[Pershing Square Philanthropies](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org)

November 2026: Letter of Intent deadline (projected)

$250,000/year for 3 years ($750,000 total); minimum of six awards annually

Supports early-career U.S. scientists pursuing innovative, high-risk cancer research, with access to a collaborative network and mentorship.

Applicants may only apply twice; only one application per year across all Pershing Square Foundation prize programs.

--- ## Description The Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize is a prestigious award supporting early-career scientists across the United States who are conducting bold, high-risk cancer research. The program is designed to accelerate cures for cancer by enabling researchers to pursue innovative and unconventional ideas that may not receive traditional funding. In addition to significant financial support, awardees gain access to a unique network that includes opportunities for collaboration, industry mentorship, investor introductions, and participation in annual retreats. The prize seeks projects with strong scientific rationale, novel methodologies, and the potential to transform the cancer research landscape or address unmet needs. --- ## Due Dates - November 2026: Letter of Intent deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each award provides $250,000 per year for three years, totaling $750,000. - A minimum of six awards are made annually, contingent on proposal quality. - Indirect costs are capped at 10% ($25,000/year). - The full award amount must be budgeted; smaller-scale budgets are not accepted. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must have an MD, PhD, or MD-PhD (or equivalent). - Must have 2–6 years of independent lab experience (as of July 2026). - Must hold a faculty appointment (Assistant or Associate Professor, or equivalent) at a U.S. academic research institution or be in an independent research role at a non-faculty research institution (e.g., NIH, Janelia). - Only two applications to the Prize are allowed per investigator, regardless of outcome. - May only apply to one Pershing Square Foundation prize program per year (e.g., cannot apply for both the Cancer Prize and MIND Prize in the same year). - Current grantees may not apply to another Foundation prize program until their third and final year or after award term completion. - Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must ensure visa status allows completion of the project in the U.S. - Postdoctoral fellows and those in biotech startups are not eligible. - Collaborative proposals are encouraged, but only one PI per application, and the PI must meet all eligibility criteria. --- ## Application Process - The application process consists of two stages: 1. **Letter of Intent (LOI):** Submit a two-page LOI online, including project background, aims, innovation, and impact, plus a biosketch and budget (templates provided). 2. **Presentation:** Selected finalists will be invited to present their proposal (up to three slides) to the Governing Board, Prize Advisory Board, and Scientific Review Council. Q&A will follow; additional materials may be requested. - No full proposal stage; funding decisions are based on the LOI and finalist presentation. - Only one LOI per PI per cycle; however, a PI can be a collaborator on other applications. - Applications are reviewed for scientific merit, innovation, and potential impact. - Award agreement must be signed by the PI and institution; no edits permitted unless for factual corrections. --- ## Additional Information - Annual progress and financial reports are required. - Multi-year funding is contingent on satisfactory progress and deliverables. - Awardees are expected to participate in annual retreats and may be featured in program publicity. - Carryover and no-cost extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis. - FAQs and detailed guidelines are available on the program website. --- ## External Links - [Program & Application Guidelines](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA/page/application-guidelines) - [Full 2026 Guidelines PDF](https://prizeapplication.smapply.io/protected/nr/vvkKd/Pershing_Square_Sohn_Cancer_Prize_-_2026_Application_Guidelines_RFP.pdf) - [Application Portal](https://prizeapplication.smapply.io/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA/page/frequently-asked-questions) - [Scientific Review Council](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA/page/scientific-review-council) - [Governing Board](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA/page/governing-board) - [Past Grantees](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/grants?grants) --- ## Contact Information | Name / Role | Email | More Info / Link | |--------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Christy Hudson, Philanthropic Advisor | [chudson@persq.org](mailto:chudson@persq.org) | [Program Guidelines](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA/page/application-guidelines) | | General Inquiries (PSSCRA) | [info@psscra.org](mailto:info@psscra.org) | [Contact Page](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/contact) | ---

2026 Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize

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