10 Major Cancer Research Grants Offering $1M+

This edition of OncoGrants spotlights Major Cancer Research funding opportunities offering more than $1M per award, with deadlines running from September 2026 through January 2027. The selection spans the full cancer research pipeline — from early-career investigator development and immunotherapy research to multimillion-dollar clinical trials, cancer informatics, early detection, palliative care, and international collaborative programs.

Several of the opportunities are especially notable for their scale and translational potential. NCI programs provide up to $2.5–3 million for early-phase clinical trials and advanced cancer informatics, while the Cancer Research KI–Mayo Clinic CCC Synergy Grant offers up to $2 million for collaborative research in risk assessment, early detection, interception, AI, and data-driven oncology. Horizon Europe adds one of the largest opportunities in the group, with approximately €5 million per project for earlier and more precise palliative care research.

Career development also features prominently. The CRI IGNITE Award, CRI Lloyd J. Old STAR Program, and Kidney Cancer Early-Career Scholar Award provide seven-figure support at different stages of research independence, while the NCI Paul Calabresi K12 program supports institutions developing the next generation of clinician-scientists in oncology.

Whether you are an early-career investigator preparing to establish an independent laboratory, a clinical researcher planning an early-phase cancer trial, or a multidisciplinary team building a large translational program, these seven-figure OncoGrants represent some of the most substantial funding opportunities currently approaching their application deadlines.

1. Kidney Cancer Early-Career Scholar Award 2026

The FY26 Kidney Cancer Research Program Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators – Early-Career Scholar Award supports promising researchers and physician-scientists pursuing independent careers in kidney cancer research.

Recipients join the virtual Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators, which provides intensive mentorship, national networking, scientific collaboration, leadership development, and a peer community of early-career kidney cancer researchers. Scholars conduct a four-year research project under the guidance of an established kidney cancer investigator and participate in monthly virtual meetings and required in-person Academy workshops.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be independent early-career researchers or physician-scientists affiliated with an eligible organization.
• Applicants must have approximately 50% institutional protected time for kidney cancer research and Academy activities.
• Applicants recommended for funding cannot hold a concurrent career-development-type award when the Kidney Cancer Research Program award is issued.
• Each applicant may serve as Principal Investigator on only one FY26 Early-Career Scholar Award application.
• Applicants must identify a Designated Mentor who is an independent, established kidney cancer investigator with a strong record of publications, funding, and successful mentorship.
• The institutional mentor must be an independent researcher with relevant expertise and a record of cancer research funding but is not required to specialize in kidney cancer.
• There are no citizenship, nationality, or ethnicity restrictions.

Funding Details:

• The maximum award amount is USD 1.2 million in total costs.
• The maximum project period is four years.
• Approximately USD 2.4 million is expected to support around two Early-Career Scholar Awards.
• Both direct and indirect costs must be included within the USD 1.2 million total-cost limit.
• Funding may support salaries for the Early-Career Scholar, Designated Mentor, institutional mentor, and research staff.
• Tuition and clinical-trial expenses are not eligible.

Deadline:

• Required Letter of Intent deadline: September 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Full application deadline: September 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Application verification period ends: October 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Peer review: December 2026.
• Awards are expected to be issued no later than September 30, 2027.

Further Information:

• Projects may involve basic, translational, or clinical research, but clinical trials are not allowed. Preliminary data demonstrating project feasibility are required, although the data do not need to come from kidney cancer research.
• Applications must address at least one FY26 Kidney Cancer Research Program focus area, such as kidney cancer biology, early detection, rare kidney cancers, less toxic treatments, survivorship, health outcomes, or development of the next generation of kidney cancer investigators.
• The application process requires a one-page Letter of Intent through eBRAP followed by a complete full application; the LOI is mandatory but is used for planning rather than competitive screening, and applicants do not need to wait for an invitation.
• The full application requires a Project Narrative, Career Development and Sustainment Plan, technical and lay abstracts, Impact Statement, Statement of Work, mentor letters, Statement of Eligibility, budget, biosketches, and current and pending support.
• Official program information and application details: Visit the CDMRP funding opportunities page and search for Funding Opportunity Number HT942526KCRPAKCIECSA to access the complete announcement, submission portals, application forms, General Application Instructions, and current updates.

2. FY26 Kidney Cancer Research Program Idea Development Award

The FY26 Kidney Cancer Research Program Idea Development Award supports high-impact research ideas that advance the understanding of kidney cancer and have the potential to improve patient care and outcomes.

