The Mark Foundation Merges with Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, Boosting Aging-Cancer Research with $15M Commitment
Event summary
- The Mark Foundation completed its merger with the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) on April 1, 2026.
- The merger formalizes a partnership that began in 2022, focusing on aging and cancer research.
- The Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging & Cancer, established in 2025, will receive $15 million over three years to study the link between aging and cancer.
- $2.5 million has already been awarded to five research teams in 2026.
- SWCRF has distributed over $120 million to more than 200 scientists globally since 1976.
The big picture
The merger consolidates two major players in cancer research, focusing on the critical intersection of aging and cancer—a growing global challenge as life expectancy rises. With nearly 60% of cancers occurring in people over 65, the $15 million commitment aims to address a significant gap in funding and research. The strategic integration could set a precedent for how aging biology is incorporated into oncology research.
What we're watching
- Research Impact
- How the $15 million investment will accelerate breakthroughs in understanding the link between aging and cancer.
- Collaborative Science
- Whether the merged entity can sustain high-impact collaborative research in historically underfunded areas.
- Global Scaling
- The pace at which the Waxman Institute can expand its global reach and influence in aging and cancer research.
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