The Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) Pilot Award 2026–2027 supports innovative, high-risk/high-reward melanoma research projects that can generate preliminary data and establish new directions in melanoma prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or understanding of disease biology.
The award is designed for exploratory research that may be too early for traditional funding mechanisms but has the potential to lead to major advances in melanoma research. Projects may address basic, translational, or clinical questions relevant to improving outcomes for patients with melanoma.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree.
- Applicants must conduct research at an eligible nonprofit academic, medical, or research institution.
- Investigators from institutions worldwide may be eligible.
- Both established investigators entering new areas and early-career researchers may apply.
- Research must focus on melanoma.
- Applicants must meet MRA eligibility requirements outlined in the official request for proposals.
Funding Details
- Funding: Up to $100,000
- Duration: 2 years
Deadline
- Eligibility checklist and required documents deadline: September 14, 2026
- Proposal deadline: November 5, 2026
- Funding decisions: 2027
Further Information
- The Pilot Award is part of the MRA General Request for Proposals.
- Applications undergo scientific peer review based on significance, innovation, approach, investigator capability, and potential impact.
- Applications are submitted through the MRA online application system.
- Official Melanoma Research Alliance Funding Opportunities