Projects must present a well-formulated, testable hypothesis supported by a strong scientific rationale, preliminary data, and a clearly developed research approach. Applications may use either a single Principal Investigator or a Partnering PI model that brings together two investigators with complementary expertise.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Principal Investigators must hold a position at or above the level of Assistant Professor or an equivalent independent appointment.
• Applicants may serve as a single PI, Initiating PI, or Partnering PI.
• Each investigator may be named as PI on only one FY26 Kidney Cancer Research Program Idea Development Award application.
• Eligible U.S. federal and Department of War organizations may also apply.
• There are no restrictions based on citizenship, nationality, or ethnicity.
• Applications must address at least one of the designated FY26 Kidney Cancer Research Program focus areas.
• Preliminary data do not need to originate exclusively from kidney cancer studies and may include relevant published or unpublished data.

Funding Details:

• Single-PI projects may request up to USD 900,000 in total costs.
• Projects using the Partnering PI option may request up to USD 1.2 million in combined total costs.
• The maximum period of performance is three years.
• Approximately USD 7.8 million is expected to support around eight Idea Development Awards.
• Clinical-trial expenses and scientific-meeting travel exceeding the stated limits are not allowed.

Deadline:

• Required Letter of Intent deadline: September 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Full application deadline: September 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Application verification period ends: October 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Peer review: December 2026.
• Awards are expected to be issued no later than September 30, 2027.

Further Information:

• Eligible research may address kidney cancer biology, progression, metastasis, treatment resistance, prevention, screening, early detection, biomarkers, rare kidney cancers, less toxic treatments, survivorship, quality of life, or outcomes in high-risk populations.
• The application process requires a mandatory one-page Letter of Intent through eBRAP followed by a full application; the LOI is used for planning and is not competitively screened, so applicants do not wait for an invitation.
• The Partnering PI option requires one Initiating PI to submit the LOI, followed by separate but linked full-application packages and budgets from both investigators.
• Full applications require a 12-page Project Narrative, technical and lay abstracts, Statement of Work, Impact Statement, Post-Award Progression Plan, budget, biosketches, current and pending support, and additional materials applicable to the proposed research.
• Official program information and application details: Visit the CDMRP funding opportunities page and search for Funding Opportunity Number HT942526KCRPIDA to access the complete announcement, application package, submission portals, General Application Instructions, and current program updates.

3. Horizon Europe Earlier and More Precise Palliative Care Grant 2026

The Horizon Europe “Earlier and More Precise Palliative Care” call supports collaborative research developing innovative models that introduce palliative care earlier in the cancer pathway and adapt care to patients’ individual needs, preferences, and circumstances.

Projects should combine person-centred care with digital tools, artificial intelligence, home-based options, improved communication, and better referral and workforce models. Proposed approaches should be tested in real-world settings through implementation research and, where appropriate, clinical trials.

Eligibility Criteria:

• This is an institutional and consortium-based funding opportunity rather than an individual investigator award.
• Universities, research institutions, hospitals, healthcare organisations, nonprofit organisations, companies, SMEs, public authorities, and other organisations with the necessary operational and financial capacity may participate.
• For most Horizon Europe calls, applications must include at least three independent partner organisations from three different EU Member States or Horizon Europe-associated countries.
• Additional organisations from other eligible or non-associated countries may participate under the applicable Horizon Europe funding and participation rules.
• Applicants should assemble expertise relevant to oncology, palliative medicine, healthcare delivery, digital health, artificial intelligence, clinical research, implementation science, workforce planning, and patient-centred care.
• Participation is subject to the topic’s restrictions concerning the protection of European communication networks.

Funding Details:

• Expected EU contribution: approximately EUR 5 million per project.
• Total indicative budget: EUR 15 million.
• Approximately three projects are expected to receive funding.
• Applicants may request a different amount when justified by the proposed research.

Deadline:

• Call opening: February 2026.
• Full proposal deadline: September 15, 2026, at 17:00 Brussels local time.
• Application process: Single-stage.

