The 2027 Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize, offered by the Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance (PSSCRA), supports early-career scientists pursuing bold, innovative, and potentially transformative cancer research that may be considered too high-risk for traditional funding mechanisms.
Each Prize winner receives $750,000 over three years, or $250,000 annually, together with access to research collaborations, industry mentors, investors, networking opportunities, an annual retreat, and scientific events. The 2027 competition is open to eligible investigators at academic research institutions across the United States. (Pershing Square Philanthropies)
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, MD-PhD, or equivalent degree.
- Principal Investigators must hold a faculty appointment at an academic research institution in the United States.
- Applicants must be at the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor level, or equivalent.
- Applicants do not need to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, but non-U.S. applicants must have visa status sufficient to complete the full project and grant term in the United States.
- Investigators do not need to have been specifically trained in cancer research, but they must work in an environment capable of conducting high-quality, high-impact cancer research.
- Multiple eligible investigators from the same institution may apply.
- An individual may apply to the Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize a maximum of two times.
Funding Details
- Total award: $750,000.
- Annual funding: $250,000 per year.
- Duration: 3 years.
- Project start date: July 1, 2027.
- Indirect costs are capped at 10% of the annual award, or $25,000 per year.
Deadline
- Application portal opens: September 21, 2026.
- Letter of Intent deadline: October 26, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET.
- Applicant status notification: Mid-February 2027.
- Finalist Review Board Meeting: Mid-April 2027 in New York City.
- Prize winners notified: Mid-April 2027.
- Projects begin: July 1, 2027.
Further Information
- PSSCRA is particularly interested in high-risk, high-reward cancer research based on radically innovative yet scientifically sound ideas.
- Eligible research may include basic research, technological applications, and other innovative approaches relevant to cancer.
- The 2027 application process begins with a 1.5-page Letter of Intent describing the scientific rationale and proposed research project.
- Finalist presentations are expected to take place in New York City, although a virtual option may be available when needed; eligible travel expenses are reimbursed.
- Official program page: View the official website
- Application guidelines: View the 2027 guidelines