The SebastianStrong Foundation Discovery Science Award 2027 supports research developing more targeted, less toxic treatments for childhood cancers. The foundation funds early-stage discoveries that could improve care for children whose treatment options remain limited.
Its previous investments include CAR-T approaches for rhabdomyosarcoma, cellular therapies for osteosarcoma, and focused ultrasound research for diffuse midline glioma. The program helps promising research move towards clinical application.
Eligibility Criteria
- Submitting institutions or organisations must be based in the United States.
- Projects must focus on paediatric cancer.
- Research must aim to develop more targeted, less toxic treatments.
- Proposals must demonstrate potential to progress towards a clinical trial within 1–3 years.
- Ongoing clinical trials are ineligible.
- A maximum of two letters of intent may be submitted per institution, organisation, or researcher; internal selection requirements apply.
- Applicants must disclose conflicts of interest.
- The LOI must use language accessible to nonscientific readers and include the principal investigator’s CV or biography.
Funding Details
- Typical maximum award: US $500,000.
- Exceptional proposals may be considered for higher funding.
- Indirect costs are included and cannot exceed 15% of the total award.
- Applicants specify the requested funding and project period.
Deadline
- Letter of intent: November 30, 2026.
- Full-proposal invitations: February 15, 2027.
- Invited full proposals: March 31, 2027.
- Award notification: May 15, 2027.