Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, has opened its 2026 Young Investigator Award (YIA) competition for primary brain tumors. This mentored one-year award is designed to fund physician-scientists in the final phase of their subspecialty fellowship training — exactly the transitional period when early independent research projects can launch and shape a career trajectory. Research must be clinically focused and conducted under the guidance of an experienced mentor. Given the difficult prognosis associated with most primary brain cancers, this YIA represents a targeted effort to accelerate research in a cancer type with significant unmet need. Applications are accepted from both US and international applicants via the ASCO online portal.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a physician (MD, DO, or international equivalent) within the last two years of a final oncology subspecialty fellowship at an academic institution at the time of application
- Must be within 10 years of obtaining their medical degree
- Must have an ASCO membership (or submit a membership application alongside the grant)
- Must have a mentor at the sponsoring institution and commit at least 60% of research time to the project
- Must hold a valid active medical license in the country where research will be conducted
- Research must focus on primary brain tumors with a patient-oriented clinical or translational approach
- Open to US and international applicants
Funding Details:
- $50,000 for one year (July 2026 – June 2027)
- Covers personnel costs and/or research expenses
- Includes up to $1,500 for travel to the Conquer Cancer Grants and Awards Ceremony at the ASCO Annual Meeting (attendance required)
- Only one active Conquer Cancer grant may be held at a time
Deadline:
- March 12, 2026
- Submission via the ASCO application portal: https://asco.smapply.org
Where to Go for Further Information: