The AACR-Mark Foundation Chemistry in Cancer Research Grants provide significant funding (USD 435,000over 3 years) to support independent investigators using chemical science approaches to solve important problems in cancer research . Sponsored by The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, these grants aim to stimulate cross-disciplinary work at the interface of chemistry and oncology – including areas like drug discovery, chemical biology, molecular imaging, and innovative diagnostics. The program empowers researchers to exploit chemical techniques or design new molecules to advance cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must hold an independent research position at an academic, medical, or nonprofit research institution anywhere in the world . This generally means an Assistant Professor (tenure-track or equivalent) or higher rank.
- Investigators who have recently established their labs are strongly encouraged, but more senior scientists can also apply if the project represents a new direction in chemical-cancer science.
- Candidates must have a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) and not be in training positions . They should be capable of leading a research team and supervising the project.
- Research proposals must clearly incorporate a chemistry-based approach to a cancer problem. This could involve medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, synthesis of novel compounds, probes for cancer biology, etc. Collaborative projects between chemists and cancer biologists are welcome (though the application should be submitted by one principal investigator).
- AACR membership: Required by the LOI deadline (Dec 16, 2025). Nonmembers must join AACR to be eligible . No citizenship restrictions apply.
Funding Details:
- Grant Amount: USD 435,000 over 36 months (approx. $145,000 per year).
- Supports direct research costs such as personnel salaries, laboratory reagents and supplies, small equipment, and possibly shared resource fees. Up to 10% indirect costs are permitted as per AACR policies.
- The grant term will begin September 1, 2026 and end August 31, 2029. Continuation of funding each year is contingent upon satisfactory progress.
- Recipients become part of AACR’s Chemistry in Cancer Research Working Group community, with opportunities to network and present at AACR conferences. The Mark Foundation may also engage with awardees for progress updates or partnership on future initiatives.
Deadline:
- Letter of Intent (LOI) Deadline: December 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM (ET) . A concise LOI outlining the research hypothesis, approach, and significance is required.
- LOI Decision: March 2026 – selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals .
- Full Application Deadline: (Expected April–May 2026, date to be specified in invitation).
- Awardees announced by July 2026 (grant agreements executed for a Sept 1, 2026 start).
Where to go for further information: