The Damon Runyon Physician-Scientist Training Award supports physicians developing careers in cancer research through intensive mentored training. It provides four years of salary and research support, protected research time and assistance with qualifying medical school debt.
Eligibility Criteria
- Hold an MD or DO; MD/PhD holders and applicants pursuing a PhD are ineligible.
- Complete residency and clinical training, with U.S. Specialty Board eligibility before funding begins.
- Have no more than three years of postdoctoral laboratory research experience, including research during clinical fellowship.
- Apply before an initial independent Assistant Professor appointment; fellows and clinical instructors may apply.
- Commit at least 80% effort to research, guaranteed by the institution.
- Apply with a mentor; only one application per mentor or co-mentor is accepted per cycle.
- NIH K-award holders are generally ineligible; institutional K12 holders may apply subject to returning that funding if selected.
Funding Details
- $460,000 over four years: $100,000, $110,000, $120,000 and $130,000 annually.
- Up to $100,000 in qualifying medical school debt repayment, subject to program conditions.
- No indirect costs or institutional overhead.
Deadline
- December 1, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Funding begins July 1, 2027.
Further Information
- Official program and eligibility
- Application requirements
- Submit through ProposalCentral.
- Contact: awards@damonrunyon.org