The CureSearch Acceleration Initiative International Award in Pediatric Cancer Drug Development 2026–2027 supports ambitious translational and preclinical research designed to overcome major barriers in pediatric cancer therapeutic development.
Projects should have the potential to move toward clinical studies for children within approximately three years. CureSearch expects to fund one to two projects, with each proposal eligible for up to $1 million over three years. The LOI deadline is October 7, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be independent investigators at academic research institutions.
- Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, DO, or equivalent doctoral degree.
- Eligible applicants may be located in North America, the European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, China, South America, or Australia.
- Applicants requesting $500,000 or more must commit at least 10% effort to the project.
- Applicants cannot hold another active CureSearch grant or apply to another CureSearch program during the same cycle.
- Partnerships with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies may be included, although CureSearch funds cannot directly support commercial entities.
Funding Details
- Maximum award: $1 million total costs.
- Duration: Up to 3 years.
- Expected awards: Approximately 1–2.
- National and international travel may be supported up to $5,000 per year.
Deadline
- RFA opened: September 1, 2026.
- LOI deadline: October 7, 2026.
- Invitation to full application: November 10, 2026.
- Invited full application deadline: January 19, 2027.
- Earliest award notification: March 2027.
- Earliest project start: May 1, 2027.
Further Information
- The program covers cancer affecting infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
- Approximately 60% of completed previous Acceleration Initiative awards ultimately led to a clinical trial, according to CureSearch.
- Official program page: View CureSearch funding opportunities
- Application portal: ProposalCentral