A joint AACR/ASCO one-year grant for young investigators pursuing translational cancer research projects. This award provides seed funding for physician-scientists or scientists in training (typically oncology fellows or postdocs about to transition to faculty) to conduct impactful translational studies that bridge laboratory findings and patient care. It fosters inter-society collaboration, leveraging AACR’s scientific breadth and Conquer Cancer’s focus on clinical impact.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must satisfy Conquer Cancer’s YIA criteria: oncology fellows or postdoctoral researchers who are within the final year of training or first 2 years of a faculty appointment. An MD, DO, PhD or equivalent is required.
- Project must be translational in nature – e.g. validating clinical significance of lab discoveries, biomarker development, treatment mechanism studies, etc., with a clear line of sight to improving patient outcomes. All cancer types are eligible.
- Each applicant needs a committed mentor (established investigator) in the translational research domain, and institutional support to conduct the project.
- AACR or ASCO membership is expected. Candidates cannot hold a similar career award or substantial independent funding simultaneously.
Funding Details:
- Award Amount: USD 50,000 for a 1-year period.
- Budget Use: Stipend/support for the young investigator and direct research costs (supplies, assays, etc.) for the proposed project. No indirect costs. The grant is paid to the awardee’s institution to be managed for the project.
- Awardees are typically expected to present their research progress at an AACR Annual Meeting or ASCO Annual Meeting following the funding period, highlighting results of their translational research.
Deadline:
- Application Deadline: December 17, 2025 (for the 2026 award cycle).
- Decisions announced by February 2026, and the grant term runs July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 in alignment with ASCO’s cycle.
Where to go for further information: