A Ponte Vedra Beach–based cancer nonprofit announced $2.25 million in grants to support three pioneering specialists advancing research in brain cancer.
The Sontag Foundation named the recipients of its 2025 Distinguished Scientist Award, an intensely competitive process that identifies researchers with the potential to make pivotal contributions.
The recipients will each receive $750,000 to advance research focused on glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Founded in 2002, The Sontag Foundation has contributed more than $85 million for brain cancer research at medical institutions across the nation.
The 2025 awardees include John Liu, MD, PhD, of the University of California, San Francisco, who is studying mechanisms of treatment resistance in glioblastoma; Tyler Miller, MD, PhD, of Case Western Reserve University, whose work aims to improve immunotherapy outcomes; and Christina Tringides, PhD, of William Marsh Rice University, who is developing personalized glioblastoma treatment techniques.
The Distinguished Scientist Award is granted each year to researchers at a pivotal stage in their work.
“Brain cancer is a deeply personal challenge for so many families, including mine,” said Rick Sontag, President of The Sontag Foundation. “That reality drives our commitment to advancing scientific discovery and accelerating progress against this disease.”
Beyond research funding, the Foundation promotes collaboration among award recipients through scientific summits.
In February 2026, it will host its 23rd annual scientific summit in Amelia Island.
Founded by Frederick and Susan Sontag following Susan’s battle with brain cancer, The Sontag Foundation is one of the largest private funders of brain cancer research in North America.
