AACR Maximizing Opportunity for New Advancements in Research in Cancer (MONARCA) Grant for Latin America

The AACR Maximizing Opportunity for New Advancements in Research in Cancer (MONARCA) Grant for Latin America is an initiative led by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), a preeminent nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its applications to reduce the burden of cancer globally. Recognizing the disproportionate impact of cancer on Latin American populations and the limitations in regional research capacity, this grant seeks to address a critical gap in early-career funding for emerging investigators. The program aims to catalyze the development of a sustained, locally rooted cancer research infrastructure by supporting early-stage scientists with the resources needed to establish viable research trajectories. The MONARCA Grant specifically targets cancer researchers residing and conducting work in Latin America. Its primary goal is to build research capacity and generate data relevant to regional cancer control, from epidemiological studies to clinical applications. The research may address any aspect of the cancer continuum, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, palliative care, and behavioral science. Innovation and relevance to local public health needs are key criteria, and projects incorporating novel technologies such as mobile health tools or biomarker-based approaches are encouraged. Awardees receive a total of $55,000 USD over a two-year term. Funding may be allocated toward personnel salaries, research supplies, equipment, publication fees, and limited travel costs related to the research project, including attendance at the AACR’s Annual Grantee Recognition Event. Indirect costs are capped at 10% of the total grant, and up to $10,000 USD may be used for travel. All grant funds must be spent within Latin America, with exceptions made for travel to international conferences. Eligibility is restricted to researchers who have obtained a doctoral or medical degree within the last ten years and are not currently pursuing another advanced degree. Applicants must reside and perform research in Latin American countries as listed, and proof of residency is required. The program is open to individuals holding a Master of Public Health or equivalent, and each applicant must identify a local mentor based in Latin America to support the research project. Collaborative projects are welcome, though principal investigators based outside of Latin America are not eligible. Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) through ProposalCentral by January 22, 2026. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application by May 14, 2026. Notification of awards will occur in July 2026, with funded projects beginning on September 1, 2026. The LOI must include scientific and lay abstracts, specific aims, and statements of relevance, as well as biographical sketches and letters of support from the applicant’s institution and mentor. A competitive review will assess scientific merit, feasibility, research impact, and the potential for the grant to build both individual and institutional research capacity. All applicants are encouraged to be AACR members, though membership is not required at the LOI stage. Nonmembers selected to apply must join AACR before the full application deadline. Questions regarding eligibility, guidelines, or application submission should be directed to AACR’s Research and Grants Administration at grants@aacr.org or by phone at 215-440-9300.

Highlight innovation, relevance to Latin American cancer burden, and dissemination plan.