The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has announced the rebranding of its research foundation. Previously known as the Radiation Oncology Institute (ROI), the organization will now operate under the name Speed of Light – The ASTRO Foundation. This change is intended to reinforce ASTRO’s commitment to advancing research and improving patient care in radiation oncology.
The decision to rebrand comes at a time when scientific developments in radiation oncology are progressing quickly, but funding for research remains limited. By aligning ASTRO and its foundation under a unified identity, Speed of Light aims to foster stronger research collaborations and investments, helping new discoveries reach patients more efficiently.
Sameer Keole, MD, FASTRO, Chair of the ASTRO Board of Directors, said, "The strength of our field depends on continued investment in research and in the people who carry it forward. Through its Foundation and other initiatives, ASTRO supports the investigators, clinicians and collaborations that will shape the future of radiation oncology."
ASTRO and ROI have supported more than 130 investigator-initiated projects and invested over $12 million in patient-centered science that has influenced clinical practice within the field.
Gita Suneja, MD, MSHP, FASTRO, President of the Foundation's Board of Trustees stated, "Every day, I see how research changes lives, from new techniques that sharpen precision to collaborations that shape how we deliver care. 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."
The new name is intended to reflect both the scientific principles behind radiation therapy and an urgent commitment to advancing impactful work in radiation medicine. The public launch for Speed of Light – The ASTRO Foundation took place on January 1, 2026. ASTRO is encouraging researchers and supporters throughout the oncology community to participate in supporting its mission.
