The Lung Cancer Research Foundation, in collaboration with AstraZeneca, is offering a research award supporting innovative strategies to improve the treatment of small cell lung cancer. The program prioritizes research that strengthens understanding of SCLC biology while developing approaches with the potential to improve treatment outcomes and survivorship.
Priority areas include advanced screening and diagnostic technologies, liquid biopsies, circulating tumour DNA, blood-based biomarkers, artificial intelligence, radiomics, treatment resistance, immuno-oncology biomarkers, and biospecimen-based research. Correlative translational research that can accelerate progress across the SCLC care continuum is strongly encouraged. (Lung Cancer Research Foundation)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Investigators must be affiliated with a nonprofit academic or research institution.
- The call is open to applicants from US-based institutions, regardless of residency or citizenship status.
- Postdoctoral researchers, clinical fellows, and investigators at any level of research experience may apply.
- The proposed research must include studies involving patients with small cell lung cancer.
- Proposals may include multiple related projects focused on understanding SCLC biology or improving outcomes for patients.
- Multicomponent proposals must designate one project leader responsible for administrative leadership.
- The use of patient tissue or blood samples is encouraged where appropriate.
- A patient or patient advocate must be included on the research team and contribute to the design of the research.
- LCRF encourages teams to compensate participating patient advocates and include this expense in the proposed budget.
- Applicants currently receiving LCRF funding are not eligible.
- Applicants may submit to only one LCRF funding track during the same grant cycle. Other members of the applicant’s laboratory may still hold or apply for separate LCRF funding.
Funding Details:
- At least one award of up to USD 500,000 will be provided.
- The funding period is three years, equivalent to approximately USD 166,667 per year.
- The LCRF award must serve as the proposal’s primary source of research support, although secondary funding for services such as core facilities is permitted.
- At least two-thirds of the award should support the scientific work associated with the proposal.
- Direct patient-care costs reimbursable through other sources may not be included.
- Salary support is permitted, but all costs must be appropriately justified. Salary requests exceeding 20% of a project budget require explicit justification.
- Equipment expenses must be limited and directly relevant to the proposed research.
- Travel and publication costs are permitted.
- Up to 10% of the award may support institutional indirect, facilities, or administrative costs.
Deadline:
- Letter of Intent deadline: July 15, 2026.
- Applicants will be notified of the LOI decision: August–September 2026.
- Invited full proposal deadline: October 5, 2026.
- Full proposal review period: October–November 2026.
- Anticipated project start: December 2026.
All deadlines follow US Eastern Time. (Lung Cancer Research Foundation)
Further Information:
- Questions regarding the funding opportunity may be sent to grants@lcrf.org.
- Visit the official LCRF funding opportunities page for the complete application information.
- Download the official 2026 request for proposals.