Susan G. Komen has announced $10.8 million in new research grants supporting 25 cutting-edge projects at 17 institutions, with 54% of funding targeting metastatic breast cancer research. The Dallas-based organization continues its position as the largest nonprofit funder of breast cancer research outside the U.S. government.
The 2025 research investment prioritizes metastatic breast cancer, which remains responsible for nearly 43,000 deaths annually in the United States. Half of the funding focuses on precision medicine to develop personalized treatment strategies, while 21% addresses health disparities in breast cancer care and outcomes.
“We are proud to support these exceptional researchers who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in breast cancer science,” said Paula Schneider, President and CEO of Susan G. Komen. “Research saves lives, and now more than ever, we must invest in science that brings hope to patients — especially those facing the most aggressive forms of breast cancer.”
The grants support 25 researchers, including 10 early-career investigators representing the next generation of scientific leaders. Recipients include researchers at prestigious institutions such as Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Komen has invested nearly $1.1 billion in breast cancer research since its inception, funded entirely through individual donors, corporate partners, and community supporters. The organization’s research strategy emphasizes both innovation and inclusion to accelerate progress where patients need it most.
“Komen’s commitment to breast cancer research comes at a pivotal time and will drive meaningful advances in our understanding of the disease and care of patients,” said Dr. Ann Partridge, Chief Scientific Advisor for Komen.
Beyond funding, Komen has launched the REACH (Research Education and Advocate Community Hub) initiative to involve patients, survivors, and co-survivors as research advocates. The organization’s ShareforCures breast cancer registry provides a secure platform for patients and survivors to share health data to accelerate research.
The funding comes as research institutions face growing challenges in securing support for long-term studies. Komen’s commitment to early-career researchers helps cultivate the next generation of breast cancer scientists while maintaining focus on the most urgent patient needs.
Grant categories include Career Catalyst Research Grants for emerging researchers, Career Transition Awards for scientists advancing their careers, Leadership Grants for established investigators, and Opportunity Grants for specific research initiatives.
The investment underscores the critical need for continued research funding as breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death among women globally, despite significant advances in treatment and survival rates over recent decades.
