[Pershing Square Philanthropies](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org)

November 2026 (Letter of Intent)

$750,000 total per award ($250,000/year for 3 years); at least 6 awards annually

Supports early-career scientists in the U.S. for innovative, high-risk cancer research projects with transformative potential.

As of 2026, open to all U.S. institutions; only two applications per applicant lifetime.

--- ## Description The Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance Initiative funds early-career scientists to pursue bold, high-risk, high-reward research in cancer biology and therapy. The program is designed to accelerate the development of new cancer treatments and deepen understanding of cancer mechanisms by supporting independent investigators at a pivotal stage in their careers. Awardees receive significant financial support, access to a collaborative network, and opportunities for engagement with academic, industry, and philanthropic partners. The initiative is particularly interested in projects that are too novel or ambitious for traditional funding sources and that have the potential to significantly impact the field of cancer research. --- ## Due Dates - November 2026 (Letter of Intent deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each award provides $250,000 per year for three years, totaling $750,000. - A minimum of six prizes are awarded each cycle, contingent on proposal quality. - Indirect costs are capped at 10% ($25,000/year). - The full award amount must be budgeted; smaller budgets are not accepted. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must have an MD, PhD, or MD-PhD (or equivalent). - Must have at least 2 years and no more than 6 years of independent research experience (i.e., running their own laboratory) by July 2026. - Must hold a faculty appointment at a U.S. academic research institution at the Assistant or Associate Professor level (or equivalent). - Open to all U.S. institutions (not limited to the New York area). - Only two applications permitted per applicant lifetime. - Applicants may only apply to one Pershing Square Foundation prize program per year (e.g., cannot apply to both the Cancer Prize and MIND Prize in the same cycle). - Current grantees may not apply to another Foundation prize program until their third and final year or after their award term concludes. - Non-U.S. citizens must have a visa that allows completion of the project in the U.S. - Investigators do not need to be specifically trained in cancer research but must be in an environment conducive to high-impact cancer research. - Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible. --- ## Application Process - Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) online via the [application portal](https://prizeapplication.smapply.io/) (no full proposal stage). - LOI requirements: two pages (Georgia 11pt, single-spaced, 0.5" margins), including hypothesis, background, aims, research plan, innovation, and impact. Figures permitted within page limit; references may be on additional pages. - Budget and biosketch (using provided templates) are required. - Finalists will be invited to present their proposal (up to three slides) to the review boards (in-person in NYC or virtually). - Awardees must sign an agreement and provide annual progress and financial reports. - Reviewers do not provide critiques to applicants. --- ## Additional Information - Awardees join an active network of scientists, industry mentors, and investors, with access to retreats, symposia, and networking events. - The program emphasizes radically innovative, paradigm-shifting research. - Only one LOI per PI per cycle; collaborations are encouraged, but only the lead PI must meet eligibility. - Carryover and no-cost extensions are permitted with approval. - No salary cap, but reasonable budgeting is expected; minimum PI effort of 5% is viewed favorably. - Awards are contingent on satisfactory annual progress. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA) - [Application Guidelines (PDF)](https://prizeapplication.smapply.io/protected/nr/vvkKd/Pershing_Square_Sohn_Cancer_Prize_-_2026_Application_Guidelines_RFP.pdf) - [Application Portal](https://prizeapplication.smapply.io/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA/page/frequently-asked-questions) - [Prize Advisory Board](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA/page/prize-advisory-board) - [Scientific Review Council](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA/page/scientific-review-council) - [Past Prize Winners](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/PSSCRA/prize/psscra) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Additional Info | |-----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Olivia Tournay Flatto, PhD (Executive Director) | [info@psscra.org](mailto:info@psscra.org) | General inquiries | | Christy Hudson (Philanthropic Advisor) | [chudson@persq.org](mailto:chudson@persq.org) | Life Sciences Programming | | General Foundation Contact | [info@persq.org](mailto:info@persq.org) | Pershing Square Philanthropies |

Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance Initiative

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