The CureSearch Young Investigator International Award supports exceptional early-career investigators transitioning to independence in pediatric oncology drug development. The program is designed to bridge the gap between postdoctoral training and full academic independence, with a focus on translational and preclinical research aimed at delivering novel therapeutics to pediatric cancer patients. Since 2012, CureSearch has invested over $5.9 million in Young Investigator awards across high-risk pediatric cancers including relapsed ALL, AML, brain tumors, Ewing sarcoma, neuroblastoma, and others. The 2026/27 cycle opened March 2, 2026 and accepts international applicants across multiple geographies. CureSearch explicitly encourages applications from investigators from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in biomedical research.
Eligibility Criteria:
- MD, PhD, or MD-PhD with no more than six years beyond completion of post-doctoral training
- Must hold an academic appointment at the Instructor or Assistant Professor level (or have a confirmed transition into such a position anticipated within the first year of funding) at an institution in the US, South America, EU, UK, Japan, Canada, China, or Australia
- Must not hold an independent NIH “R” or “P” award at the time of application (K99/R00 holders are eligible)
- May concurrently hold an NIH “K” award
- Must have an identified academic mentor; mentor letter required
- Institutional affiliation must be a non-profit academic institution; collaborations with biotech/pharma are encouraged
Funding Details:
- $75,000 per year for three years ($225,000 total), inclusive of up to 10% indirect costs
- Up to four awards available, contingent on funds and scientific merit
- Travel costs allowable up to $5,000 per year; equipment costs limited to ≤20% of total direct costs
- Personnel salaries capped at the NIH salary cap ($228,000/year base)
- Continued second- and third-year funding contingent on non-competitive review and milestone completion
Deadline:
- LOI deadline: April 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET (submit via proposalCENTRAL)
- LOI notification/full applications invited: May 11, 2026
- Full application deadline: July 16, 2026
- Earliest project start: January 1, 2027
Where to Go for Further Information:
- Apply via ProposalCentral
- Programmatic inquiries (eligibility, requirements): researchgrants@curesearch.org
- Technical support (ProposalCentral): pcsupport@altum.com