Aug 14, 2025, 08:01

Alternatives in Research (AiR) Challenge: Focus on Childhood Cancer

Supports innovative, human-relevant research on childhood cancers that advances understanding or treatment while demonstrating the value of non-animal methods; up to five awards will be funded.

Eligibility Criteria:

US-based, non-profit, tax-exempt (501(c)(3)) educational/research institutions only; no citizenship requirement.
PI must hold an MD/PhD (or equivalent) at LOI submission.
Projects may not use any non-human animals (vertebrate or invertebrate, all life stages) or in vivo-produced monoclonal antibodies.

Funding Details:

Maximum award: USD 210,000 total (direct + indirect). Indirects allowed up to 10% of direct costs. Preferred project period is 2 years (start Oct 1–Dec 1, 2026; end within 24 months).

Deadline:

LOI opens: June 2, 2025; LOI due: September 15, 2025 (11:59 pm ET).
LOI decision: December 1, 2025.
Full application (invite only) due: March 24, 2026 (11:59 pm ET).
Award decision by: June 30, 2026.

Where to Go for Further Information:

Apply via ProposalCentral (GMID 222). Technical help: [email protected], program questions: [email protected].
Program Guidelines.

AiR Challenge Alternatives in Research ARDF cancer Childhood Cancer human-relevant models non-animal research methods OncoDaily Oncology pediatric oncology proposalCENTRAL research funding

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