Susan G. Komen announced it has awarded $15.4 million in research grants to support breast cancer researchers working on innovative approaches to improve patient outcomes and advance cures for all breast cancers.
The funding will support 35 researchers across 24 leading medical and research institutions in the United States. These projects span several promising areas of breast cancer research, including artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, vaccine-based approaches for aggressive forms of breast cancer, research focused on younger populations, the role of weight loss in breast cancer risk and prevention, and efforts to reduce disparities in outcomes.
A major focus of the 2026 grant investment is metastatic breast cancer, the most advanced stage of breast cancer. Komen said 72% of the funding is dedicated to metastatic breast cancer research, while 88% is focused on precision medicine designed to tailor treatments to each patient’s unique biology.
The grants also support both established researchers who have made significant contributions to the field and early-career investigators whose work represents the next generation of breast cancer research and innovation. Komen said this support is especially important as federal funding for scientific research becomes increasingly limited and difficult to secure.
Komen is the largest nonprofit funder of breast cancer research outside of the U.S. government, having invested more than $1.1 billion in research since its founding.
KEY QUOTES:
“At a time when federal funding for scientific research is increasingly limited and complicated, Komen’s investment is helping sustain critical momentum in the search for breakthroughs. Demand exceeds currently available government funding, creating growing challenges for scientists — particularly early-career investigators — whose groundbreaking ideas often face the greatest barriers to securing support.”
Victoria Wolodzko Smart, Senior Vice President of Mission at Susan G. Komen
“The researchers receiving grants from Susan G. Komen are making lasting contributions to our understanding of breast cancer and bringing the innovation and technology that’s needed to this disease so that all patients can receive the best care possible and enjoy a high quality of life after a breast cancer diagnosis.”
Dr. Ann Partridge, Chief Scientific Advisor for Susan G. Komen
“The treatments we rely on today were once only a dream. By continuing to invest in bold, promising ideas, and in the passionate researchers who pursue them, we have the potential to drive the next generation of lifesaving breakthroughs in breast cancer.”
Jennifer A. Pietenpol, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Advisor for Susan G. Komen
