Young Investigator Award in Primary Brain Tumors

The Young Investigator Award in Primary Brain Tumors is offered by Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating breakthroughs in oncology research and improving patient care worldwide. Since its establishment in 1984, the foundation has distributed over 215 million dollars through more than 10500 grants and awards. This particular funding opportunity is designed to support early career physician scientists transitioning from training into academic oncology careers, with a focus on advancing clinical and translational research in primary brain tumors. The primary purpose of this award is to foster the development of promising investigators by providing mentored research funding that supports hypothesis driven studies related to tumors originating in brain tissue. The program emphasizes projects that can contribute to improved understanding, diagnosis, or treatment of brain tumors. It specifically excludes research focused solely on metastatic brain disease. The award is structured as a mentored experience, requiring applicants to conduct their proposed research under the guidance of an experienced mentor, ensuring both scientific rigor and career development support. The funding provided totals 50000 dollars for a one year project period, distributed in two equal installments. Of this amount, at least 46000 dollars must be allocated to direct research costs such as personnel, supplies, and equipment. Up to 1500 dollars may be used for travel related to the project or mandatory attendance at the Conquer Cancer Grants and Awards Ceremony, and a maximum of 2500 dollars may be applied toward indirect costs. The funding must be used strictly for the proposed research project and cannot be applied to tuition, membership dues, or reimbursable patient care costs. Eligibility is limited to physicians holding an MD, DO, or equivalent degree, including MD PhD holders who have completed both degrees. Applicants must be within specific early career stages, such as being in the final years of oncology subspecialty training, enrolled in a program with a protected research year, or within the first year of a faculty appointment. They must also be within ten years of receiving their medical degree, possess a valid medical license in the country of research, commit at least sixty percent effort to research activities, and maintain or apply for ASCO membership. Applicants may be based in any country but must demonstrate the ability to complete the project at their sponsoring institution. The application process is conducted entirely online through the ASCO application portal and requires submission of multiple components, including applicant and project information, a research strategy, a biostatistical plan, a patient impact section, a detailed budget, and numerous supporting documents such as biosketches, mentorship plans, and institutional letters of support. Clinical proposals must include patient advocate involvement and may require additional documentation such as clinical protocols and drug supply letters. Applications undergo a rigorous multi stage peer review process evaluating scientific merit, mentorship quality, applicant potential, and institutional support. Key dates for the program include the application opening on July 1, 2026 and a submission deadline of January 28, 2027. Additional post submission materials may be required by February 18, 2027, with award notifications expected in April 2027. The award term runs from July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028. The program operates on an annual cycle, and applicants are encouraged to begin early due to the complexity of requirements. For questions or clarification, applicants may contact the program administrators via the official grants email provided by the foundation.

Focus on a strong hypothesis driven clinical research proposal with clear outcomes, ensure robust mentorship support, and demonstrate patient impact and feasibility within one year