Young Investigator Award in Drug Development

The Young Investigator Award in Drug Development is offered by Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and improving patient care worldwide. Since its founding in 1984, the organization has distributed significant funding to support clinical and translational oncology research, with a mission focused on accelerating breakthroughs and improving outcomes for patients across all cancer types. This specific award is designed to support early-career physician-scientists transitioning from fellowship training into independent academic roles, particularly those pursuing careers in oncology drug development. The purpose of the award is to fund innovative, hypothesis-driven research projects that span the continuum from preclinical discovery through clinical application in cancer therapeutics. The program emphasizes translational relevance, requiring that proposed studies demonstrate a clear path toward improving patient outcomes. Projects may include laboratory-based research, clinical trials, epidemiologic studies, or health services research, provided they maintain a strong connection to drug development and clinical oncology. All projects must be feasible within a one-year timeframe and include clearly defined measurable outcomes. The total funding available for this program is sixty thousand dollars for a one-year period. Of this amount, fifty thousand dollars is allocated to support the investigator’s research activities, while up to ten thousand dollars may be directed to the mentor to support structured mentorship in drug development. Funds are administered through the sponsoring institution and may be used for salary support, research supplies, equipment, and limited travel. Indirect costs are capped at five percent of the total award, and certain expenses such as tuition, membership dues, and reimbursable patient care costs are not allowable. Eligibility is restricted to physicians holding an MD, DO, or equivalent international degree who are within defined early-career stages, including final years of oncology training or the first year of a faculty appointment. Applicants must be within ten years of earning their medical degree, possess a valid medical license, and commit at least sixty percent of their professional effort to research activities. A qualified mentor is required, and applicants must maintain or obtain membership with the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The program is open to both U.S. and international applicants, with no geographic restrictions. The application process is conducted entirely online through the ASCO application portal and requires submission of multiple components, including a research strategy, biostatistical plan, patient impact statement, budget, timeline, biosketch, mentorship plan, and institutional support letters. Clinical proposals must include a clinical protocol and demonstrate engagement with a patient advocate. Applications undergo a rigorous multi-stage peer review process involving scientific experts, statisticians, and patient advocates, with evaluation criteria focusing on scientific merit, mentorship quality, applicant potential, and institutional support. Key dates for the funding cycle include an application opening on July 1, 2026, and a submission deadline of January 28, 2027. Additional materials may be submitted by February 18, 2027, and award notifications are expected in April 2027. The award period runs from July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028. The program is offered on a recurring annual basis, and applicants are encouraged to begin preparations early due to the complexity of the application requirements. Contact for the program is maintained through Conquer Cancer, with inquiries directed to the grants administration email. The organization provides guidance materials and application resources through its website to assist applicants. Overall, the award represents a competitive opportunity aimed at fostering the next generation of oncology researchers and advancing the development of new cancer therapies.

Ensure strong hypothesis driven proposal with clear clinical impact demonstrate feasibility within one year align closely with mentor expertise and provide detailed statistical and patient impact plans