The AACR’s Maximizing Opportunity for New Advancements in Research in Cancer (MONARCA) Grant supports talented early-career investigators in Latin America. This two-year, $55,000 grant helps young clinicians and scientists in Latin American countries conduct locally relevant cancer research, building capacity for cancer control and treatment in the region.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Career stage: Beginning investigators (e.g. junior faculty, clinicians, or scientists) who have completed training and are starting independent research. Applicants should be within a few years of their terminal degree or fellowship, as defined in the RFP.
- Residence: Must reside and conduct research in a Latin American country. Proof of current residency in Latin America is required. Eligible countries include Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, and others across Central/South America and the Caribbean.
- Focus: The project must address a cancer issue relevant to Latin American populations (e.g. local cancer burden, regional public health needs). All grant funds (except limited travel funds) must be spent within Latin America.
- Education: Must hold at least a terminal degree (MD, PhD, DrPH, or equivalent). Master’s-level investigators (e.g. MPH) are eligible if that’s the highest degree in their country.
- Other: Must have legal residency status in a Latin American country. AACR membership is encouraged (nonmembers must apply if invited to submit full proposal).
Funding Details:
- Grant Amount: $55,000 USD over 2 years.
- Grant Term: 2 years (anticipated start Sept 1, 2026, through Aug 31, 2028).
- Use of Funds: Supports salary, research supplies, and project costs at the Latin American host institution. Funds cannot support PIs outside Latin America (collaborators abroad must use other resources). Travel support is limited to presenting findings at scientific meetings.
- Mentorship & Training: Grantees will receive mentorship and may partake in AACR’s scientific exchange initiatives. The goal is to cultivate independent cancer researchers who remain in-region.
Deadline:
- Letter of Intent Deadline: January 22, 2026 by 6:00 PM UTC (1:00 PM EST).
- Full Application Deadline: 2026-05-14 (May 14, 2026) by 6:00 PM UTC, for invited applicants only.
- LOI outcomes announced March 2026. Final grant decisions by July 2026. Grant start date is September 1, 2026.
Where to go for further information: