Damon Runyon aims to address the critical shortage of physician-scientists in the field of cancer research. By encouraging physicians to pursue research careers, the Foundation seeks to accelerate the translation of scientific discovery into more effective patient therapies, ultimately improving survival and quality of life among cancer patients.
The Damon Runyon Scholars Program for Advancing Research and Knowledge (SPARK) aims to boost representation and success in biomedical graduate programs among scholars interested in cancer research, particularly those from backgrounds underrepresented in the sciences. SPARK provides a one-year internship for young college students and recent graduates, offering an opportunity to work in cancer research labs under the mentorship of Damon Runyon scientists. This program is designed to equip SPARK Scholars with research skills, comprehensive mentorship, and support with graduate school applications, preparing them for careers in cancer research. It promotes inclusivity in the sciences and aims to nurture the next generation of leaders in the field.