Innovative, Developmental, and Exploratory Awards (IDEA)
Funds innovative, high-risk breast cancer research in California that involves advocates and aims to challenge current scientific paradigms.
Funder: California Breast Cancer Research Program
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Letter of Intent) | March 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $150,000 (no human/animal subjects) or $200,000 (with human/animal subjects) in direct costs for up to 18 months.
Summary: Supports high-risk, high-reward research projects that challenge existing paradigms in breast cancer and require meaningful advocate involvement.
Key Information: Project must be conducted primarily in California and involve a California-based advocate organization.
Description
This program funds speculative, innovative, and exploratory research projects with a primary focus on breast cancer. The intent is to support projects that challenge existing paradigms, represent new directions for the principal investigator, and incorporate novel techniques or approaches not yet well represented in mainstream breast cancer research. Both established and new investigators are welcome to apply, but all projects must include meaningful involvement of breast cancer advocates from the outset. The program particularly encourages research that, if successful, could lead to larger funding opportunities and that addresses the needs of populations historically underserved or underrepresented in breast cancer research.
