The AACR-Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation Young Investigator Award for Translational Cancer Research supports early-career physician-scientists transitioning from fellowship to faculty positions in translational oncology. This competitive program is jointly administered by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, both recognized leaders in cancer research advancement and physician-scientist development. The funders aim to foster promising investigators committed to translational research, providing foundational support for impactful studies that bridge laboratory discoveries and clinical applications.
This award offers $50,000 for a one-year term, beginning July 1, 2026. Funds may be used for research-specific non-personnel expenses such as laboratory supplies, equipment, and manuscript publication charges directly tied to the funded project. There is no allowance for personnel costs. Projects must focus strictly on translational cancer research; the program does not specify thematic restrictions beyond this domain.
Eligibility is limited to applicants holding a medical degree (MD, DO, or MD/PhD) who are in the final two years of their subspecialty training and within ten years of receiving their terminal medical degree as of July 1, 2026. Applicants must hold an active medical license in the country where the research will be conducted, have a qualified mentor at their sponsoring academic institution, and plan a career in clinical oncology research. At least 60% of their full-time effort must be devoted to research during the award period. The program is open globally, provided non-U.S. applicants can secure adequate visa arrangements. AACR membership in good standing is required by the application deadline.
Applications are due by December 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time and must be submitted online via ProposalCentral. Required materials include an application form, project proposal, milestones document, budget, biographical sketches, and a mentor letter of reference. Letters must verify mentor responsibilities and, if applicable, the applicant’s future position. Peer review by a Scientific Review Committee will assess candidate qualifications, project quality, mentorship strength, and institutional support. The program has strict conflict-of-interest rules disqualifying applicants or mentors with tobacco industry funding.
Award notification is expected in February 2026. Grant recipients must attend both the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 and the Annual Grantee Summit. These events are eligible expenses under the grant. The program operates on an annual cycle with recurring opportunities. Future rounds are anticipated to follow similar timelines.
Strong mentorship letters weigh heavily; ensure mentor alignment and institutional support. Previous grant holders not eligible.
