The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has launched the AACR Career Development Awards in Lung Cancer Research to foster early-career investigators aiming to establish their careers in lung cancer research. This funding initiative supports projects that are basic, translational, clinical, or population-based and must have direct relevance to lung cancer. The objective is to enhance the development of emerging scientists committed to this field by enabling them to carry out significant cancer research.
Each award offers a total of $250,000 disbursed over a two-year term starting on September 1, 2025. The funding can be used for a variety of research-related expenses, including salaries and benefits for the principal investigator and collaborators, support for graduate students and research fellows, research supplies, equipment, and publication charges related to the funded project. However, indirect costs are not permitted.
Eligibility is restricted to applicants who possess a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent) in a related field and are not pursuing another doctoral degree. Applicants must hold a faculty position such as assistant professor or research assistant professor by the grant start date and should have received their first such appointment within six years prior. They must have confirmed independent laboratory space and be affiliated with an academic, medical, or research institution anywhere in the world. There are no citizenship or geographic restrictions, but visa status must allow completion of the project term.
AACR membership is mandatory. Applicants must be AACR Active members in good standing or submit an application for membership by the application deadline. Nonmembers must be nominated by a current AACR member, and assistance is available for locating nominators. Members in countries developing cancer research capacities may be exempt from dues. Membership support is available via membership@aacr.org.
Applications must be submitted online through ProposalCentral by 1:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on May 29, 2025. The final funding decisions will be announced in August 2025. Detailed program guidelines and instructions are accessible in PDF format, and inquiries should be directed to AACR’s Research and Grants Administration at grants@aacr.org or via phone at 215-440-9300. Applicants from institutions different from their current employment must contact AACR in advance to address any additional verification requirements.
Applicants are encouraged to review all eligibility criteria and program guidelines before applying.
