Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Program
The Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Program funds early-career researchers pursuing high-risk, high-impact basic research in cancer, immunology, neuroscience, and pain.
Funder: Rita Allen Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2026 (LOI for institution eligibility) | September 2026 (LOI for nominee) | October 2026 (Full proposal)
Funding Amounts: Up to $110,000/year for up to 5 years (total up to $550,000); direct costs only, no indirect costs allowed.
Summary: Supports early-career biomedical researchers at select U.S. institutions to pursue high-risk, high-reward basic research in cancer, immunology, neuroscience, and pain.
Key Information: Only invited institutions may nominate; highly competitive; no indirect costs permitted.
Description
The Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Program provides substantial, multi-year funding to early-career scientists conducting innovative basic biomedical research in cancer, immunology, neuroscience, and pain. The program aims to accelerate the careers of promising investigators with bold, high-risk research agendas that have the potential for transformative impact. Awardees join a distinguished community of scholars and receive recognition and support to establish independent research programs.
