Damon Runyon-Scholars Program for Advancing Research and Knowledge Grant

Damon Runyon-Scholars Program for Advancing Research and Knowledge Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation
Amount: Up to US $61,000
Last Updated: October 03, 2025

Summary

The Damon Runyon Scholars Program for Advancing Research and Knowledge (SPARK) aims to empower exceptional college seniors and recent graduates to excel in cancer research. This year-long program provides hands-on training in research labs, mentorship from Damon Runyon scientists, and support for graduate school applications. SPARK particularly encourages applicants from underrepresented backgrounds, fostering inclusivity in science and preparing future leaders in the fight against cancer. Through SPARK, young talents gain the skills and networks needed for successful careers in biomedical research.

Overview

Damon Runyon wants to ensure that the best young college students and recent college graduates are encouraged to pursue rigorous scientific education and to commit their talents to tackling longstanding challenges in cancer research. We recognize that these emerging scientists will come from a variety of backgrounds. To provide those with the talent, passion, curiosity, and determination to pursue a career in cancer research with an opportunity to do so, we are introducing the Damon Runyon Scholars Program for Advancing Research and Knowledge (SPARK). SPARK seeks to accelerate representation and success in biomedical graduate programs of scholars who are interested in research. We strongly encourage all applicants to apply, especially those who come from backgrounds that are typically underrepresented (UR) in the sciences. During their one-year SPARK internship, SPARK Scholars will develop and hone their research skills by working in a cancer research lab with a mentor who is a Damon Runyon scientist. They will begin their training to become highly skilled researchers, with the goal of transitioning to competitive biomedical graduate programs following the completion of their post-baccalaureate research. In addition to rigorous scientific training and comprehensive mentorship, SPARK Scholars will receive support with graduate school applications. The goal of the program is to encourage and train our brightest, most creative young minds so that they are prepared to pursue professional degrees that lead to careers in cancer research and enable them to join the effort to eradicate cancer. In summary, the year-long SPARK program identifies outstanding scholars who are committed to inclusivity initiatives and have the potential to become leaders in cancer research and provides them with scientific training and a network of mentors to support their next career steps. At Damon Runyon, we fund high-risk, high-reward cancer research. We identify and enable young scientists who are brilliant, brave, and bold enough to go where others haven’t. SPARK Scholars will each be matched with a current or former Damon Runyon scientist at one of seven partnering academic institutions across the United States. Scholars will be embedded into the host labs and have access to all the benefits afforded to post-baccalaureate researchers at that institution.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Application for a Damon Runyon SPARK Award is open to current college seniors and those who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree within the last 36 months who meet the following criteria:  Candidates from all backgrounds are welcome to apply. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who are from a racial, ethnic, or other group underrepresented in biomedical fields, including first-generation college students, those from economically and/or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds as defined by the Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity, and those with disabilities; U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA recipient who is eligible to legally work in the United States; and  Strongly committed to a future career in research, advancing inclusivity in the field, a curiosity for cancer research, and planning to pursue a PhD or MD/PhD degree following completion of post-baccalaureate research.

Ineligibility

No part of this award can be used for indirect costs or institutional overhead.Damon Runyon SPARK Scholars are not permitted to hold another position or pursue additional degrees during the award period.