The California Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP) Innovative, Developmental, and Exploratory Award (IDEA) 2026–27 supports speculative, high-risk/high-reward breast cancer research that could open new directions in the field.
The program is designed for projects that challenge existing paradigms, introduce innovative approaches, or take investigators into new areas of breast cancer research. Both established researchers and new investigators are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Principal Investigator and applicant institution must be located in California.
- Research must be conducted primarily in California.
- Both established researchers and new investigators may apply.
- Researchers who are new to breast cancer research are encouraged to apply.
- Projects must have a primary focus on breast cancer.
- Projects that simply extend existing funded research or make incremental advances are not considered responsive.
- nvestigators must involve a breast cancer advocate in the research project, identified and engaged by the LOI deadline.
Funding Details
- Up to $200,000 in direct costs for projects involving human participants or animals
- Up to $150,000 in direct costs for all other projects
- Duration: Up to 18 months
Deadline
- Applications opened: September 1, 2026
- LOI deadline: October 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM PT
- Invited full application deadline: March 4, 2027, at 12:00 PM PT
Further Information
- Applications and LOIs must be submitted through the SmartSimple online system.
- Applicants should ensure their project addresses at least one of CBCRP’s research priority areas.
- Official CBCRP IDEA Award