Alternatives in Research Challenge Program

The Alternatives in Research (AiR) Challenge program is an initiative of the Alternatives Research & Development Foundation (ARDF), a private nonprofit organization committed to promoting and funding the development, validation, and use of non-animal methods in biomedical research, product testing, and education. The specific focus of this funding round is childhood cancer. The goal of the AiR Challenge: Focus on Childhood Cancer program is to support innovative biomedical research that enhances the understanding or treatment of childhood cancers using exclusively non-animal research methods. The initiative aims to drive meaningful advances in pediatric oncology by encouraging scientifically rigorous research that also adheres to ethical alternatives to animal testing. The AiR Challenge invites non-clinical or pre-clinical research proposals that are centered on childhood cancers, including both common and rare forms. Projects that do not specifically address childhood cancers will not be considered. The program places a dual emphasis on the scientific value of the proposed research in pediatric oncology and the potential for advancing or validating non-animal research methodologies. Particularly encouraged are studies that involve the development of new non-animal models, innovative applications of existing non-animal tools, or validation efforts that significantly bolster confidence in current animal-free techniques. The total maximum award available for a project under this program is $210,000, inclusive of direct and indirect costs. The funding duration spans two years, with projects expected to commence between October 1, 2026 and December 1, 2026. All work must be completed within two years of the start date. Award funds may be allocated toward personnel, materials, and supplies. Salary support for the principal investigator is capped at 10% of the total award. Student stipends are eligible, but travel expenses are not covered, except under supplemental funding arrangements. Publication costs of up to $2,500 are allowable, and indirect costs are capped at 10%. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit, non-governmental, tax-exempt organizations such as educational and research institutions with 501(c)(3) status. Applicants must possess a PhD or MD or an equivalent terminal degree at the time of LOI submission. Projects involving any non-human metazoans—vertebrate or invertebrate—at any life stage are ineligible. Additionally, the use of in vivo-derived monoclonal antibodies is prohibited. Recombinant alternatives and serum-free media are strongly encouraged. There is no citizenship requirement. The application process follows a two-step procedure beginning with a required Letter of Intent (LOI), due by 11:59 pm ET on September 15, 2025. Notifications for full application invitations will be issued by December 1, 2025. Invited full applications must be submitted by March 24, 2026. Final award decisions will be communicated by June 30, 2026. The full application must not significantly deviate from the approved LOI without prior approval from ARDF program staff. Applications will be reviewed based on several criteria including scientific and technical merit, innovation, significance, alignment with program goals, and the qualifications of the research team. Progress and financial reports are required at regular intervals, and a final report must be submitted within five months of the project end date. All proposal and application submissions must be conducted through ARDF’s online portal at ProposalCentral. Technical assistance can be obtained via pcsupport@altum.com or by calling +1-800-875-2562 during business hours. Programmatic inquiries should be directed to grants@ardf-online.org.

Follow formatting and content instructions in the LOI and full application guidelines. Use recommended databases for recombinant antibodies and serum-free media.