Further Information:

• Projects should develop earlier, personalised, integrated, and equitable palliative-care models, including options for remote and home-based care.
• Proposed models should be tested and validated in real-world settings through implementation research and clinical trials, with appropriate consideration of age, sex, and gender.
• Artificial intelligence and digital tools may be used to predict care needs, identify patient preferences, support real-time communication, and improve the allocation of resources.
• Successful projects must collaborate with relevant EU4Health initiatives and join the EU Cancer Mission’s Quality of Life project cluster.
• Official program information and application details: Visit the EU Funding & Tenders Portal topic page for application documents, eligibility conditions, submission templates, partner-search tools, and current call updates.

4. NCI Investigator-Initiated Early Phase Cancer Clinical Trials Grant

The National Cancer Institute’s Investigator-Initiated Early Phase Clinical Trials for Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis program provides R01 funding for clinical research evaluating new or improved approaches to cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Applications must include at least one NIH-defined clinical trial and may involve Phase 0, Phase I, or Phase II studies. Research may address anticancer drugs and biologics, immunotherapies, imaging technologies, radiation therapy, surgical interventions, biomarkers, diagnostics, devices, or complementary and integrative approaches relevant to NCI research priorities. (Grants.gov)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Public and private institutions of higher education are eligible.
• Eligible state, local, tribal, and federal government organizations may apply.
• Foreign/non-U.S. organizations are eligible.
• Organizations may submit more than one application provided the proposals are scientifically distinct.
• New, renewal, resubmission, and revision applications are permitted.
• Cost sharing or matching funds are not required.

Funding Details:

• Maximum budget: $499,999 in direct costs per year.
• Maximum project period: 5 years.
• Therefore, a project funded at the maximum annual amount for five years could receive up to $2,499,995 in direct costs.
• The number of awards is not predetermined and depends on NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications.
• Grant Amount: Up to $2,499,995 in direct costs over 5 years

Deadline for the remaining 2026 submission cycle:

• New applications: October 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization
• Renewal, resubmission, and revision applications: November 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM local time
• NOFO expiration: January 8, 2027

Further Information:

• Official program page: Review the opportunity on Simpler.Grants.gov for the official listing, eligibility information, funding details, and application documents.
• Full NCI funding announcement: Read PAR-25-081 on the NIH Grants & Funding website for complete program requirements, research scope, review criteria, and submission instructions.
• Application submission: Applications may be prepared and submitted through NIH ASSIST, an institutional system-to-system solution, or Grants.gov Workspace.
• Scientific contacts: NCI provides separate program contacts for therapeutic, imaging, radiation research, biomarker, complementary medicine, and HIV/AIDS malignancy studies. Applicants are encouraged to contact the relevant NCI scientific officer approximately 12 weeks before submission; contact information is available in Section VII of the official NOFO.
• Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-25-081. Applicants should use this number when searching NIH/Grants.gov systems and preparing their application.

5. NCI Paul Calabresi Career Development Award for Clinical Oncology

The NCI Paul Calabresi Career Development Award for Clinical Oncology supports institutions establishing structured career-development programs for clinician-scientists pursuing clinical and translational cancer research.

The K12 program provides protected research time, mentorship, research support, and career-development activities to prepare scholars for independent careers in cancer research. Scholars cannot lead an independent clinical trial under this award, but they may gain research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor.

Eligibility Criteria:

• This is an institutional K12 award. Individual clinician-scientists do not apply directly to NCI for the grant; eligible institutions apply and subsequently select scholars for their programs.
• Eligible U.S. applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, certain government and tribal organizations, and other eligible domestic entities.
• The Program Director/Principal Investigator should be an established cancer investigator capable of providing scientific and administrative leadership.
• PDs/PIs are expected to hold independent R01 or R01-equivalent cancer-focused research support at the time of application and award.
• Scholars must be U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or lawful permanent residents at the time of appointment.
• Scholars generally must devote at least 75% of full-time professional effort to research and related career development.

Funding Details:

• For a new K12 program, direct costs are limited to USD 50,000 in Year 1 for curriculum development, planning, advertising, and scholar recruitment.
• Scholars begin appointments in the second year, when the program may request up to USD 750,000 in direct costs annually.
• A new five-year program could therefore request up to approximately USD 3.05 million in direct costs across the full project period, subject to annual limits and justification.
• Renewal programs may request up to USD 750,000 in direct costs per year for five years, or up to USD 3.75 million.
• Maximum project period: 5 years.
• Scholar salary support may be requested up to USD 110,000 per scholar, plus applicable fringe benefits.

