The Victoria’s Secret Global Fund for Women’s Cancers was established to accelerate innovation in cancer research for women, by women. Through a collaborative partnership with impact partner, Pelotonia, and scientific partner, American Association of Cancer Research (AACR), the fund was created to offer a series of grant programs for women researchers and clinicians working at various stages of their careers.

The Fund will distribute grants to at least 20 women's cancer researchers. The grantees will be invited to join a unique network that participates in virtual and in-person engagement activities designed to foster communication and collaboration amongst all grant recipients. 

With an initial commitment of $10M, this groundbreaking initiative will:

• Fund innovative research aimed at improving outcomes for women's cancers.
• Invest in the next generation of women scientists who represent the diverse population they serve.
• Inspire and educate millions of women around the world through cancer awareness, screening, and prevention campaigns.

To date, we are honored to welcome Scientific Achievement Award Recipients with further announcements for the Early Career Development Awardees and Mid-Level Investigator Awardees forthcoming.

Scientific Achievement Award Recipients

In April 2022, five influential women investigators were awarded a $100,000, one-time honorarium to recognize and further their outstanding impact in the field of women’s cancers. These leaders will nominate candidates for mid-level career awards and provide mentorship to all grantees awarded research funding through this program.

We’re thrilled to highlight these awardees below and amplify the voices of our incredible VS Global Fund Scientific Achievement Award Recipients whose work is transforming cancer outcomes.

Joan S. Brugge, PhD, FAACR
Professor of Cell Biology and Co-Director, Ludwig Center
Harvard Medical School

Known for her lifelong investigations dedicated to unraveling breast cancer initiation, progression, and drug resistance.

“The impact that the Global Fund will have is just fabulous for women scientists. And one of the major benefits of it, I think, will be that women will have a source of funding that they can use for bold, innovative new approaches. This type of funding makes it possible for women to take chances.”

Susan M. Domchek, MD
Executive Director
Basser Center for BRCA

Revered for her work in genetic testing, risk reduction strategies, and targeted therapeutics regarding breast cancer.

Karen H. Lu, MD
Chair of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine
MD Anderson Cancer Center

Noteworthy achievements include her studies of endometrial cancer in Lynch Syndrome and the prevention of ovarian and sporadic endometrial cancers.

“I am thrilled to be part of this initiative, it’s so exciting, and it’s not just focused on breast cancer but also gynecologic cancers as well, which are under-funded and under-studied. And then the really important other component of the VS Fund is mentorship of young women investigators."

Lisa A. Newman, MD, MPH
Chief, Section of Breast Surgery
New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

Credited with significantly advancing the understanding of etiology and breast cancer in Africa and African American women.

“My hope for the future of research in women’s cancer is that we get to a place where every daughter, sister, and mother can live a full, productive life—fulfilling all their dreams, without the threat of a breast cancer, an ovarian cancer, or a uterine cancer cutting that life short and taking them away from their loved ones.”

Martine J. Piccart, MD, PhD, FAACR
Honorary Professor of Oncology
Université Libre de Bruxelles

Respected for her unparalleled leadership in advancing breast cancer clinical trials and drug development.