively to select Damon Runyon Fellows who have demonstrated extraordinary research achievement and leadership potential.
Who is eligible?
Applicants must be:
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Former or current Damon Runyon Fellows selected in:
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November 2021 or May 2022 (Award Codes: DRG-2454-22 to DRG-2482-22), or
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February 2023 for Quantitative Biology Fellows (Award Codes: DRQ-16-23 to DRQ-18-23)
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In the final year or recently completed their Damon Runyon Fellowship
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Ready to transition into independent cancer research leadership roles
Award purpose:
This award supports the most outstanding Fellows to:
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Establish an independent lab or research program
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Launch transformative research careers with an impactful vision for the next 5–10 years
Key deadlines:
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Application Deadline: July 15, 2025 (4:00 PM ET)
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Finalist Notification: October 2025
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Finalist Interviews: November 6, 2025
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Award Start Date: Immediately following the fellowship or January 1, 2026 for past Fellows
Application materials:
Submit via ProposalCentral:
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Cover sheet
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Two-page statement outlining:
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Fellowship progress and research accomplishments
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Vision for future cancer research and potential impact
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5–10 year career goals and projected timeline
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NIH-style biosketch (non-fellowship)
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Full bibliography with hyperlinks (preprints allowed)
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List of presentations at conferences/seminars during fellowship
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List of current and pending support
Reference letters (required):
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One letter from your current Damon Runyon Sponsor
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One letter from an external referee not affiliated with your institution (no collaborators, mentors, or co-authors)
Applications cannot be submitted without both letters uploaded to ProposalCentral.
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Details: www.damonrunyon.org