Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute Opens 2026 Applications for Stephenson Global Scholar Grants

• Stephenson Global Scholar Grants accelerate breakthrough research aimed at ending pancreatic cancer — Applications open now through February 25.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute (SGPCRI) today announced the opening of applications for its 2026 Stephenson Global Scholar Grants, a global funding opportunity in partnership with City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States. This initiative is designed to support pioneering, high-impact science and accelerate discoveries aimed at ending pancreatic cancer. Applications are now open through February 25, 2026.

The Stephenson Global Scholar Grants support investigators at all career stages, from early-career scientists to tenured leaders, with the most groundbreaking ideas, cutting through bureaucracy and red tape to foster a culture of true discovery. This opportunity is intentionally designed to empower young investigators who are often the most innovative and willing to take the biggest scientific risks, while also engaging established researchers whose experience and infrastructure can rapidly translate groundbreaking ideas into patient impact.

SGPCRI’s mission is to end pancreatic cancer by funding the most innovative research and accelerating discoveries across prevention, early detection, and breakthrough treatments. The Stephenson Global Scholar Grants are a cornerstone of that mission—designed to empower fearless investigators, cut through traditional funding barriers, and move new ideas from concept to clinic faster than ever before. At a time of unprecedented scientific momentum, SGPCRI is building a new model for discovery—one that prioritizes speed, creativity, and real-world patient impact.

In its inaugural year, SGPCRI awarded its first cohort of Stephenson Global Scholars, funding six high-impact projects spanning artificial intelligence, CAR T-cell therapy, cancer metabolism, and early detection technologies. All 2025 Stephenson Scholars represent a new generation of high-impact science aimed at transforming patient outcomes:

• Dr. Renier Brentjens & Dr. Leonid Cherkassky (Roswell Park)
  Engineering Circuit-controlled T-Cell Differentiation and Restructuring the Pancreatic Cancer Stroma to Optimize PDAC-targeted CAR T-Cell Therapy for Clinical Translation
  
  
• Dr. Robert Grant (Princess Margaret / UHN)
  Applying Artificial Intelligence to Electronic Health Records to Guide Pancreatic Cancer Screening
  
  
• Dr. Costas Lyssiotis (University of Michigan)
  Lysosomal Lipid Homeostasis is a Clinically Exploitable Vulnerability in KRAS-inhibited Pancreatic Cancer
  
  
• Dr. Sarah Shuck (City of Hope)
  From Blood Sugar to Tumor Growth: How Diabetes Fuels Pancreatic Cancer Onset
  
  
• Dr. Matthew Vander Heiden (MIT)
  Assessment of Pancreas Organ Health for Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection
  
  
• Dr. Forest White & Dr. Tyler Jacks (MIT)
  Identification of Treatment-associated Tumor Antigens for Targeted Immunotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer

“We believe the most transformative breakthroughs often come from young investigators who are willing to take big scientific risks. By pairing their creativity with the experience of established leaders, we are building a pipeline of innovation that can truly change the future of pancreatic cancer.” said A. Emmet Stephenson Jr., Co-Founder of SGPCRI.

“Our vision is to gather the smartest minds in the world and empower them to think outside the box,” said Tessa Stephenson Brand, Co-Founder of SGPCRI. “The inaugural Scholars exceeded our highest hopes. This next call is about amplifying momentum, deepening global collaboration, and catalyzing innovative ideas that can redefine what’s possible for patients and families.”

“What distinguishes SGPCRI is its willingness to take risks on unconventional ideas,” said Dr. Daniel Von Hoff, Chair of the Stephenson Scientific Advisory Board and distinguished professor at the Translational Genomics Research Institute, which is part of City of Hope. “The inaugural Scholars are pursuing science that is not only innovative, but also deeply translational. The Stephenson Scholars are building the kind of discovery engine we need to finally bend the curve upward on pancreatic cancer survival.”

“The launch of our 2026 Scholar Grants is fueling momentum for our global community,” said Jennifer Chun Kim, Executive Director of SGPCRI. “We are witnessing a new wave of breakthroughs in the field of pancreatic cancer. By supporting fearless investigators across disciplines and career stages, we are igniting a new era of collaboration, faster cycles of discovery, and innovation-driven science that can translate into cures.”

The Stephenson Global Scholar Grant application process is intentionally streamlined and radically simple, centered on two main questions:

1. What is your most innovative and impactful idea for changing the trajectory of pancreatic cancer?
2. How much do you need to succeed?

This approach is designed to remove unnecessary administrative burden and allow investigators to focus on ambitious thinking, scientific creativity, and real-world impact.

“The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute is providing a visionary approach for pancreatic cancer research. Together, we are pushing the boundaries and advancing science with the urgency and innovation that this disease demands,” said Dr. Costas Lyssiotis, 2025 Stephenson Scholar Grant Recipient (University of Michigan).

“Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most aggressive and challenging cancers to treat, demanding new strategies and sustained scientific focus. I am honored to receive the generous support from the Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute, whose visionary investment enables researchers to pursue high-impact ideas with the potential to improve early detection, therapeutic options, and survival outcomes for patients worldwide,” said Dr. Sarah Shuck, 2025 Stephenson Scholar Grant Recipient (City of Hope).

“We are excited to be a part of the SGPCRI, where we believe our combined insight into pancreatic cancer and therapeutic discoveries will lead to remarkable clinical success for our patients,” said Dr. Renier Brentjens and Dr. Leonid Cherkassky, 2025 Stephenson Scholar Grant Recipient (Roswell Park).

“Pancreatic cancer is a terrible disease where earlier detection could make a big difference in patient outcomes. We are excited by the possibility that changes in normal pancreas function could be used to find these cancers earlier. The opportunity to test this idea is incredible, and we are so thankful that the Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute will support this work,” said Dr. Matthew Vander Heiden, 2025 Stephenson Scholar Grant Recipient (MIT).

Applications for the 2026 Stephenson Global Scholar Grants are now open through February 25, 2026. Learn more and apply at: SGPCRI.global.

About the Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute

The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute (SGPCRI) is dedicated to transforming the future of pancreatic cancer research through groundbreaking innovation, global collaboration and strategic funding initiatives. Established through a transformative $150 million gift from philanthropists A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and Tessa Stephenson Brand, SGPCRI is committed to advancing early detection, pioneering treatments and high-impact research to improve patient outcomes. Working with leading scientists, clinicians and institutions worldwide, SGPCRI fosters collaboration to accelerate breakthroughs in the fight against one of the world’s most challenging cancers. For more information, visit us on our website or follow us on LinkedIn and X.