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

November 2026 (Letter of Intent)

$750,000 total ($250,000/year for 3 years); minimum of 6 awards annually

Supports early-career scientists in the USA with substantial funding and networking to advance innovative, high-risk cancer research.

As of 2026, open to all US institutions; only LOI required (no full proposal stage).

--- ## Description The Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize, awarded by the Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance (PSSCRA), aims to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer research by supporting early-career investigators with bold, high-risk ideas. The program empowers scientists to pursue innovative projects that may not be funded through traditional mechanisms, fostering collaborations between academia, industry, and the business community. In addition to generous financial support, recipients join a unique network offering mentorship, industry connections, and opportunities to present their work at high-profile events. The Prize is now open to faculty at academic research institutions across the United States. --- ## Due Dates - **Letter of Intent deadline (anticipated): November 2026** *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Total award:** $750,000 per recipient, disbursed as $250,000 per year over three years (includes both direct and indirect costs; indirect costs capped at $25,000/year or 10%). - **Number of awards:** A minimum of six prizes are given annually, contingent on proposal quality. - **Budget notes:** The full $750,000 must be requested; smaller budgets are not accepted. No salary cap, but reasonable budgeting is expected. --- ## Eligibility - **Degree:** Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, or MD-PhD (or equivalent). - **Career stage:** Must have between 2 and 6 years of independent research experience (e.g., running own laboratory) by July 2026. - **Position:** Must be Assistant or Associate Professor (or equivalent) at a US academic research institution. Independent researchers at non-faculty research institutions (e.g., Janelia, NIH) are also eligible if they run their own program. - **Geography:** Open to all academic research institutions in the United States. - **Other:** - Applicants may apply no more than twice. - Only one LOI per PI per year; may not apply to another Pershing Square Foundation prize (e.g., MIND Prize) in the same year. - Current grantees may not apply until their third/final year or after their award term concludes. - Non-citizens must have visa status sufficient to complete the project in the US. - Applicants need not be specifically trained in cancer research but must be in a suitable research environment. - Exceptions for career breaks (e.g., family/medical leave) considered case-by-case. --- ## Application Process - **Stage 1:** Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) online through the [application portal](https://prizeapplication.smapply.io/). The LOI is a two-page document (plus biosketch and budget using provided templates). - **Stage 2:** Finalists are invited to present their proposal (up to three PowerPoint slides) to the review boards in New York City (virtual option available). - **No full proposal stage** as of 2026. - **Key review criteria:** Radical innovation, scientific merit, potential impact on cancer research, and applicant quality. - **Budget:** Must follow the prescribed format (up to $225,000 direct + $25,000 indirect per year). - **Reporting:** Annual progress and financial reports required for continued funding. --- ## Additional Information - **Networking:** Awardees gain access to an exclusive network, mentorship, industry introductions, and an annual retreat. - **Collaboration:** Facilitated partnerships within and across institutions; collaboration with industry mentors and investors encouraged. - **Restrictions:** Only one application per PI per year; applicants may only apply twice in total. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview and Application Details](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA) - [Application Guidelines](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA/page/application-guidelines) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA/page/frequently-asked-questions) - [Application Portal](https://prizeapplication.smapply.io/) - [Full Guidelines PDF](https://prizeapplication.smapply.io/protected/nr/vvkKd/Pershing_Square_Sohn_Cancer_Prize_-_2026_Application_Guidelines_RFP.pdf) - [Prize Advisory Board](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA/page/prize-advisory-board) - [Scientific Review Council](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA/page/scientific-review-council) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Web Contact Form | |---------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | info@psscra.org | [Contact PSSCRA](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/contact) | | Christy Hudson, Life Sciences Advisor | chudson@persq.org | | For eligibility questions or clarifications on extenuating circumstances, contact info@psscra.org.

Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize - Pershing Square Philanthropies

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