Deadline:

• Earliest submission/open date: September 12, 2026.
• First new application deadline: October 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. local time of the applicant organization.
• First renewal/resubmission deadline: November 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. local time.
• Additional new application deadlines include February 12, 2027 and June 12, 2027, with subsequent cycles continuing through 2029.
• NOFO expiration date: March 13, 2029.

Further Information:

• The program is designed to increase the number of clinician-scientists trained in clinical and translational cancer research and help them progress toward independent cancer-research careers.
• Scholars may participate in mentor-led clinical trials but cannot propose to lead an independent clinical trial under this NOFO.
• Institutions must provide a structured research career-development program, qualified mentors, appropriate research opportunities, protected scholar time, and sufficient institutional resources.
• Applications may be submitted through NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or an eligible institutional system-to-system submission process.
• Official program information and application details: View PAR-27-025 on Simpler.Grants.gov

6. NCI Advanced Cancer Informatics Technology Grant

The NCI Advanced Development of Informatics Technologies for Cancer Research and Management program supports emerging informatics technologies that have moved beyond initial prototyping and pilot development but still require substantial enhancement, validation, dissemination, and broader adoption.

Projects may address cancer biology, treatment, diagnosis, early detection, risk assessment, prevention, cancer control, epidemiology, clinical research, and translational research. Technologies should offer clear advantages over existing approaches and demonstrate strong potential to benefit the broader cancer research community.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education.
• State, county, city, tribal, federal, and other eligible governmental organizations may apply.
• Foreign components of U.S. organizations are also permitted, although applications involving foreign subawards or subcontracts are not accepted under this NOFO.
• Multiple-PD/PI applications are permitted.
• For a single-PI project, the PI must commit at least 15% effort (1.8 person-months per year).
• For multiple-PI projects, each PI must commit at least 10% effort (1.2 person-months per year).

Funding Details:

• Maximum budget: $600,000 in direct costs per year, excluding consortium F&A costs.
• Maximum project period: 5 years.
• A project funded at the maximum annual level for five years could therefore request up to $3 million in direct costs, subject to NCI approval and annual budget justification.
• NCI intends to commit approximately $2.6 million in FY2027 to this funding opportunity.
• Approximately 3 awards are expected.

Deadline:

• Applications opened: June 1, 2026.
• Next and final application deadline: October 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. local time of the applicant organization.
• Scientific merit review: March 2027 for applications submitted by October 19.
• Advisory Council review: May 2027.
• Earliest project start date: July 2027.
• NOFO expiration date: October 20, 2026.
• Late applications will not be accepted.

Further Information:

• Eligible technology areas include machine learning and deep learning, data mining and visualization, clinical decision-support systems, clinical-trial matching tools, multimodal data integration, data standards, workflow platforms, mathematical and statistical methods, and personalized modeling and simulation.
• This opportunity is intended for advanced development, not early-stage or exploratory technology development. Applicants must provide evidence that the existing software or technology has already passed initial prototyping and pilot development.
• Projects primarily applying existing data-analysis methods are not responsive, and data-generation activities cannot exceed 10% of the project budget in any single year.
• Awardees must engage cancer researchers and end users throughout development and provide plans for user support, documentation, training, dissemination, software/model sharing, and participation in the NCI Informatics Technology for Cancer Research program.
• Official program information and application details: See the official Simpler.Grants.gov listing and full NCI announcement for RFA-CA-27-020, including application forms, eligibility requirements, budget instructions, review criteria, and submission guidance.

7. NCI Sustained Cancer Informatics Technology Grant

The NCI Sustained Support for Informatics Technologies for Cancer Research and Management program provides long-term support for established, widely adopted informatics tools and resources that have demonstrated significant impact across the cancer research continuum.

Projects should maintain and enhance high-value technologies used in cancer biology, diagnosis, treatment, early detection, prevention, epidemiology, clinical research, and translational research while ensuring that resources remain scientifically relevant, accessible, interoperable, and responsive to the needs of their research communities. (Simpler Grants)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education.
• State, local, tribal, federal, and other eligible governmental organizations may apply.
• Applications involving foreign subawards or subcontracts are not permitted under this NOFO.
• Applicant organizations may submit more than one application as long as each application is scientifically distinct.
• Applicants must provide evidence that the proposed informatics technology is already established and has demonstrated significant impact in cancer research.
• Projects primarily applying existing data-analysis methods without technology development or sustainment are not responsive.

