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

March 18, 2026 | March 12, 2025 | March 16, 2022

$750,000 total ($150,000/year for 5 years; includes up to $19,500/year indirect costs)

Supports outstanding early-career researchers pursuing impactful, innovative brain cancer research with funding and access to a collaborative scientific community.

No citizenship requirement, but appointment at a US or Canadian nonprofit institution is mandatory.

--- ## Description The Distinguished Scientist Award, offered by the Sontag Foundation, is a prestigious funding opportunity designed to accelerate the careers of exceptional early-career scientists working in the field of brain cancer. Since 2003, the program has invested over $65 million to foster innovation, empower high-potential investigators, and build a collaborative community dedicated to advancing brain cancer research. In addition to substantial financial support, recipients benefit from mentorship and access to a vibrant network of senior and peer scientists. --- ## Due Dates - March 18, 2026: 2026 application deadline (portal closes at 11:59pm ET) - March 12, 2025: 2025 application deadline (portal closes at 11:59pm ET) - March 16, 2022: 2022 application deadline (portal closed at 11:59pm ET) --- ## Funding Amount - Each award is $750,000, paid as $150,000 per year over five years. - Up to $19,500 per year may be allocated for indirect costs (included in the annual payout). - Disbursements are made quarterly to the sponsoring institution. - Grantees are required to attend an annual scientific retreat (expenses covered by the Foundation). - The number of awards per year typically ranges from two to six. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in a discipline applicable to brain cancer research. - Must have received their first independent faculty appointment between March 1, 2020, and January 1, 2025, at a tax-exempt academic, research, or medical institution in the US or an equivalent in Canada. - If the institution grants tenure, the appointment must be tenure-track. - No citizenship requirement, but the appointment must be at a US or Canadian nonprofit institution. - More than one applicant per institution is allowed. - Re-applicants are permitted but must demonstrate substantial changes to their research project. - The proposed research must focus on primary brain tumors (not metastatic brain cancer). - Clinical trials research is not supported. - Applicants without prior neuro-oncology experience are eligible if they have a mentor in brain cancer research (mentor letter required). --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted through the [Sontag Foundation grant portal](https://sontag-foundation.wizehive.app/program/distinguished-scientist-award/info?cycleId=1CWpfs7g161Lr7p8poY7Gg). - All documents, including letters of recommendation and institutional approvals, must be submitted by the deadline. - Required materials include: - Research proposal (max 5 pages, figures included; references excluded from limit) - Personal statement (max 1000 words) - Project summary (max 250 words, lay language) - Letters of reference (from department chair, postdoc advisor/mentor, and a professional reference) - Mentor letter (if applicant is new to brain cancer research) - Proposals are peer-reviewed by a Scientific Advisory Board and a lay committee. - Grant agreements are typically issued in October/November, with funding starting around October 15 of the award year. --- ## Additional Information - The award is portable, subject to Sontag Foundation approval if the recipient changes institutions. - Indirect costs are capped at $19,500/year and included in the annual award amount. - Awardees must attend an annual scientific retreat (expenses covered). - See the [2026 FAQ and guidelines PDF](https://sontagfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/faq_2026_revised_11_18_25.pdf) for detailed requirements and instructions. --- ## External Links - [Distinguished Scientist Award Overview](https://sontagfoundation.org/about-dsa/) - [Application Process & Guidelines](https://sontagfoundation.org/grant-application-process/) - [Grant Portal (Apply)](https://sontag-foundation.wizehive.app/program/distinguished-scientist-award/info?cycleId=1CWpfs7g161Lr7p8poY7Gg) - [2026 FAQ & Application Guide (PDF)](https://sontagfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/faq_2026_revised_11_18_25.pdf) - [Past Awardees](https://sontagfoundation.org/meet-the-grantees/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | Notes | |----------------|------------------------|------------------------------|-----------------|-------------------------------| | Shandra Koler | Senior Program Officer | skoler@sontagfoundation.org | 904-273-8755 | Main applicant contact | | Georgia Pinner | Program Officer | gpinner@sontagfoundation.org | 904-273-8755 | Additional applicant support | For general inquiries, you may also use the [Sontag Foundation contact form](https://sontagfoundation.org/contact/).

The Distinguished Scientist Award

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