OncoGrants / Funding
BIG Cat

Beginning Investigator Grant for Catalytic Research (BIG Cat)

A joint initiative by AORTIC, AACR, and the U.S. National Cancer Institute Center for Global Health, the BIG Cat grant supports early-career African cancer researchers to build independent research careers addressing Africa’s cancer burden. The program provides 55,000 USD over two years, focusing on basic, translational, clinical, or population-based cancer research relevant to Africa.

Eligibility & Requirements

  • Applicants must be early-career researchers based in Africa.

  • A Local Mentor based in Africa is required.

  • An External Mentor will be assigned by AACR after selection.

  • Applicants must become members of AACR (dues waived for low-income countries).

  • All funds (except limited travel) must be spent in Africa.

Funding Details

  • Covers salary, benefits, research/lab supplies, equipment, publications, and travel (up to $10,000 for AACR/AORTIC meetings and relevant conferences).

  • Indirect costs limited to 10% of total budget.

  • Equipment costs >10% of budget require detailed justification.

Research Scope

  • Any area along the cancer continuum: prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, etc.

  • Innovative local approaches and use of tech (e.g., mHealth) are encouraged.

  • Must include milestone planning and statistical approach (if applicable).

Application Requirements

  • Full Application Deadline: May 22, 2025, 1:00 p.m. ET

  • Submission via ProposalCentral

  • Documents required:

    • Research Project Proposal (using provided template, 6-page limit for narrative)

    • Project Milestones (template)

    • Biographical Sketches (PI, Mentor, Collaborators)

    • Letters of Support (Institution, Local Mentor, Collaborators if applicable)

    • Budget and Justification

    • Organizational Assurances and Signature Page

Review Criteria

  • Scientific merit and innovation

  • Feasibility and methodology

  • Impact on cancer burden in Africa

  • Researcher and institutional development

  • Justified budget and resource allocation

Obligations

  • Attendance at AACR Annual Meeting and 2025 AORTIC Conference is mandatory.

  • Grantees must participate in an annual recognition event.

  • Interim reporting includes milestone progress and final impact assessment.

Contact