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Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute

Our mission is to end pancreatic cancer by funding the most innovative research, accelerating scientific discoveries, and igniting collaboration to advance prevention, early detection and breakthrough treatments.

The Stephenson Global Prize will be awarded September 26.

Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute (SGPCRI) has been established to advance early detection, innovative treatments and breakthrough research for pancreatic cancer. Inspired by the legacy of Toni Stephenson, SGPCRI strives to accelerate life-altering scientific and medical advances in pancreatic cancer to significantly reduce death rates, ease the burden on patients and their families, and ultimately eradicate the disease.

SGPCRI is redefining the research landscape with a groundbreaking model designed for agility and rapid progress. The pillars of the SGPCRI include the Stephenson Global Prize, the Stephenson Global Scholar Grants and the Annual Stephenson Pancreatic Cancer Symposium.

Stephenson Global Prize

A $1 million annual award, recognizing individuals whose groundbreaking contributions have significantly advanced pancreatic cancer research, bringing us closer to the ultimate goal of eradication.

Stephenson Global Scholar Grants

Stephenson Global Scholar Grants empower investigators to pursue transformative and innovative ideas, providing substantial funding to fuel transformative research. By cutting through bureaucracy and eliminating red tape, the SGPCRI creates an environment that encourages true innovation and courageous risk-taking.

Leadership

“As entrepreneurs, we know that innovative thinking can solve a multitude of complex problems. The path to success was never found by following a standard line of thinking. We have always directed our leadership teams to question our methods, and if it appears we need to turn another way — especially toward transformation — we must chart a new course and get to it.”

Co-founders

A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and Tessa Stephenson Brand

Meet the Executive and Scientific Advisory Boards

Learn about the leaders driving SGPCRI’s mission.

"My purpose is to end pancreatic cancer, period."

Watch this video to hear A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and Tessa Stephenson Brand explain how devastating pancreatic cancer is and how the Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute (SGPCRI) is affecting pancreatic cancer diagnosis, treatment and therapies.

Watch this video to learn about the mission of the SGPCRI

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @SGPCRI

Follow us on Instagram @stephensonpancreatic

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Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute. Funding ambitious research to accelerate discovery, collaboration and progress toward a cure.

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News & Insights

FDA Approves First in Class Targeted Therapy for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

LOS ANGELES, August 26, 2026 — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Rasonque (daraxonrasib), a RAS inhibitor for the most common form of pancreatic cancer—delivering a new treatment option to patients with advanced pancreatic cancer months ahead of schedule.

How Will Successfully Targeting KRAS Change Pancreatic Cancer Treatment?

Aug 24, 2026 - In this episode of Oncology On the Go, CancerNetwork® speaks with Frank McCormick, PhD, FRS, DSc (Hon), about the arc of KRAS-targeted drug development over his 40-year career. He explains why KRAS was long considered “undruggable.” He walks through the origins of the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI’s) RAS Initiative, which he helped lead starting in 2013, and how that effort produced several drugs now advancing through clinical trials for pancreatic cancer.

Stephenson Global Scholar Grants Award $6.7 Million to Accelerate Pancreatic Cancer Breakthroughs

LOS ANGELES, August 3, 2026 — The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute (SGPCRI) today announced the recipients of the 2026 Stephenson Global Scholar Grants. In partnership with City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, SGPCRI is awarding $6.7 million to support eight ambitious projects aimed at changing the trajectory of pancreatic cancer.

We Can’t Afford to Lose a Generation: Inside the Oncology Funding Crisis and SGPCRI’s $150M Response

May 16, 2026 - In this powerful conversation, Sergey Badalyan, Assistant Managing Editor at OncoDaily Medical Journal, speaks with Jennifer Chun Kim, Executive Director of the Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute. This discussion explores whether cancer research is entering a structural shift in how innovation is funded.

Targeting the undruggable protein: What is the potential for KRAS inhibitors?

May 14, 2026 - The Stephenson Global Prize is designed to empower visionary researchers with the resources to accelerate discoveries that could change the trajectory of disease treatment. Dr. McCormick was honoured for uncovering how mutations in the KRAS gene drive tumour growth. "This recognition is deeply meaningful," says Dr McCormick. "Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases we face, and I’m honoured to share this award with my lab as we continue exploring new ways to target KRAS and develop therapies that could change lives."

After a year, Stephenson institute sees a broader role in funding pancreatic cancer research, fostering collaborations

Feb 27, 2026 - The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute, established a little over a year ago with a $150 million gift from entrepreneurs and philanthropists A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and Tessa Stephenson Brand, has refined its goals.