The ALSF R Accelerator Award supports investigators focused on pediatric oncology research who are working to accelerate the discovery of more effective, less toxic therapies for childhood cancers. Specifically designed for investigators who have secured their first NIH R01 or equivalent independent award in pediatric cancer, this grant provides funding for an original project that is not currently funded, enabling recipients to push innovative research forward more quickly. ALSF describes the R Accelerator as part of its Research Accelerator portfolio, filling critical gaps in pediatric cancer research by supporting investigators at a pivotal career juncture—early in their independent careers with demonstrated NIH-level competitiveness but needing additional resources to advance high-impact work. Applications are submitted directly as full proposals (no prior LOI required) through ProposalCentral.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicant institutions must be based in the United States or Canada; applicants need not be U.S. citizens. Funds must be granted to nonprofit institutions.
- Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, MD/PhD, DO, MBBS, or equivalent and be within 10 years of their first faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor level (higher ranks allowed).
- Applicants must be a first-time PI or co-PI (MPI) of a pediatric cancer research-focused NIH R01 award or equivalent independent award (e.g., DP1, DP2, DP5, R37, R56, RF1, RL1, U01, selected R35). The Notice of Award must be dated January 2021 or later (within 5 years).
- Investigators holding more than one NIH R01 or equivalent are not eligible.
- Applicants cannot be lead PIs on active ALSF-funded grants concurrent with the R Accelerator Award.
- The proposed project must be original and not currently funded, with clear documentation of how scientific and budgetary overlap with existing awards will be avoided.
Funding Details:
- Total award: Up to $800,000 USD in direct costs over 4 years ($200,000 maximum per year).
- Indirect costs are not allowed. ALSF adheres to the NIH Salary Cap.
- Allowable costs include personnel, fringe, travel, supplies, and small equipment. ALSF funds cannot be used for tuition remission.
- Non-renewable; one no-cost extension (max 12 months) may be requested with the final report.
Deadline:
- Full application due: June 11, 2026, 8:00 PM ET (via ProposalCentral).
- Award notification: November 2026; projected start: January 2027.
- R01 equivalency inquiries must be submitted to ALSF by May 14, 2026 (at least 4 weeks before due date).
Where to Go for Further Information:
- 2026 Application Guidelines.
- ALSF Applicants Page (forms, templates, policies).
- Contact: Margaret Poore, Grant Coordinator — M.Poore@AlexsLemonade.org