The first-ever Stephenson Global Prize will award $1 million to an individual or team and The Stephenson Global Scholar Grants will be given in amounts based on the scale and potential impact of the proposed project.
The fight against pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest and most difficult-to-treat cancers worldwide, took a significant leap forward with the launch of the Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute (SGPCRI) in 2024. Fueled by a remarkable $150 million donation from entrepreneurs and philanthropists A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and Tessa Stephenson Brand, the Institute is pioneering transformative initiatives that aim to expedite the search for a cure.
These initiatives include the first-ever Stephenson Global Prize and the Stephenson Global Scholar Grants designed to recognize and support the most visionary minds in pancreatic cancer research. These new programs, both open for nominations and applications until March 14, 2025, are part of SGPCRI’s ambitious effort to tackle the challenges posed by pancreatic cancer, a disease with an alarmingly low survival rate.
The Visionaries Behind the Institute: A Commitment to Innovation
The SGPCRI was founded by A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and Tessa Stephenson Brand, two dynamic entrepreneurs whose shared vision is to accelerate pancreatic cancer research and bring together the world’s brightest scientific minds. Their philanthropic gift last year set the stage for an unprecedented global collaboration to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.
Tessa Stephenson Brand emphasized the importance of inclusivity in research, stating, “Our vision has always been to gather intel and ideas from the smartest people in the world, regardless of medical research institution affiliation, location, or background. We want this to be a call for action and motivation to think outside the box. And for those who have already moved the needle, we want them celebrated.”
Her partner, A. Emmet Stephenson Jr., further elaborated, saying, “Our goal is to ignite interest and trigger research around the world. Despite years of effort, only incremental progress has been made so far. We want to bring brilliant researchers and provide vital resources to the cause to generate the best chance of finding a cure for this terrible disease. That is why the prize, the grants, and our annual symposium are open to every scientist anywhere, who is focused on pancreatic cancer. We want results sooner rather than later.”
A $1 Million Global Prize for Pancreatic Cancer Research
One of the major components of this groundbreaking initiative is the Stephenson Global Prize, a $1 million award to individuals or teams who have made significant strides in pancreatic cancer research. This prize is the largest privately funded initiative in pancreatic cancer research and is designed to honor exceptional contributions to early detection, prevention, treatment, and scientific discovery.
This prestigious award will recognize past achievements and foster collaboration among the brightest minds in the research community, inspiring further breakthroughs that could ultimately improve patient outcomes. The winner of the Stephenson Global Prize will be announced at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research Special Conference in Boston on September 30, 2025.
The Stephenson Global Prize is intended to catalyze a meaningful, lasting change in the battle against pancreatic cancer. The prize aims to accelerate progress toward a future without pancreatic cancer by focusing on innovative solutions and breakthrough research.
Stephenson Global Scholar Grants: Supporting Innovative Researchers
In addition to the Stephenson Global Prize, the SGPCRI is launching the Stephenson Global Scholar Grants, which will provide crucial funding to investigators with the most innovative ideas for pancreatic cancer research. These grants are open to researchers at all career levels and are designed to support ideas that push the boundaries of existing knowledge and challenge conventional approaches.
The Stephenson Global Scholar Grants will cut through bureaucratic red tape, enabling groundbreaking research that might otherwise struggle to secure funding. By focusing on the highest potential ideas, these grants will empower scientists to pursue creative solutions that could significantly improve survival rates and treatment outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.
Jennifer Chun Kim, the newly appointed executive director of SGPCRI, emphasized the importance of this approach. “At a time when funding for pancreatic cancer research is increasingly scarce, the Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute is stepping up to bridge the gap by fueling innovation, accelerating breakthroughs, and equipping scientists with critical resources they need. SGPCRI is more than just research; it is a calling to serve — bringing hope, healing, and transformative progress in the fight against pancreatic cancer.”
A Global Effort to Combat Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer has a survival rate that is significantly lower than that of many other cancers. According to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures 2025 report, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer in the United States is only 13%, with even lower survival rates worldwide. These sobering statistics highlight the urgent need for innovative research and new treatments.
The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute is responding to this urgent need by partnering with the City of Hope®, one of the nation’s top cancer research and treatment centers. This collaboration will leverage the City of Hope’s world-class research capabilities and infrastructure to accelerate progress in pancreatic cancer research.
Daniel D. Von Hoff, M.D., chair of the Stephenson Scientific Advisory Board and distinguished professor at the Translational Genomics Research Institute, expressed optimism about the potential impact of this initiative. “Our patients and their families obviously need a greater effort against pancreatic cancer,” he said. “The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute will provide the much-needed ‘shot in the arm’ against the disease. This Stephenson initiative will deliver it!”
A Future of Hope
The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute’s groundbreaking initiatives, including the Stephenson Global Prize and the Stephenson Global Scholar Grants, mark a new era in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
By recognizing and supporting the world’s leading scientists, the SGPCRI is working to accelerate the search for a cure, bringing hope to millions affected by this devastating disease. With the combined resources of philanthropists, researchers, and institutions like City of Hope, the Institute is determined to reshape the future of pancreatic cancer research for generations to come.
For more information or to apply for the Stephenson Global Prize which has a nomination deadline of March 14, 2025 or the Stephenson Global Scholar Grants with a Grant Application Submission deadline of March 14, 2025.
