The Women Scientists Innovation Award for Cancer Research

Fifteen women scientists receive grants to advance innovative cancer research

CARY, North Carolina, June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The V Foundation for Cancer Research announces the second class of A grant of its own: the Women Scientists Innovation Prize for Cancer Research recipients. Fifteen female scientists have been selected for their groundbreaking cancer research, thanks to investment from the V Foundation. $18.6 million since the start of the program in 2023.

This initiative addresses long-standing gender disparities in cancer research, including salary gaps and declining research funding. A grant of its own was created to promote equity within the scientific community and advance women-led laboratories and research projects.

The V Foundation awards grants through a review process overseen by its Scientific Advisory Board, a distinguished group of leaders in cancer research. Among the 15 researchers selected for A grant of its own, six will receive a translational grant, funding research that leads to the planning or initiation of a clinical trial. Nine will receive the V Scholar Grant, which supports early career researchers.

Translation beneficiaries, each receiving $800,000 over four years:

• Gina OgilvieMD, M.Sc., FCFP, Dr PH., British Columbia Cancer Research Center
• Livia S. Eberlindoctorate, Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Josephine A. TavernaMD, Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio
• Humsa Venkatesh, Ph.D., Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Andrea CercekMD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Maria T. AbreuMD, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

V Stock market fellows, each receiving $600,000 over three years:

• Melissa Reevesdoctorate, Huntsman Cancer Institute
• Carla Nowosaddoctorate, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health
• Esther Rheinbay, Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital
• Jessica Starkdoctorate, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT
• Noam Auslanderdoctorate, Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center at the Wistar Institute
• Christine EylerM.D., Ph.D., Duke Cancer Institute
• Corina Antaldoctorate, Moores Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Caroline Bartmandoctorate, Abramson Cancer Center
• Xueqiu (Chu) Lindoctorate, Fred Hutch Cancer Center

“I am delighted that my grant has been selected for funding. I have admired the V Foundation for many years and it is such an honor to now be among the beneficiaries. I am very grateful and can’t wait to begin the research that we proposed in rectal cancer,” said Livia S. EberlinPh.D., winner of a translation grant.

For more information about A grant of its ownvisit www.v.org.

About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvanolegendary North Carolina State University basketball coach. The V Foundation has financed more than $353 million in groundbreaking grants for cancer research through a competitive process overseen by a world-class scientific advisory board. As the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations are allocated to cancer research and programs. Team V is committed to accelerating Victory over Cancer®.

SOURCE V Foundation