The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama shared that it will invest $1.2 million in breast cancer research in 2025, supporting 25 research initiatives at nine institutions across the state.
According to the foundation, the funding is aimed at advancing early detection efforts, improving treatment options and driving innovation in patient care.
The investment will benefit researchers at Alabama State University, Auburn University, Auburn University at Montgomery, CerFlux, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Tuskegee University, the O’Neal Cancer Center at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, The University of Alabama and the Mitchell Cancer Institute at The University of South Alabama.
The latest round of grants pushes the foundation’s total investment in breast cancer research to more than $17 million since its founding in 1996, marking a significant milestone for the organization.
BCRFA officials say the funding plays a critical role in helping scientists launch early-stage research projects. That initial support allows researchers to gather the data needed to compete for large national grants, including multimillion-dollar awards from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health.
This year’s funded projects span a wide range of focus areas, including triple-negative breast cancer, genetic risk factors, obesity-related cancer research, biomarker discovery, drug resistance and survivorship care.
Several studies also explore innovative approaches such as wearable technology, bioengineered cancer models and data-driven research platforms.
Funding for the grants is made possible through support from corporate and community partners, local and state funders, individual donors and sales of the Breast Cancer Research specialty license plate.
More than 15,000 vehicles statewide currently display the tag, with all proceeds received by the foundation dedicated to local, lifesaving research efforts.
By backing research efforts at institutions from Huntsville to Mobile, the foundation’s latest investment underscores a statewide commitment to advancing cancer research while keeping Alabama at the forefront of scientific discovery and patient care.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
