Young Investigator Award in Geriatric Oncology

The Conquer Cancer Young Investigator Award in Geriatric Oncology is a competitive research funding opportunity administered by Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation. Conquer Cancer is a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating breakthroughs in cancer research and improving patient care globally. Since its establishment in 1984, the foundation has awarded over two hundred million dollars in grants supporting clinical and translational oncology research. This specific award focuses on advancing the field of geriatric oncology by supporting early-career physician investigators as they transition from training to independent academic roles. The primary purpose of this award is to fund promising physician researchers during a critical career transition period, specifically from fellowship or subspecialty training into faculty positions. The program emphasizes mentored research, requiring applicants to work under the guidance of an experienced mentor. The research scope includes both clinical and preclinical projects related to cancer in older adults, with a strong emphasis on translational relevance and measurable outcomes. Projects may include clinical studies, epidemiologic research, behavioral studies, health services research, or laboratory-based work with clear clinical applications. The award provides a total of fifty thousand dollars for a one year project period, distributed in two equal installments. Funding is intended to support research-related expenses such as salary support, supplies, equipment, and essential travel. At least forty six thousand dollars must be allocated directly to research activities, while up to fifteen hundred dollars may be used for travel and up to five percent for indirect costs. Certain expenses such as tuition, membership dues, and reimbursable patient care costs are not allowed. The project must be completed within a one year timeframe, and applicants are required to dedicate at least sixty percent of their professional time to research activities during the award period. Eligibility is limited to physicians with an MD, DO, or international equivalent who are within defined early career stages. Applicants must either be in the final years of oncology subspecialty training, enrolled in programs with protected research time, or within their first year of a faculty appointment. Additional requirements include being within ten years of receiving a medical degree, holding an active medical license, and maintaining or applying for ASCO membership. There are no geographic restrictions, and both United States and international applicants may apply, provided they can complete the project within the grant period. Applicants must also secure a qualified mentor and demonstrate institutional support. The application process is conducted entirely online through the ASCO application portal. Required components include detailed research proposals, a biostatistical plan, patient impact documentation, budget justification, mentorship plan, and multiple letters of support. Clinical projects must include a patient advocate and adhere to ethical review requirements. Applications undergo a rigorous multi stage peer review process involving scientific experts, biostatisticians, and patient advocates. Evaluation criteria include the strength of the research proposal, mentor support, applicant potential, and institutional resources. Key dates for the current cycle include an application opening on July 1, 2026, and a submission deadline of January 28, 2027. Additional materials may be submitted until February 18, 2027. Award notifications are expected in April 2027, with the funding period running from July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028. The program is offered annually, and applicants may apply to multiple related competitions but may only accept one award. For inquiries, applicants may contact the program via email at grants@conquer.org. Overall, the award represents a significant opportunity for early career oncology researchers to establish independent research trajectories in geriatric oncology.

Emphasize strong hypothesis feasibility within one year and clear patient impact with mentor support