CARY, NC (July 20, 2026) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, announced $11.2 million in funding awarded to 14 outstanding scientists through its 2026 Breaking Barriers in Cancer Research Award program. By investing in promising early-career and translational researchers, the initiative helps accelerate the journey from laboratory discovery to early-phase clinical trials – advancing innovative treatments, expanding options for patients, and driving progress toward Victory Over Cancer.
This year’s Breaking Barriers Award cohort includes seven V Scholar grantees, tenure-track faculty who are early in their cancer research careers. Each grantee receives $800,000 over four years to support projects focused on fundamental or translational research. By investing in these researchers at a pivotal stage in their careers, the V Foundation serves as a catalyst for the future of cancer research and ensures innovative scientists remain in the field.
The program also awarded seven Translational Grants to support high impact “bench-to-bedside” projects that fast-track patient focused research. Translational grantees receive $800,000 over four years to move a novel strategy from the laboratory into a human clinical trial, or to utilize specimens to develop biomarkers or establish mechanisms. Translational research is a critical part of the V Foundation’s grant program, advancing discoveries that fundamentally change patient outcomes.
Each grant is awarded through a highly selective process overseen by the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee, a distinguished group of the nation’s leading clinicians and scientists.
These projects span a diverse range of cancer types, as well as immunotherapy approaches. The recipients represent institutions from 14 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Centers across 10 states.
“Cancer breakthroughs begin with bold scientific ideas and reach patients through rigorous translational research,” said Susanna Greer, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of the V Foundation. “The 2026 Breaking Barriers recipients embody both. Whether uncovering fundamental insights into how cancer develops or advancing promising discoveries toward the clinic, these exceptional scientists are expanding what is possible. By investing in them at this pivotal stage, we are helping drive the next generation of breakthroughs for patients everywhere.”
The 2026 Breaking Barriers Grant Award Recipients are:
Nam Woo Cho, M.D., Ph.D., V Scholar, UCSF/Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Immunotherapy, Adult Cancers
Andrea Comba, Ph.D., V Scholar, O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, Brain Cancer
Nelson LaMarche, Ph.D., V Scholar, Yale Cancer Center, Lung Cancer
Carman Li, Ph.D., V Scholar, Abramson Cancer Center, Breast Cancer
Tyler Beyett, Ph.D., V Scholar, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Lung Cancer
Shariska Harrington, M.D., V Scholar, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center (Rochester), Endometrial Cancer
Natividad Roberto Fuentes Jr., Ph.D., V Scholar, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Immunotherapy, Adult Cancers
Livnat Jerby, Ph.D., Translational, Stanford Cancer Institute, Immunotherapy, Adult Cancers
Juan Osorio, M.D., Translational, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Immunotherapy, Adult Cancers
Maralice Conacci-Sorrell, Ph.D., Translational, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Gastrointestinal Cancer, Liver and Bile Duct
Wenwei Hu, M.D., Ph.D., Translational, Rutgers Cancer Institute, Immunotherapy, Adult Cancers
Krystle Kuhs, Ph.D., M.P.H., Translational, Markey Cancer Center, Head and Neck Cancer
Zachary T. Schug, Ph.D., Translational, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center – Jefferson Health, Breast Cancer
Jessie Villanueva, Ph.D., Translational, Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center of The Wistar Institute, Skin Cancer
“Receiving funding from the V Foundation is a tremendous honor and a critical investment in my journey as a translational cancer researcher,” said Shariska Harrington, M.D., a V Scholar recipient. “This support enables us to investigate biological changes that help aggressive endometrial cancers grow, spread, and resist treatment. By studying the MECOM gene and the pathways it controls, we hope to identify new treatment strategies for high-risk patients who currently have limited options. Ultimately, we aim to bring more effective, personalized therapies to patients and improve outcomes for the individuals and their families affected by these cancers.”
For more information about the Breaking Barriers in Cancer Research Award and other V Foundation programs, visit v.org.
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About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach, ESPN commentator and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The V Foundation has funded over $458 million in game-changing cancer research grants in North America through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to funding the best scientists to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. To learn more, visit v.org.
Media Contact:
Alexandra Paterson
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