Young Investigator Award in Cancer Supportive Care

The Conquer Cancer Young Investigator Award in Cancer Supportive Care is a funding opportunity offered by Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, an organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and improving patient outcomes globally. Since its establishment, the foundation has distributed substantial funding to support clinical and translational oncology research, with a mission centered on improving care quality and accelerating breakthroughs for cancer patients. This specific award is designed to support early-career physician investigators transitioning from training to independent academic roles. The primary purpose of the award is to foster high-quality research in cancer supportive care, which includes interventions aimed at improving the quality of life for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Supportive care encompasses symptom management, psychological and social support, and mitigation of treatment side effects. The program emphasizes mentored research, requiring applicants to conduct their proposed project under the supervision of an experienced mentor, thereby strengthening both research outcomes and career development. Funding for this opportunity consists of a total award amount of 50000 dollars for a one-year project period. The funds are distributed in two equal installments and must be used primarily for research-related expenses such as salary support, supplies, and equipment. A minimum of 46000 dollars must be allocated directly to research activities, while up to 1500 dollars may be used for travel and up to 2500 dollars for indirect costs. The award supports only one investigator per cycle, emphasizing the competitive and selective nature of the program. Eligibility is limited to physicians holding an MD, DO, or equivalent degree who are within defined early-career stages, including those in the final years of subspecialty training or within the first year of a faculty appointment. Applicants must be within ten years of obtaining their medical degree, hold an active medical license, and commit at least 60 percent of their time to research. There are no geographic or citizenship restrictions, making the program accessible to both US and international applicants. Additional requirements include ASCO membership and the presence of a qualified mentor at the sponsoring institution. The application process is conducted entirely online through the ASCO application portal and requires submission of extensive materials, including a research strategy, biostatistical plan, patient impact statement, budget, mentorship plan, and multiple letters of support. Clinical projects must involve a patient advocate and include appropriate regulatory documentation. Applications are evaluated through a multi-stage peer review process based on scientific merit, mentor strength, applicant potential, and institutional support. Key dates for the program include an application opening on July 1, 2026 and a submission deadline of January 28, 2027. Additional post-submission materials may be submitted until February 18, 2027. Award notifications are expected in April 2027, with the project period running from July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028. The program operates on an annual cycle, and applicants are encouraged to begin preparation early due to the complexity of submission requirements.

Focus on a clear hypothesis driven project ensure feasibility within one year demonstrate strong mentorship and align project with patient impact priorities