Competitive three-year career development awards co-sponsored by AACR to foster diversity and inclusion in cancer research leadership. These grants support junior faculty (assistant professors or equivalent) from underrepresented groups or with diversity-focused research, providing funding and mentorship to establish independent labs in any cancer discipline.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent) and not be candidates for further graduate/professional degrees. Clinical duties should be minimal, allowing protected research time.
- At the start of the grant term (Sept 1, 2026), must have a full-time faculty appointment at the assistant professor, instructor, or equivalent level. (If moving to a new institution for a faculty role, the position must be confirmed at application).
- “Early-stage” defined as first independent faculty appointment on or after Sept 1, 2020 (and no later than Sept 1, 2026). Must have their own laboratory space and institutional support for starting a research program.
- Open worldwide; no citizenship restrictions. Applicants from institutions outside their home country must ensure appropriate visa status for the project. Active AACR membership is required (nonmembers must apply for membership by the LOI deadline).
Funding Details:
- Award Amount: $300,000 USD total, paid over 3 years (approximately $100K/year).
- Grant Term: 3 years (Sept 2026 to Aug 2029). Funds may cover salary, research supplies, and other direct research costs to help secure protected time for the investigator. Indirect costs are not permitted.
- Includes structured mentorship: awardees work under a mentor at their institution and receive guidance to transition to research independence. Progress is reviewed annually by AACR.
- Awardees gain access to AACR’s network and career development events, and are expected to present their research progress at AACR meetings.
Deadline:
- Letter of Intent (pre-application) due 2026-01-27 by 1:00 PM ET. LOI is required; selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals.
- Full Application Deadline: 2026-05-19, 1:00 PM ET (for those invited after LOI review).
- LOI decisions announced by March 2026. Final grant recipients notified by July 2026. Grant term begins Sept 1, 2026.
Where to go for further information:
- Program details.