The V Foundation for Cancer Research Announces New Cohort of Translational Grant Recipients

CARY, NC (May 18, 2026) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, announced the first cohort of 2026 Translational Grant recipients focused on adult cancers, supporting scientists who are advancing promising laboratory discoveries toward clinical trials. In total, the V Foundation has awarded $23 million to 25 exceptional translational research teams so far this year.

The Translational Grant program is a cornerstone of the V Foundation’s funding portfolio, supporting high-impact research that bridges the critical gap between laboratory breakthroughs and clinical investigation. Each recipient receives $800,000 over four years to support “bench-to-bedside” research, with the goal of advancing novel strategies into early-phase clinical trials.

Further advancing our commitment to innovative research, this distinguished group of awards also includes All-Star Grants, an invitation-only reinvestment of $1 million each over five years to past V Foundation funded grantees. These grants support investigators whose proven work continues to drive transformative projects with the potential to significantly advance cancer research and treatments.

These funded projects span a diverse range of cancer types and approaches, including planned clinical trials that will ultimately improve patient outcomes. The projects come from 21 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Centers across 14 states.

“There is real momentum in cancer research right now, and this group of investigators represents where that momentum is most likely to change patient care,” said Susanna Greer, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of the V Foundation. “These are the moments we aim to fund, when strong science is ready to move out of the lab and into early clinical testing. It is a privilege to support researchers at this inflection point, where bold ideas can begin to translate into new options for patients. What stands out in this cohort of grantees is not just scientific excellence, but a clear line of sight to impact.”

Each grant is awarded through a competitive selection process overseen by the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee, a distinguished group comprised of the nation’s leading clinicians and scientists. Proposals undergo rigorous review to ensure funding supports the most impactful research, helping to accelerate Victory Over Cancer®.

The 2026 Translational Research Award Recipients are:

• Anupriya Agarwal, Ph.D., All-Star, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Leukemia (AML)
• Theodore Braun, M.D., Ph.D., Translational, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndrome
• Grant Challen, Ph.D., All-Star, Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Myelodysplastic Syndrome
• Kevin Cheung, M.D., Translational, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Breast
• Jashodeep Datta, M.D., Translational, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Pancreatic
• Yali Dou, Ph.D., Translational, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Leukemia (AML)
• Elsa R. Flores, Ph.D., All-Star, Moffitt Cancer Center, Multiple Cancer Types
• Frank Furnari, Ph.D., All-Star, Moores Comprehensive Cancer Center, Brain/CNS
• Kira Gritsman, M.D., Ph.D., Translational, Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Leukemia (AML), Immunotherapy
• Denis Guttridge, Ph.D., All-Star, Hollings Cancer Center, Pancreatic
• Michael Haffner, M.D., Ph.D., All-Star, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Prostate
• Christian S. Hinrichs, M.D., Translational, Rutgers Cancer Institute, Multiple Cancer Typers, Immunotherapy
• Benjamin Izar, M.D., Ph.D., All-Star, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Multiple Cancer Types, Immunotherapy
• Andrew Lane, M.D., Ph.D., All-Star, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Leukemia (AML)
• Yun Li, M.D., Ph.D., Translational, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Prostate, Immunotherapy
• Marcela Maus, M.D., Ph.D., All-Star, Massachusetts General Hospital, Multiple Myeloma, Immunotherapy
• Justin Milner, Ph.D., All-Star, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Pancreatic, Immunotherapy
• Douglas A. Mitchell, Ph.D., Translational, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Breast, Immunotherapy
• Trudy G. Oliver, Ph.D., All-Star, Duke Cancer Institute, Small Cell Lung Cancer
• Michaelle Ozbun, Ph.D., Translational, The University of New Mexico Cancer Research and Treatment Center, Multiple Cancer Types
• Andrea Schietinger, Ph.D., All-Star, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Applicable to All Cancer Types, Immunotherapy
• Natalie Silver, M.D., Translational, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Thyroid, Immunotherapy
• Jeffrey R. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., All-Star, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Prostate
• Amit Verma, M.D., All-Star, Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Leukemia (AML), Myelodysplastic Syndrome

“Receiving funding from the V Foundation is a meaningful recognition that our work matters, not just to the scientific community, but to the patients and families who are the motivation behind everything we do,” said Theodore Braun, M.D.,Ph.D., a Translational Grant recipient. “This support provides the freedom to pursue high-risk, high-reward questions that we believe have genuine potential to transform how treatment-resistant blood cancers are managed. It is an investment in the idea that rigorous, bench-to-beside research can make a measurable difference.”

For more information about the Translational Grant awards 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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