Funding Details:

• Maximum budget: $600,000 in direct costs per year, excluding consortium F&A costs.
• Maximum project period: 5 years.
• A project receiving the maximum annual budget for the full five-year period could therefore request up to $3 million in direct costs.
• Approximately 2 awards are expected.

Deadline:

• NOFO posted: May 21, 2026.
• Applications opened: June 1, 2026.
• Next and final application deadline: October 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. local time of the applicant organization.
• NOFO expiration date: October 20, 2026.
• Late applications will not be accepted.

Further Information:

• Eligible technologies may include machine learning and deep learning systems, clinical decision-support tools, clinical-trial matching technologies, data visualization and analysis platforms, multimodal data integration, statistical and mathematical methods, research workflow platforms, data standards, and personalized modelling and simulation tools.
• Applicants must demonstrate that the existing technology has already achieved meaningful adoption and impact in cancer research and explain why continued support is necessary. Plans should address maintenance, performance, security, evolving user needs, documentation, training, outreach, and long-term sustainability.
• Software developed or maintained through the award must include an appropriate Software and Model Sharing Plan. NCI encourages broadly accessible software, open-source development, and clear plans for disseminating machine-learning models where applicable.
• Application and complete NOFO: View the official Simpler.Grants.gov opportunity and full RFA-CA-27-021 announcement. Applications may be prepared through NIH ASSIST, an institutional system-to-system solution, or Grants.gov Workspace.
• Program contact: Questions about the NCI Informatics Technology for Cancer Research program may be sent to nciitcr@mail.nih.gov. Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-CA-27-021.

8. Cancer Research KI–Mayo Clinic CCC Synergy Grant

Cancer Research KI–Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center invite applications for their new Synergy Grant funding mechanism, designed to support ambitious international collaborations that could produce major advances in cancer risk assessment, early detection, and interception.

The program seeks highly innovative projects that combine complementary expertise, infrastructure, datasets, and technologies from both institutions. Relevant areas include solid tumors, hematological malignancies, and advanced emerging tools and technologies, while projects developing or applying AI and Data-Driven Life Science methodologies are particularly encouraged.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Every application must be a joint Mayo Clinic–Karolinska Institutet collaboration and include one lead investigator from Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center and one lead investigator from Cancer Research KI.
• Mayo Clinic applicants must hold an eligible faculty position at one of the three Mayo Clinic sites. Eligible faculty categories specified in the call include AC, SAC, or Consultant positions.
• Cancer Research KI applicants must hold a PhD, work at a Karolinska Institutet department, and have at least 50% research time.
• Both new collaborations and teams with an existing history of Mayo–KI collaboration are eligible.
• Strong areas of potential collaboration include breast cancer and other solid tumors, hematological malignancies, and advanced emerging tools and technologies.
• Projects involving Artificial Intelligence and Data-Driven Life Science are especially encouraged, provided that applicable Swedish and U.S. legislation and patient-data protection requirements are addressed.

Funding Details:

• Maximum funding per project: Up to $2,000,000 in total costs over 4 years.
• The award consists of:
  Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center component: up to $250,000 per year for 4 years.
  Cancer Research KI component: up to SEK 2,500,000 per year for 4 years.
• Award duration: 4 years, structured as 2 + 2 years.
• Grant Amount: Up to $2,000,000 over 4 years

Deadline:

• Application deadline in Sweden: November 6, 2026, at 23:59
• Application deadline in Rochester, Minnesota: November 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM CT
• Award announcements: February 1, 2027
• Funding period: March 1, 2027 – February 28, 2031

Further Information:

• Official program information and application details: Visit the Cancer Research KI–Mayo Clinic CCC Synergy Grants page for the current eligibility criteria, funding details, deadlines, and program information.
• Full call document: Read the official Cancer Research KI–Mayo Clinic CCC Synergy Grant Call for detailed eligibility requirements, application instructions, evaluation criteria, budgets, and submission procedures.
• Suggested research topics: Review the official supplemental material for examples of potential projects and areas of synergy in solid tumors, hematological malignancies, AI, emerging technologies, and REDI research.
• Finding a collaborator: Investigators seeking a partner at the other institution may send a short project description to Angie Emanuel at emanuel.angela@mayo.edu and Liselotte Bäckdahl at liselotte.backdahl@ki.se for assistance identifying potential collaborators.
• Application and inquiries: Submit the completed application to mcccccrkicollab@mayo.edu and cancerresearchki@ki.se. Questions regarding the call, eligibility, or application process may also be directed to these addresses.

