Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research

Grant applications are currently open for both our Seed Grant and PNET Pathways Grant programs. Learn more and apply today! The Hirshberg Foundation continues to expand the scope of research and invest in the ideas and scientists who are pushing the field of pancreas research forward. PNET Pathways: https://lnkd.in/gkwacjdV Seed Grant: https://lnkd.in/gvQCkPHP

We're proud to announce a new research initiative: the PNET Pathway Grant Program, a focused effort to accelerate high-impact research on pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). While PNETs are less common than pancreatic adenocarcinoma, their biology is complex and their clinical course can vary dramatically. This new grant program will support innovative research aimed at expanding treatment options. Together, we are creating new pathways toward better treatments and improved outcomes for all patients facing pancreatic cancer. https://lnkd.in/gZVJECyu

We’re proud to announce our 2025 Seed Grant cohort. This year, we are funding more innovative research than ever before. Our eight Seed Grantees and our 3 Catalyst awardees are addressing some of the most urgent challenges in pancreatic cancer: investigating the biology that drives tumor development, advancing potential treatment approaches, and exploring opportunities to prevent cancer in high-risk individuals. Their bold ideas have the potential to fuel real progress. By investing in early-stage concepts through our Seed Grant and Catalyst Grant Programs, we help move promising discoveries toward real-world impact. Thank you for making this work possible!

For 20 years, the Hirshberg Foundation’s Seed Grant Program has launched the careers of promising scientists and fueled discoveries that changed how we understand pancreatic cancer. Now, we’re proud to announce the next chapter: the Hirshberg Foundation UCLA Catalyst Grant Program. This new initiative bridges early discovery and clinical application — accelerating progress from the lab bench to the patient bedside. Meet the 2025 Catalyst Grant recipients: 🔹 Dr. Evan Abt – advancing adenosine-targeting immunotherapy 🔹 Dr. Jason Link – defining natural immune responses in long-term PDAC survivors 🔹 Dr. Roger Lo – uncovering mechanisms of resistance to KRAS inhibitors Each project brings us closer to transforming patient outcomes and finding a cure. Learn more → https://lnkd.in/gnVAnhPN #PancreaticCancerResearch #TranslationalScience #UCLA #HirshbergFoundation #BeyondTheSeed #CatalystGrant

Dr. Rushika M. Perera received a Hirshberg Foundation Seed Grant in 2014. That early support helped launch a bold research journey. Today, she’s a nationally recognized leader in pancreatic cancer biology at University of California, San Francisco. With multiple NIH grants and groundbreaking discoveries, including her recent Nature publication on pancreatic cancer metastasis, Dr. Perera exemplifies the long-term impact of early-stage funding. She now mentors the next generation of scientists while driving progress through her lab and leadership roles. “The Seed Grant gave me the freedom to be bold and follow the science.” --Dr. Rushika Perera Read her update: https://lnkd.in/ggRYj4ZT

Federal research funding cuts threaten lifesaving pancreatic cancer breakthroughs 🚨 The National Science Foundation (NSF) has frozen 300 research grants and the The National Institutes of Health has suspended 500 - a devastating blow to the medical research community, including our teams at UCLA. For 20 years, the Hirshberg Foundation’s Seed Grant Program has turned early ideas into clinical trials and new treatments. Without immediate support, discoveries will stall, talented researchers will be sidelined, and hope for patients will be delayed. Our Beyond the Seed: Bridge to Breakthroughs initiative is more critical than ever. Private funding can keep scientists in the lab and progress moving forward. If you believe in advancing science, in keeping top-tier researchers at the bench, and in bringing discoveries to patients faster, please consider making a gift today. Together, we can ensure progress doesn’t stop. https://lnkd.in/gqakGb_w #PancreaticCancer #ResearchFunding #NeverGiveUp #BeyondTheSeed #BridgeToBreakthrough

In 2010, Dr. David Gius had just left the National Cancer Institute. The Hirshberg Seed Grant was a critical investment that helped him start his lab and build momentum. Today, Dr. Gius holds several leadership roles at UT Health San Antonio, where he champions mentorship and collaboration. “The Seed Grant was a launching point,” Dr. Gius shared. A Seed Grant does more than fund a project - it invests in a scientist whose work, leadership, and mentorship multiply progress for years to come. That future is only possible with your support. https://lnkd.in/g-SnEadc

Congrats to Dr. Ethan Abel & Dr. Katie Gatsos 🎉 This is the promise of our Seed Grant Program: to launch researchers who not only drive discovery, but mentor the next generation of scientists working toward a cure. We are committed to this fight and we will never give up!