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

March 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)

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

Supports early-career researchers with innovative, high-risk projects in brain cancer, providing significant funding and professional development.

--- ## Description The Distinguished Scientist Award, offered by the Sontag Foundation, is designed to accelerate the careers of early-career faculty conducting high-risk, high-reward research relevant to primary brain cancer. Since 2003, the Foundation has supported young investigators at pivotal moments in their professional development, fostering both scientific innovation and community through financial support and annual scientific retreats. The award aims to encourage new perspectives and bold ideas that could shift current paradigms in brain cancer research. --- ## Due Dates - March 2027 (anticipated/projected full application deadline, based on prior cycles) - March 2027 (anticipated/projected full application deadline, based on prior cycles) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Total award: $750,000 per recipient - Disbursed as $150,000 per year over 5 years - Up to $19,500/year may be used for indirect costs (included in the $150,000 annual payout) - Disbursements are made quarterly to the recipient’s institution, subject to annual progress review - Awardees are required to attend an annual scientific retreat (travel, lodging, and meals covered by the Foundation) --- ## Eligibility - Must hold a doctoral degree in a discipline applicable to brain cancer research. - Must have received first independent faculty appointment at a US or Canadian nonprofit institution (or equivalent) within the eligibility window (typically between March 1, 2022 and January 1, 2027 for the 2027 cycle; confirm when guidelines are posted). - Appointment must be tenure-track if the institution offers tenure. - No citizenship requirement, but appointment must be at a US or Canadian nonprofit institution. - Research focus must be on primary brain tumors; projects on metastatic brain cancer or clinical trials are not eligible. - Applicants from diverse scientific backgrounds are encouraged; a mentor with brain cancer experience and a corresponding letter of support are required if the applicant is new to the field. - Re-applicants must submit a substantively revised research proposal and clearly outline changes from prior submissions. - More than one applicant per institution may apply. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the Sontag Foundation’s online grant portal. - Required materials include: - Research proposal (5 pages max, figures included; references do not count toward limit) - Personal statement (up to 1000 words) - Project summary for a lay audience (up to 250–300 words) - Letters of reference: - Department Chair/Program Leader/Center Director - Postdoc advisor/training mentor - Additional professional reference (collaborator, colleague, or mentor) - Letter of support from mentor (if applicable) - Institutional officer approval - All documents, including reference and mentor letters, must be submitted by the application deadline. - The selection process includes both scientific peer review and evaluation by a lay committee. - The award may be portable if the grantee changes institutions, subject to Foundation approval. --- ## Additional Information - The number of awards granted each year typically ranges from two to six, but there is no fixed limit. - Awardees join a community of distinguished scientists and participate in annual retreats to foster collaboration. --- ## External Links - [Sontag Foundation Home](https://sontagfoundation.org) - [Distinguished Scientist Award Overview](https://sontagfoundation.org/about-dsa/) - [Application Process & Guidelines](https://sontagfoundation.org/grant-application-process/) - [2025 Application FAQs (PDF)](https://sontagfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/faq_2025_revised_11_14_24.pdf) - [2026 Application FAQs (PDF)](https://sontagfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/faq_2026_revised_11_18_25.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | Hours (ET) | |-----------------|---------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------|--------------------| | Georgia Pinner | Program Officer | [gpinner@sontagfoundation.org](mailto:gpinner@sontagfoundation.org) | 904-273-8755 | 8:00am–5:00pm | | Shandra Koler | Senior Program Officer | [skoler@sontagfoundation.org](mailto:skoler@sontagfoundation.org) | 904-273-8755 | 7:30am–4:30pm | | General Contact | — | [info@sontagfoundation.org](mailto:info@sontagfoundation.org) | 904-273-8755 | — |

Distinguished Scientist Award

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