CURE Childhood Cancer invites research proposals from scientists and researchers working on innovative, promising projects aimed at improving outcomes for children with cancer. Through its funding, CURE hopes to contribute to breakthroughs that will give children the best possible chance at surviving their cancer without compromising their future quality of life. To further this goal, CURE offers two distinct types of research grants: investigator-initiated grants and specialized grants for high-impact projects in areas of high unmet need. These grants support a wide range of research, from basic science to clinical trials, all designed to advance the fight against childhood cancer.
About the Grants
Translation to CURE Award (T2C):
The Translation to CURE Award (T2C) is intended for established researchers at any stage of their careers, ranging from early career scientists to full professors. This award aims to support projects that have a significant potential to improve clinical care and outcomes for children with cancer. By providing funding for up to two years, it allows investigators the time and resources necessary to advance promising research that bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. The award provides $150,000 per year in direct costs, plus an additional 10 percent for indirect costs, leading to a total funding amount of $330,000 over the two years. This funding is designed to help bring innovative ideas and treatments to the forefront of pediatric cancer research.
This award is highly competitive and encourages researchers to submit proposals that focus on transformative discoveries with clear potential to enhance clinical practice. It is particularly well-suited for established investigators who have a track record of research excellence and are looking to push the boundaries of current understanding in pediatric oncology. The T2C is also seen as a way to foster the development of new therapeutic approaches, medical technologies, or diagnostic tools that could significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for children battling cancer. The goal is to fund high-impact projects that have the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment for the younger population.
Early Investigator Award (EI):
The Early Investigator Award (EI) is designed to support the next generation of researchers and physician-scientists who are in the initial stages of their academic careers. This award recognizes the importance of providing early-career scientists with the funding they need to establish themselves in the field of childhood cancer research. Eligible candidates include physician-scientists (MD or MD/PhD) who are within five years of completing their clinical fellowship and are in the early stages of setting up their research programs. PhD scientists who have been appointed as tenure-track assistant professors within the past five years are also eligible for this award. By providing these promising early-career scientists with financial support, CURE aims to foster innovation and creativity in childhood cancer research.
The Early Investigator Award supports projects with the potential to make significant strides in understanding and treating childhood cancers. This funding is meant to encourage the development of new hypotheses, experimental models, and innovative research methodologies. With $100,000 in direct costs per year, plus 10 percent indirect costs, for a total of $220,000 over two years, the EI award provides crucial resources for investigators at a pivotal stage in their careers. In addition to financial support, recipients of the Early Investigator Award benefit from exposure to the wider childhood cancer research community, offering opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth. CURE’s goal is to help establish the foundation for the next generation of leaders in pediatric oncology research.
2025 Timeline of Researches
- January 13, 2025 – Announcement of funding opportunities
- February 14, 2025 – Deadline for LOI submissions
- March 3, 2025 – Invitations sent to selected applicants to apply
- March 28, 2025 – Deadline for full applications
- June 2025 – CURE’s Board of Directors reviews the Peer Review Committee’s recommendations and makes final research funding decisions
- June 11-20, 2025 – Applicants are notified of funding decisions
About CURE Childhood Cancer
CURE Childhood Cancer was founded in 1975 during a time when survival rates for children diagnosed with cancer were alarmingly low. Over the years, through focused and collaborative research efforts, survival rates have improved significantly, reaching above 80%. However, despite this progress, cancer continues to be the leading cause of death by disease in children, and a concerning statistic reveals that more than 95% of childhood cancer survivors will face significant health issues by the time they reach 45 years old. This stark reality highlights the ongoing need for more research, better treatments, and improved long-term care for children who battle cancer.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI), established to lead the global fight against cancer, has been instrumental in advancing scientific progress in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. However, when it comes to childhood cancers, the level of funding and attention has remained insufficient. Shockingly, only 5% of the NCI’s research budget is allocated to childhood cancers, resulting in a significant disparity in research investment. As a result, many children with cancer still face outdated treatment options that have not evolved as rapidly as those for adult cancers, hindering the progress needed to find more effective and targeted therapies for young patients.
CURE Childhood Cancer plays a vital role as a leading pediatric cancer charity. The organization is dedicated to filling the void in funding and research for childhood cancers. By focusing on the specific needs of children, CURE ensures that vital research continues to make strides in developing innovative treatments that can save lives and improve the quality of life for survivors. CURE’s commitment to funding cutting-edge research and supporting children and families through their cancer journeys remains a cornerstone of the organization’s mission, aiming to change the course of childhood cancer for future generations.
More about the CURE Childhood Cancer’s childhood cancer research.