Global Oncology Young Investigator Award

The Global Oncology Young Investigator Award is administered by Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, an organization that has funded cancer research since 1984 and has awarded more than 215 million dollars across thousands of grants to improve patient care and advance oncology research worldwide. The foundation focuses on supporting innovative research, fostering the next generation of oncology leaders, and addressing disparities in cancer care globally. This specific award is designed to support early career investigators and promote high quality research in global oncology, particularly in resource constrained settings. The purpose of the award is to encourage the development of emerging researchers who are addressing global health challenges related to cancer. The program prioritizes research that examines disparities in cancer prevention, care, and outcomes across different regions, especially in low and middle income countries. It also supports collaborative efforts between investigators in high resource and low resource settings, as well as projects that may generate insights transferable across healthcare systems. The award is mentored, requiring applicants to conduct their research under the guidance of an experienced mentor who contributes to both scientific rigor and career development. Funding is provided as a one year grant totaling 50000 dollars, distributed to the sponsoring institution in two installments contingent on progress reporting. Funds may be used for research related expenses such as salary support, equipment, supplies, and limited travel directly associated with the research project. There are restrictions on use of funds, including prohibitions on membership fees, unrelated travel, lobbying, and activities not directly tied to the research. Indirect costs are capped at ten percent of the total award, and travel funding is limited to 1500 dollars, including required attendance at a grants ceremony associated with the ASCO Annual Meeting. Eligibility is limited to early career investigators who hold a doctoral degree and are within specific training or early employment windows. Applicants must be in the final year of a fellowship or within the first two years of a faculty or employment position and within ten years of their terminal degree, with limited exceptions. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to oncology research and must either be members of ASCO or have applied for membership. They must also commit at least sixty percent of their time to research activities during the award period and be affiliated with a sponsoring organization that can provide necessary resources and protected time. Eligible organizations include higher education institutions, research organizations, government entities, nonprofit organizations, and non governmental organizations, including those located outside the United States. The sponsoring organization must demonstrate adequate infrastructure, at least one year of operational history, and the ability to support the research project and the investigator. The application process requires a two phase submission beginning with a Letter of Intent followed by a full proposal by invitation. All submissions must be completed online through the official application portal and must adhere strictly to the requirements outlined in the request for proposals. Applications are evaluated through a multi stage peer review process conducted by an independent committee. The review emphasizes the strength and feasibility of the research proposal, the quality of mentorship, the applicant’s potential for a research career in global oncology, and the institutional support available. Key dates include an application opening in early July 2026, a Letter of Intent deadline in September 2026, a full application deadline in January 2027, and an award term beginning in mid 2027. Notifications are expected in April 2027. The program is recurring annually and aims to continuously build capacity in global oncology research through sustained investment in early career investigators.

Emphasize strong hypothesis driven research with clear feasibility within one year and demonstrate strong mentorship and institutional support while aligning with global oncology priorities