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

November 2026 (Letter of Intent, projected)

Up to $750,000 per award ($250,000/year for 3 years); at least six awards annually

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

No full proposal stage; LOI is the sole application; open to all U.S. institutions as of 2026.

--- ## Description The Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize is an annual initiative from the Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance (PSSCRA) designed to accelerate cancer cures by supporting early-career scientists at a pivotal stage in their careers. The Prize enables researchers to pursue bold, high-risk ideas that may not be eligible for traditional funding. Awardees receive not only substantial financial support but also access to a unique network of peers, industry leaders, and investors, as well as opportunities for mentorship, partnerships, and visibility at scientific events. The program encourages radically innovative approaches that have the potential to shift paradigms or address unmet needs in cancer research. --- ## Due Dates - November 2026: Letter of Intent (LOI) deadline (anticipated/projected; historically due early November by 5:00pm ET) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each award is $750,000 total, paid as $250,000 per year for three years. - At least six prizes are awarded annually, depending on proposal quality. - Maximum indirect costs allowed: $25,000/year (10% of annual total); the rest must be direct costs. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must have an MD, PhD, MD-PhD, or equivalent. - Must have 2–6 years of experience running an independent laboratory by July 2026 (start of funding). - Exceptions for extended leave (e.g., parental, medical) considered case-by-case. - Must hold a faculty appointment (Assistant or Associate Professor, or equivalent) at a U.S. academic research institution. - Independent research roles at certain non-faculty research institutions (e.g., NIH, national labs) may also be eligible if running their own lab. - Open to all U.S. institutions as of 2026 (no longer limited to NYC area). - Not open to postdocs or scientists at for-profit companies. - Each PI may apply only twice in their career and only to one Pershing Square Foundation prize program per year. - Applicants need not be U.S. citizens/permanent residents, but must have visa status to complete the project in the U.S. - Only one LOI per PI per cycle; PIs may be listed as collaborators on others' proposals. --- ## Application Process - **Stage 1:** Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) online via the application portal. - LOI: 2 pages (Georgia, 11pt, single-spaced, 0.5" margins), including: - Project description (background, rationale, aims, research plan, hypothesis) - Innovation statement - Impact of funding - Required uploads: budget (template provided), biosketch (template provided) - **Stage 2:** Selected finalists present their proposal (max 3 slides) to the review board (in-person or virtual). - No full proposal stage; the LOI and presentation are the only application materials. - Final selection is contingent on board ratification. - Award agreement must be signed by PI and institution; no edits permitted unless factually incorrect. - Annual progress and financial reports required for continued funding. --- ## Additional Information - The award is intended for projects requiring the full $750,000; smaller budgets are not accepted. - No formal PI salary cap, but budgets should be reasonable; at least 5% PI effort recommended. - Carryover and no-cost extensions are allowed with approval. - Subcontracts and collaborations are encouraged; indirect costs on subcontracts count toward the $25,000/year cap. - Prize winners are invited to annual retreats and networking events. --- ## External Links - [Application Guidelines](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA/page/application-guidelines) - [Full 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) - [PSSCRA Program Page](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA) - [Scientific Review Council](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA/page/scientific-review-council) - [Prize Advisory Board](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA/page/prize-advisory-board) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Additional Info | |--------------------------|-------------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@psscra.org](mailto:info@psscra.org) | | | Christy Hudson, Philanthropic Advisor | [chudson@persq.org](mailto:chudson@persq.org) | For questions about the RFP/application | | Pershing Square Philanthropies | [Contact Form](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/contact) | | ---

2026 Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize

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