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

September 2026 (Full application deadline)

$50,000 for one year; supports research expenses and travel to the ASCO Annual Meeting.

Funds early-career research integrating engineered NK cells and IL-12-expressing oncolytic virus for novel glioblastoma therapies.

--- ## Description This award supports innovative, translational research that combines genetically engineered natural killer (NK) cells—specifically resistant to TGF-β and corticosteroids—with an IL-12-expressing oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) to target glioblastoma (GBM). The project’s goals are to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of this combination in laboratory and animal models and to elucidate how the oHSV enhances NK cell function within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. The ultimate aim is to advance new, more effective, and less toxic immunotherapeutic strategies for GBM patients by integrating cutting-edge virotherapy with cell-based immunotherapy. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026 (anticipated full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $50,000 for a one-year project. - Funds may be used for personnel, research expenses, and travel to the Conquer Cancer Grants & Awards Ceremony at the ASCO Annual Meeting. - Recipients may hold additional grants provided there is no scientific or budgetary overlap. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be physicians (MD, DO, or international equivalent) at a US or Canadian non-profit institution. - Must be within the last two years of their final oncology subspecialty training/fellowship or within three months post-training at the time of application. - Within 10 years of obtaining a medical degree (exceptions possible for foreign graduates). - Must have a valid, active medical license in the country where research will be conducted. - Must be planning an investigative career in oncology and working in an oncology laboratory or clinical research setting. - Requires a mentor at the sponsoring institution; if the mentor is not an ASCO member, a supporting letter from an ASCO member is required. - Must be (or apply to become) an ASCO member. - Must commit at least 60% effort to research during the award period. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted in English through the [ASCO Application Portal](https://asco.smapply.org/prog/YIA/). - Paper or email submissions are not accepted. - Required materials typically include a research proposal, CV, mentor letter, and institutional approvals. - Refer to the [ASCO YIA Program Page](https://www.asco.org/career-development/grants-awards/funding-opportunities/young-investigator-award) for detailed instructions and FAQs. --- ## Additional Information - The award is open to early-career investigators focused on glioblastoma or primary brain tumors, but projects in all areas of cancer research are accepted. - The number of awards per cycle is not predetermined; funding is merit-based. - Recipients’ names and institutions may be reported to the CMS Open Payments website under the Physician Payments Sunshine Act. - Dedicated funding is available for specific topics and geographic regions; see the program page for details. --- ## External Links - [Sontag Foundation homepage](https://sontagfoundation.org) - [ASCO Young Investigator Award Program Page](https://www.asco.org/career-development/grants-awards/funding-opportunities/young-investigator-award) - [ASCO Application Portal](https://asco.smapply.org/prog/YIA/) - [Program FAQ](https://cdn.bfldr.com/KOIHB2Q3/as/8x2qwtt4hx68p3rqs358rv/2025-Conquer-Cancer-FAQ) - [Contact Sontag Foundation](https://sontagfoundation.org/contact/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Organization | Email | Phone | Web Contact | |---------------------- |----------------------------|-----------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Sontag Foundation | info@sontagfoundation.org | +1 904-273-8755 | [Contact Form](https://sontagfoundation.org/contact/) | | ASCO Grants Team | grants@conquer.org | — | [ASCO Grants Contact](https://www.asco.org/contact) |

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

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