Meet the Game Changers
Today, we support more than 280 scientists making a real difference and accelerating progress. Get to know them and learn about their projects.
LIMITED TIME:
4X MATCH for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
From Research to Results
Our Impact
We invest in research that’s changing how we think about cancer. That means more answers, faster breakthroughs, and personalized treatment for every patient. With more than a billion dollars raised to fuel our mission, that’s progress. This year, BCRF is the largest private funder of breast cancer research—and the largest private funder of metastatic research—in the U.S.
The Ground We've Gained
Research is revolutionizing our understanding of breast cancer and bringing us closer to a cure. Discover how far science has come since BCRF’s founding in 1993—and how our investigators have been involved in every major breakthrough.
We Fund the Best Researchers in the World
Our Areas of Focus
Breast cancer is a complex disease with no simple solution, which is why our researchers are tackling it from every angle. Learn about our areas of focus and why each is critical to knowing how to fight cancer from the start, slow its progress and one day stop it from occurring altogether.
Areas of Focus
Prevention 
Metastasis 
Survivorship 
Treatment Prevention
A world free of breast cancer includes preventing the disease from occurring in the first place. While some factors are out of our control, like age or sex, we have uncovered a number of ways people may be able to reduce their risk. Our researchers have demonstrated that maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active and avoiding stress can profoundly influence prognosis and incidence. These important advances are helping empower women and men to make lifestyle changes and minimize their chances of developing the disease. READ MORE
Prevention Researchers
Amanda Spurdle, PhD
Titles and Affiliations Professor and Senior Group Leader The Molecular Cancer Epidemiology Laboratory QIMR...
BCRF Investigator Since
2026
Karl Smith-Byrne, PhD
Titles and Affiliations Associate Professor Senior Molecular Epidemiologist Cancer Epidemiology Unit Cancer Research UK...
BCRF Investigator Since
2026
Paul Bastard, MD, PhD
Titles and Affiliations Associate Professor Paediatric Haematology and Immunology Department Cancer Research UK – Cancer Grand...
BCRF Investigator Since
2026
Jos Jonkers, PhD
Titles and Affiliations Senior Group Leader Department of Molecular Pathology Research Area Understanding how...
BCRF Investigator Since
2026
Despina Kontos, PhD
Titles and Affiliations Professor & Vice-Chair of AI and Data Science Research Department of...
BCRF Investigator Since
2026
Kathryn Schmitz, PhD, MPH
Titles and Affiliations Professor of Hematology Oncology Department of Medicine Research Area Determining how...
BCRF Investigator Since
2026
Lauren Merz, MD
Titles and Affiliations Assistant Professor Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation...
BCRF Investigator Since
2026
Minsoo Kim, PhD
Titles and Affiliations Department of Systems Biology Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation Research Area...
BCRF Investigator Since
Marina Sharifi, MD, PhD
Titles and Affiliations Assistant Professor of Hematology and Oncology Department of Medicine American Association...
BCRF Investigator Since
2026
Faisal Mahmood, PhD
Titles and Affiliations Associate Professor of Pathology Research Area Developing and testing artificial intelligence...
BCRF Investigator Since
2026
Collaborative Initiatives
Impactful breast cancer research isn’t siloed. BCRF helps power several large, multi-year research efforts across institutions and industries.
Support research with a legacy gift. Sample, non-binding bequest language:
I give to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, located in New York, NY, federal tax identification number 13-3727250, ________% of my total estate (or $_____).
