The Mark Foundation Emerging Leader Award (ELA) 2026 

The Mark Foundation Emerging Leader Award (ELA) 2026 

Due Date: 04/30/2026

This flagship Emerging Leader Award supports early independent investigators worldwide pursuing daring, innovative cancer research. New for 2026, the award has expanded globally and increased its total funding to $1 million over 4 years. Applications are open now.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Holds MD, PhD, or equivalent.
  • Independent faculty appointment 3–8 years prior to December 31, 2026 (2018–2023).
  • Must lead independent lab space, personnel hiring, and hold active multi-year funding (e.g., NIH R01).
  • Open to researchers at non-profit academic/research institutions globally.

Funding Details:

  • $1,000,000 USD total distributed over 4 years ($250k/year).

Deadline:

  • Opens March 25, 2026.
  • Full‑application deadline April 30, 2026 at 5 PM EDT.

Where to go for further information: