[Sontag Foundation](https://sontagfoundation.org)

January 12, 2026 (Portal opens) | March 18, 2026 (Application deadline)

$750,000 total ($150,000/year for 5 years; max $19,500/year indirect costs included)

Supports early-career investigators pursuing high-impact research on primary brain tumors, with an emphasis on innovative approaches and career development.

--- ## Description This award supports early-career researchers investigating primary brain tumors, including projects like novel combination therapies for glioblastoma. The aim is to foster transformative research by funding high-potential scientists at a pivotal stage in their careers. The program emphasizes innovative, high-risk projects that can advance the understanding, treatment, or cure of malignant brain tumors. The Sontag Foundation Distinguished Scientist Award is recognized for supporting not just projects but also the long-term development of the awardee as a leader in neuro-oncology research. --- ## Due Dates - Application portal opens: January 12, 2026 - Application deadline: March 18, 2026 (11:59pm ET) - Funding awards announced: Fall 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - Total award: $750,000, paid as $150,000 per year over five years. - Indirect costs: Maximum of $19,500 per year (included in the annual payout). - Funds are disbursed quarterly to the sponsoring institution and are subject to annual progress review. - Awardees are required to attend an annual scientific retreat (travel and expenses covered). --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in a discipline relevant to brain cancer research. - Must have received their first independent faculty appointment between March 1, 2021 and January 1, 2026 at a tax-exempt academic, research, or medical institution in the US or an equivalent institution in Canada. - If the institution grants tenure, the appointment must be tenure-track. - No citizenship requirement, but the appointment must be at a qualifying institution in the US or Canada. - The proposed research must be relevant to primary brain tumors (not metastatic brain cancer). - Clinical trials research is not supported. - Re-applicants must submit a substantially revised or new research proposal. - Applicants new to brain tumor research are welcome but must provide a mentor letter from an experienced brain cancer researcher. - All application materials, including letters of recommendation and institutional approvals, must be received by the deadline. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through the Sontag Foundation’s online portal. - Required documents include: - Research proposal (5 pages max, excluding references) - Personal statement (max 1000 words) - Project summary (lay language, max 300 words) - Letters of recommendation from: 1. Department Chair/Program Leader/Center Director 2. Postdoc advisor or mentor during training 3. Professional reference (collaborator, colleague, or mentor) - For applicants new to brain tumor research: a mentor letter describing mentorship and relevant experience. - Proposals must follow formatting guidelines (minimum 11-point font, recommended fonts: Arial, Georgia, Helvetica). - Applications are peer-reviewed by both a Scientific Advisory Board and a lay committee. --- ## Additional Information - The award is portable if the recipient moves to another qualifying institution, subject to Foundation approval. - There is no set number of awards; typically two to six are granted annually. - The Foundation values career development and long-term impact, not just the immediate research project. --- ## External Links - [Sontag Foundation Grant Application Process](https://sontagfoundation.org/grant-application-process/) - [2026 Award Guidelines & FAQ (PDF)](https://sontagfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/faq_2026_revised_11_18_25.pdf) - [Contact Page](https://sontagfoundation.org/contact/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | Hours | |-------------------|---------------------|------------------------------|---------------|-------------------| | Shandra Koler | Senior Program Officer | skoler@sontagfoundation.org | 904-273-8755 | 8:00am–4:30pm ET | | Georgia Pinner | Program Officer | gpinner@sontagfoundation.org | 904-273-8755 | 8:00am–5:00pm ET |

Conquer Cancer - The Sontag Foundation Young Investigator Award in honor of the 10th Anniversary of The Brain Tumor Network

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