[American Association for Cancer Research](https://www.aacr.org)

January 27, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | May 19, 2026 (Full application, by invitation)

$300,000 total over 3 years; covers salary, personnel, supplies, equipment, publication, and other research expenses.

Supports early-stage cancer researchers with projects advancing diversity and inclusion in basic, translational, or population sciences.

--- ## Description This grant aims to encourage and support early-stage scientists conducting cancer research in basic, translational, or population sciences, with a focus on fostering diversity and inclusion within the research community. Projects must have direct applicability to the understanding, detection, diagnosis, interception, treatment, or prevention of cancer. Funding is intended to advance impactful research while broadening participation of underrepresented groups in cancer science. --- ## Due Dates - **Letter of Intent deadline:** January 27, 2026 (submit via ProposalCentral by 1:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time) - **Notification of LOI decision:** March 2026 - **Full application deadline (by invitation only):** May 19, 2026 (submit via ProposalCentral by 1:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time) - **Notification of award:** July 2026 - **Start of grant term:** September 1, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - **Total Amount:** $300,000 USD per award - **Duration:** 3 years - **Allowable costs:** Salary and benefits for recipient and collaborators, research personnel (including postdocs and graduate students), laboratory supplies, equipment, publication costs, and other research-related expenses. - **Grant funds may be used for registration and travel to the AACR Annual Meeting (required for grantees).** --- ## Eligibility - **Career Stage:** Early-stage scientists; must hold a faculty position (assistant professor, instructor, research assistant professor, or equivalent) as of September 1, 2026. - Appointment must be confirmed at the time of application and cannot be contingent on receiving this grant. - **Degree:** Doctoral degree (PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent) in a relevant field; not currently a candidate for a further doctoral or professional degree. - **First independent investigator position:** Attained no earlier than September 1, 2020, and no later than September 1, 2026. - **Research Space:** Must have independent laboratory space, confirmed by institution. - **Institution:** Must be at an academic, medical, or research institution worldwide. No citizenship or geographic restrictions, but visa status must allow project completion. - **AACR Membership:** Must be an AACR Active member in good standing (dues paid). - Nonmembers must apply for membership by the LOI deadline. - No dues required for members in countries building cancer research capacity ([see eligible countries](https://www.aacr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2410013E_MEM_Dues_CouEconReclass_List_2.pdf)). - **Research Focus:** Projects must be in basic, translational, or population sciences; clinical research is not eligible. - **Other Restrictions:** - Not eligible: Those with substantial independent research awards (e.g., NIH R01, DP2, DP5, MIRA, or equivalents). - Not eligible: Postdoctoral or clinical research fellows, employees/subcontractors of U.S. government or for-profit industry (may serve as collaborators but cannot receive funds). - Not eligible: Individuals funded by the tobacco industry for any research project. - Only one application per investigator for this award; may apply for other AACR grants concurrently but can only accept one. - Current AACR grantees may apply only if their current grant ends before September 1, 2026, with all reports approved. --- ## Application Process 1. **Letter of Intent (LOI):** - Submit via [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com/) by January 27, 2026, 1:00 p.m. ET. - LOI includes a two-page narrative (using the required template), lay and scientific abstracts, biographical sketch, and applicant checklist. - LOIs are peer-reviewed; only selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application. 2. **Full Application (by invitation):** - Deadline: May 19, 2026, 1:00 p.m. ET. - Additional materials and letters of reference required. 3. **Membership:** Nonmembers must submit an AACR membership application by the LOI deadline and secure a nominator who is an AACR Active member. 4. **Submission Platform:** All submissions must be made through [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com/). 5. **Validation & Submission:** Applications must be validated in ProposalCentral before submission; incomplete or noncompliant applications will not be reviewed. --- ## Additional Information - **Grantee Event:** Awardees must attend the Annual Grantee Recognition Event at the AACR Annual Meeting (grant funds may be used for travel/registration). - **No clinical research:** Only non-clinical projects are eligible. - **Leave of absence:** Exceptions to the eligibility window may be considered for parental or other justified leave (generally less than 12 months). - **Tobacco industry funding:** Applicants cannot have funding from the tobacco industry; acceptance of such funds during the grant term will result in immediate termination. --- ## External Links - [AACR Career Development Awards to Foster Diversity and Inclusion – Program Page](https://www.aacr.org/grants/aacr-career-development-awards-to-foster-diversity-and-inclusion/) - [2026 Program Guidelines and LOI Instructions (PDF)](https://www.aacr.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-AACR-CDA-to-Foster-Diversity-and-Inclusion-LOI-PGs-2.pdf) - [AACR Membership Categories](https://www.aacr.org/professionals/membership/become-a-member/membership-categories/) - [AACR Membership FAQ](https://www.aacr.org/professionals/membership/become-a-member/membership-faq/) - [AACR Membership Application Portal (myAACR)](https://myaacr.aacr.org/) - [ProposalCentral – Application Portal](https://proposalcentral.com/) - [Countries with Free AACR Membership Dues (PDF)](https://www.aacr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2410013E_MEM_Dues_CouEconReclass_List_2.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |-----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Program/Eligibility Questions | [grants@aacr.org](mailto:grants@aacr.org) | | Membership/Nominator Assistance | [membership@aacr.org](mailto:membership@aacr.org) | | ProposalCentral Tech Support | pcsupport@altum.com
Phone: 800-875-2562 (US/Canada), +1-703-964-5840 (Intl) | | AACR General Inquiries | [aacr@aacr.org](mailto:aacr@aacr.org) | | AACR Phone | +1 215-440-9300 | | AACR Contact Page | [Contact AACR](https://www.aacr.org/about-the-aacr/contact-us/) | ---

AACR Career Development Awards to Foster Diversity and Inclusion

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