Stephenson Global Scholar Grants

The Stephenson Global Scholar Grants are an initiative of the Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute (SGPCRI), a private research foundation focused on advancing progress in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of pancreatic cancer. The program aims to accelerate transformative research by empowering investigators around the world to pursue bold, innovative, and high-impact scientific ideas. Designed to cut through traditional funding bureaucracies, the program promotes an agile and dynamic research environment where visionary projects can thrive. The 2026 grant cycle invites applications from researchers whose work addresses major challenges in pancreatic cancer through novel and creative approaches. The program embraces a broad scope, supporting research across prevention, early detection, treatment, and related scientific domains. What distinguishes this opportunity is its open-budget framework, which encourages applicants to submit proposals that are budgeted according to the unique scale and needs of their research. Rather than imposing a rigid funding limit, the grant allows for a tailored budget that matches the potential impact and ambition of the project. This flexibility underscores SGPCRI's commitment to funding science that can lead to real-world breakthroughs. The application process is designed in two rounds. First, applicants must submit a one-page Letter of Intent (LOI) by February 25, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This LOI should summarize the proposed research, demonstrate its innovative nature, and provide a high-level budget overview. Based on this submission, selected applicants will be invited to submit a five-page full proposal for the second round. The full proposal will expand on the research goals, specific aims, methodology, anticipated impact, and collaborative or institutional support. Applicants are expected to adhere to global best practices in ethical research standards, and direct contact with the Scientific Advisory Board is strictly prohibited to ensure a fair selection process. Eligibility for the Stephenson Global Scholar Grant is inclusive, welcoming investigators from all countries. Collaboration is allowed, and up to three co-investigators may be listed in each application. While current funding from other sources does not preclude participation, the proposed project must represent a distinct research endeavor to be considered for this grant. Researchers are also encouraged to cite relevant prior work to substantiate the novelty and importance of their proposal. In its inaugural year, the program awarded $5.25 million in funding to six grantees in July 2025. These projects demonstrated excellence in creativity, cross-institutional collaboration, and a commitment to transforming pancreatic cancer outcomes. This past success highlights the Institute’s emphasis on supporting pioneering work that can generate tangible progress and set new benchmarks in the field. Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare detailed, thoughtful submissions that clearly articulate their scientific vision, methodological approach, and resource needs. Questions regarding eligibility, application logistics, or proposal guidelines can be submitted via the Institute's online contact form. The grant cycle follows a recurring annual format, suggesting that applicants who are not selected in the current round may have the opportunity to apply again in future cycles.

Do not contact SSAB members; budget should match project scope and ambition