Conquer Cancer Young Investigator Award for Veteran Cancer

One-year, mentored award supporting early-career physician-investigators who are either U.S. Veterans or proposing research that focuses on Veteran cancer issues. Open to U.S. and international applicants across clinical, preclinical, epidemiologic, behavioral, outcomes, and health services research, with clear, measurable aims achievable within one year. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Physician (MD, DO, or international equivalent); MD/PhD eligible if both degrees completed before the start date.

• In the last two years of final oncology subspecialty training at application (limited exceptions: protected research year timing; recent graduates within three months of the deadline).

• Within 10 years of medical degree (exception possible for foreign medical graduates).

• Planning an investigative career in oncology; valid, active medical license where the research is conducted; working in an oncology lab or clinical research setting.

• At least one mentor from the sponsoring institution; ASCO member (or membership application submitted).

• Able to commit ≥60% total effort to research during the award period.

• Must also meet one of the following: (a) applicant is a U.S. Veteran (per VA definition), or (b) project focuses on Veteran cancer issues (uses Veteran populations/data; benefits Veteran cancer care; targets common Veteran cancers; or advances health services/implementation science for Veterans).

• Only one active Conquer Cancer grant at a time; no citizenship/geographic restrictions (visa must allow completion of the project term). 

Funding:

• Total: USD 50,000 for one year, paid in two equal installments.

• Budget guidance: at least USD 46,000 to direct research costs; up to USD 1,500 for required/essential travel (including the Grants & Awards Ceremony at the ASCO Annual Meeting); up to USD 2,500 (5%) indirect costs.

• Terms & timing: installments on or about July 1 and January 1 within the award year; salary subject to NIH limits. 

Deadline:

• Online applications open July 1, 2025.

• Full applications due March 12, 2026 (11:59 PM ET).

• Notifications April 2026.

• Award term July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. 

Where to Go for Further Information:

• Program details.

• Questions: [email protected]