Research Scholar Grants (RSG) - American Cancer Society
Research Scholar Grants (RSG) support independent early-career investigators conducting basic, translational, clinical, and cancer control research to advance cancer understanding and improve care.
Browse similar grants
Funder: American Cancer Society
Due Dates: October 15, 2026 (Winter eligibility exception request) | December 1, 2026 (Winter application) | April 15, 2027 (Summer eligibility exception request) | June 1, 2027 (Summer application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $215,000 annually in direct costs plus 10% allowable indirect costs, for up to four years ($946,000 maximum).
Summary: Supports independent early-career investigators conducting basic, translational, clinical, and cancer control research.
Key Information: New applicants must be within eight years of their first independent appointment and hold no more than one R01/R01-like grant as PI.
Description
The American Cancer Society’s Research Scholar Grants support investigator-initiated projects across the cancer research continuum. Managed by the Extramural Discovery Science Department, the program provides resources for independent, self-directed researchers and clinician scientists to launch their cancer research careers. Supported work includes basic, translational, clinical, and cancer control research, spanning all cancer types and research in laboratories, clinics, communities, and larger systems.
Projects should advance understanding of cancer or improve prevention, detection, treatment, or survivorship. Cancer relevance may be indirect, but applicants must clearly explain the connection and potential impact. ACS places special emphasis on actionable research addressing health equity. Applications undergo independent scientific peer review, including assessment by Community Research Partners who consider benefits for people affected by cancer and their families.