9. CRI IGNITE Award 2027

The CRI IGNITE Award supports promising postdoctoral researchers as they transition from mentored training to independent research careers in cancer immunology and immunotherapy.

The award combines up to two years of postdoctoral support with up to three additional years of funding after the researcher secures an independent faculty position. The program emphasizes protected research time, mentorship, career development, and institutional support needed to establish a successful independent research program.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be in a mentored postdoctoral position at the time of application.
• Applicants should have no more than five years of postdoctoral experience when applying.
• Applicants must commit to at least 12 months of mentored research before transitioning to the independence phase.
• There are no citizenship restrictions.
• The program is intended for researchers pursuing careers relevant to cancer immunology and immunotherapy.
• To enter Phase 2, awardees must first have received support through the IGNITE Foundation Phase.
• Phase 2 applicants must secure and accept a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor position or equivalent.

Funding Details:

• Maximum combined support: USD 1.05 million over up to five years.
• Phase 1 – Foundation Phase: up to USD 150,000 per year for two years, or USD 300,000 total.
• Phase 1 includes USD 90,000 per year in salary support and USD 60,000 per year for independent research activities.
• Phase 2 – Independence Phase: up to USD 250,000 per year for three years, or USD 750,000 total.
• Phase 2 funding begins after the awardee secures an eligible independent faculty appointment.
• Phase 2 support is contingent on the hiring institution providing an adequate start-up package.

Deadline:

• Application deadline: January 11, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Applicants are expected to receive committee decisions approximately 10–12 weeks after the application deadline.

Further Information:

• Applications require a CV and bibliography, research background and accomplishments, selected publications, career goals, and a structured Career Development Plan describing the applicant’s pathway toward research independence.
• Applicants must submit a research plan covering both the mentored and independent phases, including the significance, innovation, approach, expected outcomes, and how Phase 1 research will enable development of an independent program.
• The primary mentor must provide a detailed support statement describing mentorship, professional-development activities, supervision, and plans to help the applicant transition to an independent position.
• Two additional letters of recommendation are required from individuals other than the applicant’s primary mentor, along with mentor biosketches and information on current research support.
• Official program information and application details: Visit the CRI IGNITE Award page for eligibility requirements, application materials, funding details, and access to the application portal.

10. CRI Lloyd J. Old STAR Program 2027

The CRI Lloyd J. Old STAR Program – Scientists Taking Risks – provides long-term, flexible funding to exceptional mid-career investigators pursuing transformative research at the forefront of cancer immunology and immunotherapy.

Unlike a traditional project-specific grant, the STAR Program supports outstanding scientists and their broader research vision, giving recipients the freedom to explore unconventional ideas, unexpected scientific directions, and high-risk approaches that could lead to major advances in immune-based cancer treatment.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree.
• Applicants must hold an eligible tenure-track academic or research position.
• For the January 2027 application cycle, eligible Assistant Professors must have been appointed on or before July 1, 2024.
• Tenure-track Associate Professors must have held that position for no more than three years.
• There are no citizenship restrictions.
• Research conducted at for-profit institutions is not eligible for CRI support.

Funding Details:

• The STAR Program provides USD 1.25 million over five years.
• Funding is flexible and is not tied to a single narrowly defined research project.
• Institutions may receive indirect costs of up to 10% of the total amount awarded.
• This means total support may reach approximately USD 1.375 million, including the maximum allowable indirect costs.
• Awards must begin on the first day of a month.

Deadline:

• Application deadline: January 15, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Interview invitations: Early March 2027.
• Invited interviews: Spring 2027, with the exact date to be announced.
• Earliest award activation: July 1, 2027.

Further Information:

• The program prioritizes investigators capable of asking important, non-obvious scientific questions, connecting ideas across disciplines, and pursuing unconventional approaches with transformative potential.
• Applications require a 300-word non-technical abstract, a research proposal of up to four pages describing ongoing work and plans for the next five years, and information on five major peer-reviewed publications.
• Applicants must also provide a curriculum vitae, a bibliography focused on the previous five years and relevant publications, and a list of current research support.
• Applications must be submitted electronically through the CRI application portal. Supporting documents must be submitted individually as PDFs, using single spacing and a font size of at least 12 points.
• Official program information and application details: Visit the Cancer Research Institute website for the current Lloyd J. Old STAR Program guidelines, eligibility requirements, application resources, and program updates.

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