The Melanoma Research Foundation Established Investigator Award (EIA) is one of the most prestigious senior-level research grants in the melanoma and skin cancer field, providing $250,000 over two years to support high-impact investigator-initiated projects conducted at US non-profit research institutions. The EIA targets proven, senior researchers who wish to tackle emerging and unmet challenges in melanoma — including rare melanoma subtypes such as uveal, mucosal, and acral melanoma in addition to cutaneous disease. The 2026 cycle selected applicants based on Letters of Intent submitted in October 2025 and is now accepting full applications via ProposalCentral through March 31, 2026. The MRF’s Scientific Advisory Committee defines annual Special Topic Priorities (STPs) that proposals are encouraged (but not required) to address; scientific merit remains the primary review criterion.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must hold a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree
- Must hold the academic rank of Associate Professor or higher (or equivalent senior research position)
- Must be employed at a US-based non-profit research organization, medical school, or educational institution for the duration of the award; US citizenship is not required but a legal right to work in the US is required
- Must have submitted a Letter of Intent (LOI) by October 31, 2025 and received an invitation to submit a full application (only invited applicants may submit full applications in the current cycle)
- Applicants are limited to one EIA application per year; concurrent MRF funding of the same project is not permitted
- Research must focus on melanoma (including uveal, mucosal, acral, and pediatric subtypes); adjacent field investigators seeking to redirect expertise into melanoma are eligible
Funding Details:
- Up to $125,000/year for 2 years ($250,000 total)
- Covers direct research costs including personnel, supplies, and equipment
- Indirect costs are not covered
- Award period: October 31, 2026 – October 30, 2028
- Payments disbursed in three installments over the two-year award period
Deadline:
- Full application deadline: March 31, 2026, 11:59 PM ET (invited applicants only)
- Applications submitted via ProposalCentral
- Award decisions announced: August 2026
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