A joint early-career award from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) that supports innovative breast cancer research by a radiation oncology investigator. This one-year grant provides protected resources for a junior faculty member or trainee to pursue a high-impact project in breast cancer radiation therapy or biology. By fostering young talent, the award advances the field of breast cancer treatment through radiation science.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be early-career researchers (typically junior faculty, resident, or postdoctoral fellow) specializing in radiation oncology, radiation biology, or medical physics with a focus on breast cancer.
- Must hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent and plan to conduct the proposed research at a recognized institution. (ASTRO membership is encouraged; multiple PIs not permitted).
- The research proposal should have direct relevance to breast cancer and radiation therapy (e.g. improving radiotherapy outcomes, radiosensitizers, treatment planning, or translational radiobiology in breast cancer). Indirect costs are not allowed.
Funding Details:
- Award Amount: $100,000 USD for a 1-year project. This funding can support salary, supplies, and other research expenses to enable the recipient to devote significant effort to the breast cancer project.
- Grant Term: July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 (approximate start, aligned with ASTRO’s grant cycle). All funds must be expended within the one-year period.
- Mentorship: The award is mentored – the recipient should work under a senior investigator’s guidance to foster career development (typical of “Emerging Investigator” awards).
Deadline:
- January 12, 2026 – Full proposal due via ASTRO’s ProposalCentral portal.
Where to go for further information: