Next-Generation Cancer Research

To this end, Cleveland Clinic’s premier fundraising initiative for cancer research is moving swiftly toward the future by expanding its grants program to include junior researchers. Among them: Sabrina Wang, an MD/PhD candidate at Case Western Reserve University who works in the lab of Cleveland Clinic researcher Justin Lathia, PhD. 

Wang hopes to develop new ways of treating glioblastoma, a brain tumor with poor survival rates. “I’m so excited to be one of the recipients of the first VeloSano student grants,” she says. “As a Canadian citizen, I’ve found it quite difficult to apply for fellowships, so this is a truly incredible opportunity. With this funding, I hope I’m able to help find new ways to help understand this complex disease and ultimately find new treatments.”

Previously, VeloSano grants were exclusively available to staff researchers, but this year marks a significant shift to incorporate new opportunities for the next generation of researchers. The idea stemmed from a recognition of the immense potential among graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and summer students who often lack avenues to participate directly in research endeavors. Driven by a desire to empower trainees with a platform to pursue innovative ideas, Cleveland Clinic leadership rallied behind the proposal. 

“This is a great education opportunity,” says Dr. Lathia, Scientific Director of the Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center. He holds the Melvin H. Burkhardt Endowed Chair for Neuro-Oncology. 

“We’re delighted that leadership was so forward-thinking to support this initiative,” Dr. Lathia says, “because we’re involving the next generation of physicians and scientists and the biomedical research community as a whole.” 

The expanded grants program features three categories, including fellowship postdoctoral awards of $50,000, graduate student opportunities worth $25,000 and summer student grants of $5,000. All told, 15 grants were awarded. 

According to VeloSano and Grant Program Manager Brooke Lee, competition for the grants was stiff, and the selection process was rigorous, with scores often separated by decimal points. “It was great to see the excitement generated among students as well as staff,” she says. 

In addition to financial support, the grants program offers invaluable training in grant writing and navigating the funding landscape — a critical skill set for aspiring biomedical researchers. Participants also receive mentorship and guidance, setting the stage for future success. 

“Cure is always on our minds, but I think there’s a real opportunity to dramatically extend quality of life as well as survival with a wide variety of these cancers,” says Dr. Lathia. “We want people living longer, healthier, more meaningful lives. With the research funded by VeloSano, I believe we’re starting to see it play out.”