Lung Cancer Research Foundation Expands Research Funding
The Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) has recently unveiled an exciting initiative to support lung cancer research, announcing new funding opportunities totaling $3.75 million. This announcement marks an expansion of their regular Request for Proposals (RFP) cycle, which initially commenced in January. The recent surge in funding aims to bolster research by providing the scientific community with additional resources to explore innovative approaches in the fight against lung cancer.
Overview of New Funding Opportunities
In June, LCRF opened submissions for two distinct Team Science awards and an Early Career Investigator award. These opportunities are designed to enhance collaboration amongst researchers and empower early-career scientists to make significant contributions to lung cancer research. Specifically, the funding includes:
- - 2025 LCRF Team Science Award on Advancing Therapies Toward Curing EGFR Mutated Lung Cancers: A generous $1.5 million award funded by private donors Benay and Steven Taub, aiming to advance novel therapies for patients suffering from EGFR-mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).
- - LCRF|Boehringer Ingelheim Team Science Award on Innovative Approaches Toward the Treatment of HER2-Driven Lung Cancer: A $1.5 million grant over three years will focus on understanding HER2 mutations that drive malignancy, thereby facilitating the development of new treatment strategies.
- - LCRF|Boehringer Ingelheim Early Career Investigator’s Award: This initiative will provide funding for three two-year grants, enabling early-career researchers to study HER2 mutant lung cancers, which are critical for fostering the next generation of scientists.
Collaboration and Support
Aubrey Rhodes, the Executive Director of LCRF, emphasized the organization’s commitment to addressing the funding gaps prevalent in lung cancer research, stating, _“Today, as the research landscape grows more uncertain, we remain committed to advancing the science by partnering with like-minded individuals and organizations.”_ The importance of private funding has never been greater, especially as many promising research projects still lack financial support despite significant strides made in treatment discoveries.
Furthermore, Bjoern Rueter, the U.S. Vice President of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs at Boehringer Ingelheim, expressed excitement about collaborating with LCRF to foster innovation in cancer research, asserting that collaboration strengthens the potential for groundbreaking treatments and advances in patient care.
The Impact of Generosity
Benay Taub, a lung cancer survivor and a significant benefactor, shared her motivation for funding specific research initiatives. _“Our goal in funding the Team Science Award focused on EGFR lung cancers is to support a team of committed researchers in pursuit of improved treatments and outcomes for lung cancer patients, and hopefully, one day, a cure.”_
The LCRF’s continuous effort to bring forth new funding mechanisms is not only beneficial for researchers but also for lung cancer patients and their families seeking hope and improved outcomes. Understanding met unmet needs in the research community mitigates the challenges faced by scientists trying to innovate.
Conclusion
As the LCRF embarks on this new phase of research funding in collaboration with renowned partners, they aim to usher in significant advances in lung cancer treatments through these strategic grants. By bridging the funding gaps and fostering innovative research, LCRF is dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by lung cancer.
For individuals looking to contribute to LCRF’s mission and support its grant program, further information can be found at
LCRF.org/research. The Lung Cancer Research Foundation has funded 429 research grants, amounting to nearly $48 million, and continues to strive for excellence in lung cancer research support.