The Sontag Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2025 Distinguished Scientist Award, granting a total of $2.25 million to support brain cancer research. The award is given annually to researchers at critical points in their careers, aiming to encourage new approaches in understanding and treating brain cancer.
“Brain cancer is a deeply personal challenge for so many families, including mine,” said Rick Sontag, President of The Sontag Foundation. “That reality is what drives our commitment to advancing scientific discovery and accelerating efforts to diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent this disease.”
One of the 2025 award recipients, John Liu, MD, PhD, highlighted the importance of the foundation’s support: “I’ve had the great fortune of working with and being mentored by multiple Sontag DSA scientists throughout my career, and I’ve witnessed the positive impact of the support and community. Having first received the ASCO-Sontag Young Investigator Award and now the Distinguished Scientist Award, I am incredibly excited to continue this scientific journey and go even bolder with the generous support of the Sontag Foundation. Being part of the DSA community represents a truly unique catalyst for collaboration toward our shared mission of ending brain cancer.”
Award recipients will also participate in scientific meetings organized by The Sontag Foundation that foster collaboration across disciplines. In February 2026, the foundation will host its 23rd annual scientific summit on Amelia Island in Florida. Mac Stone, a photographer known for his work with National Geographic Magazine and as an advocate for conservation through photography, will deliver the keynote address.
The Sontag Foundation was established in 2002 by Frederick and Susan Sontag after Susan’s experience with brain cancer. It has become one of North America’s largest private supporters of brain cancer research by funding scientists focused on innovative projects. The foundation also created the Brain Tumor Network to provide free services helping patients connect with specialists and clinical trials.
A full list of this year’s Distinguished Scientist Award recipients can be found on The Sontag Foundation’s website.
