Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF), the largest nongovernmental funder of cancer research in Israel, today announced that it has officially surpassed $100 million in total funding for groundbreaking cancer research. The milestone comes as ICRF awards its newest round of research grants and celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Since its founding in 1975, ICRF has awarded nearly 3,000 grants to brilliant scientists at every major research institution across Israel, fueling breakthroughs that have shaped global understanding of prevention, detection and treatment of cancer. For 50 years and beyond, ICRF’s discoveries have given cancer patients and their families the most precious commodity—more time.
“This incredible milestone represents decades of partnership, progress and unwavering belief—not only in Israel’s scientific excellence, but in its resilience,” said Alan Herman, executive director of ICRF. “As we celebrate our 50th year, surpassing $100 million in funding is a testament to our scientists’ determination to find a cure—even in the face of adversity—and to our community’s extraordinary commitment to advancing world-class cancer research for the benefit of patients everywhere.”
“As a surgical oncologist, I’ve seen firsthand the power of research to change outcomes—and save lives,” said Dr. Arnold Baskies, chair of ICRF’s international board of trustees. “Fifty years ago, ICRF was founded on a bold belief in the potential of Israeli science. Today, that belief has resulted in global breakthroughs that have saved and prolonged lives—and we are proud to continue investing in the next generation of discoveries.”
For the 2025-2026 funding year, ICRF is supporting 25 new and 49 continuing grants—a total of 74 grants valued at more than $4.5 million. These grants advance innovative projects across all major and emerging areas of cancer research. Awards are decided through ICRF’s rigorous peer-review process, modeled after the National Institutes of Health, and represent the organization’s mission: to identify and fund the most promising cancer research in Israel and invest in the brightest scientific minds on the quest to find a cure.
While researchers at all levels receive awards, ICRF has a unique legacy of supporting early-career scientists who go on to make landmark contributions to the field. Notable breakthroughs by ICRF-funded scientists include three FDA-approved targeted therapies (Doxil, Gleevec and Velcade). Two Nobel Prizes and nine Israel Prizes have been awarded to ICRF-funded scientists for their innovative research, and past and present grantees have played key roles related to advancements in DNA methylation, BRCA, the RAD51 gene, novel bone marrow transplant technique and much more.
As Israel and its people continue to face unprecedented challenges, ICRF remains steadfast in its mission to support its scientific community and accelerate progress in the fight against cancer.
“We’re not just celebrating 50 years—we’re investing in the next 50 and beyond,” said Herman. “We’re proud to do that by awarding new grants that will shape the future of cancer detection, treatment and—someday—a cure.”
To view the full list of ICRF’s current grant recipients, visit: www.icrfonline.org/current-grant-recipients/.
For more information about the Israel Cancer Research Fund, visit: www.icrfonline.org.
