Board Spotlight: Dr. Yung S. Lie on Taking Risks, Supporting Bold Science, and Transforming Pediatric Care

Yung is President and CEO of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and a member of the Advancium Health Network Board of Directors. A scientist by training and former Damon Runyon Fellow herself, Yung brings decades of experience identifying and supporting breakthrough research. In this conversation, she shares her perspective on high-risk science, long-term investment in innovation, and why Advancium's mission resonates deeply with her own values.

You began your career as a post-doctoral fellow and later led scientific programs before becoming CEO of Damon Runyon. What early experiences shaped your decision to devote your career to supporting early-career scientists and high-risk research?

I wanted to have the opportunity to apply my scientific training to have a broader impact beyond just one specific research area and project. I understood at a deep personal level the challenges of being a young, early-career scientist, when "safer" science is often encouraged. Working at Damon Runyon is a way for me to have an impact and support so many young scientists at a critical time in their careers.

What about our mission at Advancium Health Network resonated with you and motivated you to join our board at this moment?

Pediatric and rare diseases are devastating. The Advancium mission is incredibly important because, when successful, these initiatives will develop much-needed therapeutics and diagnostics for patients who may not currently have options.

At Damon Runyon you've helped build and expand programs that support bold "risk-taking" science, including new fellowship tracks and seed-investment models. How do you see that mindset applying to Advancium's work in rare diseases and pediatric medical devices/therapies?

In any disease area, it is important to identify gaps in funding and then develop programs to address those areas of highest need. This is precisely Advancium's strategy, and they are laser-focused on funding specific opportunities that have the potential to bring new therapeutics and devices to patients more rapidly.

You've long been a champion of investing in scientists and innovation. What advice would you give to boards, leadership teams or donors in the rare disease / pediatric therapy space about balancing ambition and pragmatism?

Our strategy at Damon Runyon is all about taking risk on research that has the potential for high impact. We recognize and accept that some projects may fail, that the original hypothesis can be incorrect; yet, something important is always learned in the process. We invest in talent and entrust our scientists to follow the science. Our investments are for the long term.

Advancium, like Damon Runyon, focuses on high-risk science. This is incredibly compelling but often requires long-term, flexible capital that is difficult to secure. In your experience as CEO, what is the single biggest structural challenge in raising funds for this kind of high-risk/high-reward portfolio?

The missions of organizations like Advancium and Damon Runyon resonate with a particular type of donor that recognizes the importance of taking risks in order to achieve high impact and breakthroughs. These are long-term investments that require patience and some element of serendipity.

About Dr. Yung S. Lie

Yung is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. She is the first scientist and Damon Runyon alumna to lead the organization since its founding in 1946. Yung received her B.A. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of California at Berkeley and earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Stanford University. She completed postdoctoral research in neuroscience as a Damon Runyon Fellow from 2001-2004 at the University of California at San Francisco and at The Rockefeller University. Damon Runyon has invested over $490 million in supporting exceptional early-career investigators to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer research.

The Advancium Health Network Board Spotlight series highlights the expertise, insights, and perspectives of our board members who guide our mission to advance therapies for rare diseases and pediatric conditions.