The Stand Up To Cancer–Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (PNOC) and PNOC Foundation Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) Discoveries Challenge provides up to $1,000,000 for up to two years to support highly innovative translational research aimed at achieving a step-change improvement in treatment for diffuse midline glioma (DMG), including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).
The program is specifically focused on research with strong potential to move rapidly toward patients. Proposed projects should seek to translate promising discoveries into a clinical research study within 18–24 months, with the ultimate goal of improving long-term survival and quality of life for children, adolescents, and young adults diagnosed with DMG.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applications are submitted by research teams proposing translational DMG research.
- Projects must focus on diffuse midline glioma, including DIPG.
- Candidate therapeutic targets and/or interventions should already have been identified.
- Projects should be sufficiently mature to support translation toward a clinical research study within approximately 18–24 months.
- Teams proposing research at an earlier stage of clinical development should clearly explain the pathway toward further development, clinical testing, and eventual implementation.
- Applicants should review the full RFA in ProposalCentral before applying, as the publicly accessible announcement does not provide enough information to confirm individual PI or institutional eligibility.
Funding Details
- Maximum funding: Up to $1,000,000 per project
- Maximum project period: Up to 2 years
- A current University of Illinois Cancer Center summary of the RFA states that the program expects to award up to two grants.
The same summary lists an indirect cost limit of 10%.
Deadline
- Application deadline: September 30, 2026
- Project duration: Up to 2 years
- Intended clinical translation: Within 18–24 months of project start.
- Current status: Open
Further Information
- Official program information: Visit the PNOC Foundation DMG Discoveries Challenge announcement for the official program overview, funding amount, duration, translational objective, and deadline.
- Stand Up To Cancer funding opportunities: Review the Stand Up To Cancer Grant and Award Opportunities page for the current DMG Discoveries Challenge listing and other SU2C research opportunities.
- Application portal: Applications are submitted through ProposalCentral; search for “Stand Up To Cancer” under Grant Opportunities and select the DMG Discoveries Challenge.
- Detailed RFA and eligibility: Applicants should use the complete RFA available through ProposalCentral to confirm PI eligibility, institutional requirements, permitted costs, team structure, application documents, and the exact submission time.
- Program contact: Questions about the opportunity may be directed to the PNOC Foundation using the contact information provided on the official DMG Discoveries Challenge page.