The Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Foundation–AACR NextGen Grant for Transformative Cancer Research provides $300,000 over three years to an early-career assistant professor committed to driving paradigm-shifting discoveries in triple negative breast cancer research. Re-established in 2024 through TNBC Foundation’s renewed partnership with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), this grant is designed to fund bold, unconventional approaches to understanding, treating, detecting, or preventing TNBC — specifically research that may not receive support through conventional funding channels. The award covers basic, translational, and clinical research and aligns with TNBC Foundation’s three strategic priorities: developing more targeted, less toxic therapies; expanding molecular subtyping for precision medicine; and investigating nutrition, metabolism, and disease prevention. AACR membership is required. The LOI deadline is April 14, 2026; full applications are due August 4, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must hold a tenure-track or equivalent position at the rank of assistant professor at the start of the grant term (November 1, 2026)
- Appointments such as research assistant professor, adjunct assistant professor, visiting professor, or instructor are eligible
- Must hold a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent)
- Must be an active AACR member in good standing; non-members may apply for AACR membership concurrently
- Proposed research must focus on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and align with TNBC Foundation’s strategic research priorities
- Projects may be basic, translational, or clinical in nature
- International applicants are eligible; the AACR accepts applications from investigators at institutions worldwide
Funding Details:
- Award amount: $300,000 total over three years
- Allowable costs include salary and benefits for the awardee, research personnel, supplies, equipment, and publication charges for funded work
- No indirect costs are permitted (per AACR standard policy for these awards)
- Grant term: November 1, 2026 through October 31, 2029 (approximate)
- Decision date: October 2026
Deadline:
- Letter of Intent (LOI): April 14, 2026
- Full Application Deadline: August 4, 2026
- Decision date: October 2026
- Grant start date: November 1, 2026
- Applications submitted via AACR ProposalCentral portal
Contact / Further Information:
- TNBC Foundation Research Grants
- AACR Grants Program
- AACR Grant Inquiries: grants@aacr.org
- TNBC Foundation