The American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has announced that they have rebranded their research foundation from the former Radiation Oncology Institute (ROI) to become Speed of Light – The ASTRO Foundation.
The intent of the renamed research foundation was to bring both ASTRO and the foundation closer together under a single identity for greater visibility. Speed of Light also has a renewed focus on strengthening research collaborations and investments for the more rapid progression from discovery to bedside for promising research. The foundation launched publicly under its new name on January 1, 2026.
“Radiation oncology is advancing at an extraordinary pace, and our research enterprise must evolve with it,” stated Vivek S. Kavadi, MD, MBA, FASTRO, the CEO of ASTRO. “Speed of Light – The ASTRO Foundation will harness this momentum to drive progress across the field in the pursuit of tomorrow’s cures. This evolution ensures that we will remain at the forefront of discovery and patient care.”
The society noted that the mission of the foundation is guided by a metaphor of light as being focused and transformative. The foundation’s research priorities focus on advancing clinically meaningful innovation in radiation oncology by supporting high-impact studies in emerging areas such as functional radiation therapy, radiopharmaceuticals, and artificial intelligence; enhancing evidence-based patient education and support resources; and investing in the development of the radiation oncology workforce through early-career investigator support and leadership training.
“The strength of our field depends on continued investment in research and in the people who carry it forward,” said Sameer Keole, MD, FASTRO, Chair of the ASTRO Board of Directors. “Through its Foundation and other initiatives, ASTRO supports the investigators, clinicians, and collaborations that will shape the future of radiation oncology.”
ASTRO and its research foundation have already demonstrated a commitment to patient-centered research by collectively supporting over 130 investigator-initiated projects and investing more than $12 million toward science and advancements in clinical practice and the field of radiation oncology. The new foundation will build on this legacy by accelerating research through expanded funding, strategic collaborations, and targeted resource mobilization to address emerging clinical and scientific needs.
“Every day, I see how research changes lives, from new techniques that sharpen precision to collaborations that shape how we deliver care,” said Gita Suneja, MD, MSHP, FASTRO, President of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “But progress in radiation oncology doesn’t happen by chance; it happens when we invest in it. Re-envisioning ASTRO’s Foundation gives us the clarity and alignment to focus our resources where they matter most.”
