The Sontag Foundation Distinguished Scientist Award is a major career development award for early-career investigators in brain cancer research in the United States and Canada. It provides substantial long-term support for high-risk, high-impact projects with transformative potential in neuro-oncology. The funding period for 2026 grants will begin on or about October 14, 2026 and end on September 30, 2031, providing five years of sustained support. Awardees also receive access to a prestigious network of brain cancer scientists and are required to attend an annual scientific retreat.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Early-career faculty at tax-exempt academic, medical, or research institutions in the US or Canada
- Applicants must have received their first independent faculty appointment no earlier than March 1, 2021 and no later than January 1, 2026
- Must hold an MD and/or PhD (or equivalent) with a track record in brain tumor or brain cancer research
- Projects must focus on brain tumor biology, mechanisms, diagnostics, therapy, or clinical outcomes; traditional clinical trials are generally not supported
- Reapplications in subsequent years of eligibility accepted by invitation only
Funding Details:
- $150,000 per year for 5 years ($750,000 total); up to $19,500/year may be allocated for indirect costs (included within the annual payout)
- Disbursements made quarterly to the sponsoring institution
- Annual attendance at the Foundation’s scientific retreat is required (all eligible expenses covered)
Deadline:
- The 2026 Application Portal is open and will close on March 18, 2026
Where to Go for Further Information: