Mark Foundation for Cancer Research Recognizes Emerging Leaders with $3.75 Million for Oncology Innovations
The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research has recently unveiled the recipients of its prestigious 2026 Emerging Leader Awards (ELA), a move highlighting its ongoing commitment to pioneering cancer research. This year, a remarkable total of $3.75 million will be invested in five emerging scientists, all of whom are making strides in the field of oncology. Each awardee will receive $750,000 over the next three years, directly targeting innovative and transformative cancer research projects.
Leading the charge in this initiative is Ryan Schoenfeld, PhD, the CEO of the Mark Foundation. He emphasizes the importance of supporting early-career researchers amid an increasingly unpredictable funding landscape. “In these challenging times, providing robust support for young scientists is essential,” Schoenfeld noted. “Philanthropic efforts must help fill the funding void left by federal budgets, thus enabling the next wave of breakthroughs in cancer treatment and understanding.”
This year's ELA recipients are tackling some of the most perplexing challenges in cancer research, ranging from innovative imaging techniques to novel therapeutic approaches. Among the laureates is Dr. Jeremy Borniger from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. His project investigates the potential of synthetic torpor, a state similar to hibernation, that could suppress tumor metabolism effectively while safeguarding healthy tissues from damage. This pioneering idea could lead to groundbreaking advancements in cancer therapy.
Another noteworthy recipient is Dr. Iok In Christine Chio from Columbia University, who is developing non-invasive imaging strategies aimed at the early detection of pancreatic cancer by monitoring iron distribution changes in the body. Meanwhile, Dr. Lucas Farnung from Harvard Medical School is employing advanced biochemical imaging tools to explore the connection between DNA replication errors and cancer, seeking out new drug targets.
Dr. Mariella Filbin and Dr. Christopher Johnston also feature prominently among this year’s awardees. Filbin’s research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute focuses on child brain tumors and how their DNA repair mechanisms are influenced by normal neuronal activity, potentially leading to improved treatment for aggressive cancers. Johnston, on his part, is engineering specialized bacterial therapies that can penetrate and treat solid tumors, marking a significant advancement in immunology and cancer therapy.
Since its launch in 2018, the Emerging Leader Awards program has amassed over $40 million in grants, catalyzing many successful clinical trials and fostering innovative biotech companies. This funding has been instrumental in providing early-career scientists with the resources necessary to launch significant research that enhances our understanding of cancer's intricate mechanisms.
Additionally, The Mark Foundation is collaborating with The Bakewell Foundation to further support Dr. Borniger. The Bakewell Foundation is committed to facilitating partnerships with elite researchers dedicated to making measurable impacts in cancer prevention and treatment. Their financial support epitomizes the joint mission of both foundations towards fostering groundbreaking research.
For those interested in reading more about the Emerging Leader Award program and learning about this year's awardees, additional information can be found on The Mark Foundation's website. As a forward-thinking charitable organization based in New York City, The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research has allocated over $300 million in grants since 2017, fueling a variety of research initiatives focused on better cancer prevention, diagnostics, and therapies. They are committed to collaborating with scientists globally to reshape the landscape of cancer care as we know it.
To stay updated, follow The Mark Foundation on social media platforms like X, Bluesky, and LinkedIn, and join them in their mission towards a future free from cancer.
Leading the charge in this initiative is Ryan Schoenfeld, PhD, the CEO of the Mark Foundation. He emphasizes the importance of supporting early-career researchers amid an increasingly unpredictable funding landscape. “In these challenging times, providing robust support for young scientists is essential,” Schoenfeld noted. “Philanthropic efforts must help fill the funding void left by federal budgets, thus enabling the next wave of breakthroughs in cancer treatment and understanding.”
This year's ELA recipients are tackling some of the most perplexing challenges in cancer research, ranging from innovative imaging techniques to novel therapeutic approaches. Among the laureates is Dr. Jeremy Borniger from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. His project investigates the potential of synthetic torpor, a state similar to hibernation, that could suppress tumor metabolism effectively while safeguarding healthy tissues from damage. This pioneering idea could lead to groundbreaking advancements in cancer therapy.
Another noteworthy recipient is Dr. Iok In Christine Chio from Columbia University, who is developing non-invasive imaging strategies aimed at the early detection of pancreatic cancer by monitoring iron distribution changes in the body. Meanwhile, Dr. Lucas Farnung from Harvard Medical School is employing advanced biochemical imaging tools to explore the connection between DNA replication errors and cancer, seeking out new drug targets.
Dr. Mariella Filbin and Dr. Christopher Johnston also feature prominently among this year’s awardees. Filbin’s research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute focuses on child brain tumors and how their DNA repair mechanisms are influenced by normal neuronal activity, potentially leading to improved treatment for aggressive cancers. Johnston, on his part, is engineering specialized bacterial therapies that can penetrate and treat solid tumors, marking a significant advancement in immunology and cancer therapy.
Since its launch in 2018, the Emerging Leader Awards program has amassed over $40 million in grants, catalyzing many successful clinical trials and fostering innovative biotech companies. This funding has been instrumental in providing early-career scientists with the resources necessary to launch significant research that enhances our understanding of cancer's intricate mechanisms.
Additionally, The Mark Foundation is collaborating with The Bakewell Foundation to further support Dr. Borniger. The Bakewell Foundation is committed to facilitating partnerships with elite researchers dedicated to making measurable impacts in cancer prevention and treatment. Their financial support epitomizes the joint mission of both foundations towards fostering groundbreaking research.
For those interested in reading more about the Emerging Leader Award program and learning about this year's awardees, additional information can be found on The Mark Foundation's website. As a forward-thinking charitable organization based in New York City, The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research has allocated over $300 million in grants since 2017, fueling a variety of research initiatives focused on better cancer prevention, diagnostics, and therapies. They are committed to collaborating with scientists globally to reshape the landscape of cancer care as we know it.
To stay updated, follow The Mark Foundation on social media platforms like X, Bluesky, and LinkedIn, and join them in their mission towards a future free from cancer.
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