Recruitment of Rising Stars Grant Program

The Recruitment of Rising Stars program is administered by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), a state-established entity authorized to issue substantial funding to support cancer research and prevention initiatives across Texas. CPRIT’s mission includes advancing innovation in cancer research, expanding institutional research capacity, and strengthening the state’s life sciences ecosystem. This specific funding opportunity is part of CPRIT’s Academic Research Program and is designed to enhance Texas’ competitiveness by attracting high-caliber scientific talent into its research institutions. The purpose of the Recruitment of Rising Stars award is to support Texas-based institutions in recruiting exceptional mid-career investigators who have already demonstrated strong accomplishments and show clear potential for continued advancement in cancer research. These individuals, referred to as “Rising Stars,” are expected to contribute significantly to institutional research programs and to the broader scientific understanding of cancer biology, prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship. The program emphasizes innovation, interdisciplinary approaches, and alignment with CPRIT’s priority research areas, including computational oncology, population-based research, and clinical translation. Funding for this opportunity allows institutions to request up to $3,000,000 in total costs over a five-year period. Funds may be used for research-related expenses, including salary support (subject to a maximum allowable salary), research operations, and travel, but may not be used for construction or renovation of laboratory space. Indirect costs are capped at a low percentage of the total award. A critical requirement is that the recruiting institution must provide a financial commitment equal to or exceeding 50 percent of the CPRIT award amount, demonstrating strong institutional investment in the recruited investigator’s research program. Eligibility is limited to Texas-based nonprofit research institutions, including public and private institutions of higher education. Applications must be submitted on behalf of a specific principal investigator who is not currently residing in Texas and who holds a qualifying academic appointment. The PI must have a doctoral degree and commit at least 70 percent of their effort to research activities. The nomination must be made by a senior institutional leader such as a president, provost, or dean. Only one institution may nominate a given PI, and certain conflict-of-interest and eligibility restrictions apply. The application process requires submission through CPRIT’s online system and includes multiple structured components such as research summaries, institutional commitment documentation, letters of support, and detailed research plans. Applications are reviewed by the CPRIT Scientific Review Council based on criteria including the quality and potential of the PI, the scientific merit of the proposed research, and the strength of institutional support. Recommended applications proceed through additional review stages before final approval by the CPRIT Oversight Committee. The timeline for this opportunity is structured as a continuous submission cycle within the fiscal year. Applications are accepted from June 23, 2025 through June 22, 2026, with monthly review cycles. For each cycle, applications must be submitted by the 20th of the month to be considered. Review periods span from September 2025 through July 2026, with award notifications issued on a rolling basis following review. Additional scheduling details, including cycle-specific deadlines and potential award dates, are outlined in the RFA. Award administration includes contractual obligations governed by Texas law, annual reporting requirements, and compliance with CPRIT policies. Recipients must demonstrate matching funds prior to disbursement and maintain ongoing reporting on research progress and financial expenditures. The program is not renewable, but awardees may pursue additional CPRIT funding opportunities in the future. Contact for administrative and programmatic inquiries is available through CPRIT’s helpdesk and research offices.

Emphasize the PI’s track record and future impact in cancer research; clearly demonstrate strong institutional commitment with detailed financial backing; align research with CPRIT priority areas and highlight innovation and translational potential