Our Story: Why the Mars Shot

The Meaning of the Name

The Mars Shot, founded by Dr. Richard Wahl, the former chair of the Research and Discovery Domain of the SNMMI Value Initiative, aims to revolutionize the future of patient care through groundbreaking scientific discoveries. By funding highly innovative research, Mars Shot seeks to push the boundaries of science, akin to the ambition of the moon landing, thereby advancing visionary projects that have the potential to significantly enhance patient care.

View the 2025 Impact Report

 

The nuclear medicine field has the science, the ideas, and the research expertise to dramatically improve patient outcomes. But so much of this progress hinges on financial support, and research funding is at an all-time low. That’s why SNMMI started the Mars Shot Research Fund -- to meet the funding needs of projects that have considerable potential, but are too early or too cutting-edge for other funders. Your support could take the next breakthrough treatment from the lab bench to a patient’s bedside. Donate to the Mars Shot today. 

The Vision

The vision of Mars Shot is to fund researchers in the field of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, focusing on Phase 0 and Phase 1 innovations with the potential to transform the future of medicine. Our goal is to achieve long-term remissions for patients, beginning with providing essential funding to pioneering researchers. The prospect of chemotherapy-free cancer treatment is within reach; it simply requires our investment to become a reality.

The Choice

Choosing where to direct a philanthropic donation can be challenging due to the abundance of worthy causes. In nuclear medicine, this difficulty is compounded by the field's broad scope, encompassing various parts of the body and numerous diseases, which may lead some donors to prefer more specific causes.

Significant scientific advancements often stem from technological innovation. Through the Mars Shot initiative, we can support researchers poised to revolutionize the future. The Mars Shot is designed to identify and fund those researchers with the potential to make transformative contributions to medicine. Mars Shot ensures that critical research in nuclear medicine receives the necessary support, addressing gaps that might otherwise be neglected.

Results

In the field of cancer research, some investigators may achieve rapid results, while others, particularly in developmental research, will require more time. Our awards, which span one to two years, are granted to projects deemed feasible and promising. Donations to the Mars Shot are crucial for the advancement of our field. If nuclear medicine has benefited a loved one, investing in this initiative is a meaningful way to contribute to the future of medical science.

Prepare for the Future Today

 

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Check Out Our New and Upcoming Grants 

The "Research and Grants" tab shows past grants awarded by the Mars Shot Research Fund as well as new and upcoming grants! Check back often as we update the page.  

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Mars Shot Research Fund Board Members                                 

Richard Wahl (Co-Chair), MD, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology
Munir Ghesani (Co-Chair), MD, United Theranostics

Oliver Buck, ITM
Sergio Calvo, GE HealthCare
Cathy Sue Cutler, PhD, Brookhaven National Laboratory
Jack Hoppin, PhD, Ratio Therapeutics
Heather Jacene, MD, Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Jason Lewis, PhD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Josh Mailman, MBA, NorCal CarciNET Community
Satoshi Minoshima, MD, PhD, University of Utah
Helen Nadel, MD, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
Gary Ulaner, MD, PhD, Hoag Family Cancer Institute
Jean Luc Urbain, MD, PhD, SNMMI President
Sue Wallace, PhD, VOXIMETRY