The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has relaunched its research foundation under a new name, Speed of Light – The ASTRO Foundation, marking a strategic shift intended to strengthen research alignment and accelerate patient care in radiation oncology.
Formerly known as the Radiation Oncology Institute (ROI), the Foundation’s rebranding reflects the increasing pace of scientific advancement in the field, alongside growing constraints on research funding. The updated identity is designed to bring ASTRO and its Foundation into closer alignment and to increase visibility for research initiatives that move discoveries more efficiently from concept to patient care.
Since its establishment in 2006, ASTRO and its Foundation have supported more than 130 investigator-initiated research projects and invested over $12 million in studies that have informed clinical practice. Under the new structure, Speed of Light will focus on mobilizing resources, enabling partnerships, and advancing innovation in radiation medicine.
The Foundation’s priorities include accelerating high-impact research in emerging areas such as functional radiation medicine, radiopharmaceutical therapy, and artificial intelligence; expanding trusted patient education resources; and strengthening the radiation oncology workforce through support for early-career investigators and future leaders.
The renamed Foundation launched publicly on January 1, 2026. ASTRO has invited researchers, partners, and supporters across the oncology community to engage with the Foundation’s mission and contribute to advancing research and patient care in radiation oncology.
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