AACR-Mark Foundation Chemistry in Cancer Research Grants

The AACR-Mark Foundation Chemistry in Cancer Research Grants, co-sponsored by The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), are designed to support innovative basic or translational projects at the intersection of chemistry and cancer biology. The Mark Foundation, a New York-based organization, has awarded over $275 million since 2017 to researchers in over 18 countries. It focuses on early-career support, team science, technology innovation, and therapeutic discovery. AACR, founded in 1907, is the world’s oldest and largest professional association dedicated to cancer research, with over 58,000 members globally. This collaboration aims to fund chemists who are advancing critical research to understand and treat cancer. Each grantee will receive $435,000 over three years to fund project-specific research expenses. Allowable costs include research/laboratory supplies, equipment, supplemental salary, and other related expenses. Up to $3,000 can be allocated for participation in the AACR Annual Grantee Summit and Recognition Event, and up to $2,000 annually may be used to attend the Mark Foundation Scientific Symposium. Institutions requiring indirect costs may allocate up to 10% of direct costs to cover them. Projects must focus on the application of chemical biology and chemistry to address key challenges in cancer research. Areas of interest include the development of chemical tools or probes to investigate cancer biology, novel conjugation strategies to enhance biologic therapies, strategies that utilize induced proximity (e.g., PROTACs or molecular glues) to target oncogenic proteins, and improved delivery systems for therapeutic agents. Projects are expected to demonstrate innovation, potential for impact, and alignment with cancer research priorities. Eligibility is limited to independent investigators with a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in a related field who are not pursuing another doctoral degree. Applicants must be affiliated with academic, medical, or non-profit research institutions. Individuals employed by U.S. government entities or private industry may not apply but may serve as collaborators, provided they do not receive grant funds. Applicants must be AACR Active members in good standing, and nonmembers must apply for membership with a nominator’s support by the LOI deadline. Citizenship is not restricted, but visa status must permit project completion. The submission process begins with a competitive Letter of Intent (LOI) due by December 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET. Applicants must use the ProposalCentral platform to submit their LOI, including abstracts, biosketch, and a letter of institutional commitment. Successful applicants will be invited to submit a full application, with award notifications in July 2026 and a project start date of September 1, 2026. Evaluation is conducted by an AACR-appointed scientific review committee based on applicant qualifications, project significance, methodological approach, and institutional support. This grant recurs annually, with the next expected cycle opening in December 2026. All inquiries can be directed to grants@aacr.org or via phone at 215-440-9300. Additional details and instructions are available in the official PDF guidelines on AACR's funding webpage.

Reviewers prioritize significance, investigator background, methodology, and institutional support; tailor specific aims and significance carefully.