Community Stories
2025 Pelotonia Awards: Pelotonia-Funded Researcher of the Year, Sameek Roychowdhury, MD, PhD
| December 3, 2025
Each year, we honor a handful of individuals who have gone above and beyond in their support of accelerating innovative cancer research with the Pelotonia Awards. These members of the Pelotonia community are champions in the fight against cancer, embodying the relentless commitment to the mission of Ending Cancer that defines the grassroots movement. Their personal journeys are inspiring, and their extraordinary contributions deserve to celebrated.
The Pelotonia-Funded Researcher of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of a Pelotonia grant recipient. The award highlights the importance of career research funding and how support from the Pelotonia community is making a tangible difference in the work of researchers and the lives of patients.
2025 Pelotonia-Funded Researcher of the Year Award winner: Sameek Roychowdhury, MD, PhD.
Dr. Sameek Roychowdhury, a medical oncologist and researcher at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, exemplifies Pelotonia’s vision: research fueled by community, advancing toward a cancer-free world. A multiple-time recipient of Pelotonia Idea Grants, Dr. Roychowdhury consistently bridges the gap between scientific discovery and patient care. His work centers on precision oncology, using genetic insights to tailor treatments for each individual, bringing new hope to patients and families facing cancer.
The 2025 Pelotonia Idea Grant awarded to Dr. Roychowdhury supports the first-ever nationwide, decentralized clinical trial in oncology. This groundbreaking approach allows patients across the country to participate from their own hometowns, removing barriers to access and expanding Pelotonia’s impact to every zip code.
Beyond the lab, Dr. Roychowdhury is deeply involved in the Pelotonia community. A 15-year Rider, High Roller, and Peloton Captain of Team Buckeye – Sameek’s Geeks, he has raised more than $69,000 to date. He participated in both the 100-mile Ride Weekend route and the 25-mile route and Trail Run/Hike on Gravel Day, living the mission he advances in his research every day.
Dr. Roychowdhury’s dedication demonstrates the transformative impact of Pelotonia funding, showing how every dollar raised becomes a seed for new ideas, new treatments, and new hope. His tireless pursuit of innovation and patient-centered care makes him a powerful example of how science and humanity move forward together.
Congratulations to Dr. Roychowdhury on receiving the 2025 Pelotonia-Funded Researcher of the Year Award!
The 2025 Pelotonia Awards winners were announced and celebrated at Night of Impact on November 18th. If you missed the event, you can watch the program on YouTube here.
