[American Cancer Society](https://www.cancer.org)

September 1, 2026 (LOI) | December 1, 2026 (Full application, by invitation)

Up to $80,000 per year for 5 years; no indirect costs allowed; flexible use to support innovative pursuits.

Honorific award supporting established leaders in cancer research for seminal contributions and ongoing impact in the field.

LOI required; applicants must be full professors for 5–20 years at time of application.

--- ## Description This highly prestigious award from the American Cancer Society recognizes and supports individuals who have made seminal, lasting contributions to cancer research. The award is intended for established leaders who have demonstrated impactful scientific achievements, a sustained record of innovation, and a strong commitment to mentoring, leadership, and community engagement. Recipients are expected to continue shaping the direction of cancer research and serve as spokespeople for the American Cancer Society and the broader research community. --- ## Due Dates - **Letter of Intent (LOI) Submission Window:** June 1, 2026 – September 1, 2026 - **LOI Deadline:** September 1, 2026 - **Full Application Deadline (by invitation only):** December 1, 2026 Applicants must first submit an LOI; only those invited may submit a full application. --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Amount:** Up to $80,000 per year - **Duration:** 5 years - **Budget Flexibility:** Funds may be used at the awardee’s discretion to support creative and innovative cancer research activities. - **Indirect Costs:** Not permitted. --- ## Eligibility - **Academic Rank:** Applicant must have held the rank of full professor for at least 5 years but no more than 20 years at the time of application. - **Track Record:** Must have made and continue to make impactful contributions to cancer research (fundamental, preclinical, clinical, psychosocial, behavioral, health policy, or epidemiologic). - **Mentoring & Leadership:** Demonstrated success in scientific mentoring, leadership, and community engagement. - **Citizenship:** No U.S. citizenship requirement. - **Institution:** Must be based at a nonprofit, non-government U.S. institution. --- ## Application Process 1. **Letter of Intent (LOI):** - Submit via [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.altum.com/). - Required attachments: 2–3 page LOI describing contributions, leadership, and mentoring; biographical table; full CV with bibliography. - See [LOI Instructions (PDF)](https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/extramural-grants-documents/loi-instructions/research-professors/research-professors-loi-instructions.pdf) for details. 2. **Review & Invitation:** - LOIs are reviewed for scientific impact, vision, mentoring, and service. - Only selected candidates will be invited to submit a full application. 3. **Full Application (by invitation):** - Deadline: December 1, 2026 - Detailed instructions provided upon invitation. 4. **Submission Platform:** All materials must be submitted electronically via [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.altum.com/). --- ## Additional Information - The award is primarily honorific, recognizing outstanding, sustained leadership in cancer research. - Recipients are expected to serve as ambassadors for ACS and for the cancer research community. - No indirect costs are allowed. - See [All Grant Policies (PDF)](https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/extramural-grants-documents/all-grant-policies.pdf) and [All Grant Instructions (PDF)](https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/extramural-grants-documents/all-grant-instructions.pdf) for comprehensive requirements. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Application Instructions](https://www.cancer.org/research/we-fund-cancer-research/apply-research-grant/grant-types/research-professor-grants.html) - [LOI Instructions (PDF)](https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/extramural-grants-documents/loi-instructions/research-professors/research-professors-loi-instructions.pdf) - [All Grant Policies (PDF)](https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/extramural-grants-documents/all-grant-policies.pdf) - [All Grant Instructions (PDF)](https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/extramural-grants-documents/all-grant-instructions.pdf) - [ProposalCentral Submission Portal](https://proposalcentral.altum.com/) --- ## Contact Information | Name / Office | Email | Additional Info | |----------------------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Nicole Lopanik, PhD | nicole.lopanik@cancer.org | Scientist, Career Growth & Research Excellence | | General Grants Office | grants@cancer.org | For technical/application system questions | | Kathy Goss, PhD (Program Contact) | kathleen.goss@cancer.org | Senior Scientific Director (LOI-specific inquiries) | | ProposalCentral Support | pcsupport@altum.com | 1-800-875-2562 | ---

ACS Professor Award

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