Features and Requirements
Currently, the American Association for Cancer Research has several open calls for proposals aimed at advancing cancer research in various fields and at different stages of a researcher’s career.
- AACR-Novocure Cancer Research Grant: This call for proposals funds innovative basic and translational research projects focused on Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields), with a particular emphasis on studies that facilitate their clinical application and the development of new therapeutic strategies against cancer. The grant provides $350,000 over three years to cover research costs, including personnel, materials, equipment, and other project-related expenses.
Total amount: 350,000 USD
Duration: 3 years
Start date of assistance: December 1, 2026
Application deadline: June 4, 2026
- AACR-Exelixis Renal Cell Carcinoma Research Fellowship : funds research training in renal cell carcinoma for two years with a grant of $130,000 USD primarily intended for the salary and benefits of the postdoctoral or clinical researcher, as well as partially for research expenses associated with the project.
Total amount: 130,000 USD
Duration: 2 years
Start date of assistance: September 1, 2026
Application deadline: June 11, 2026
- AACR-Debbie’s Dream Foundation Gastric Cancer Innovation and Discovery Grant: These grants will fund basic, translational, and/or clinical research projects that investigate new therapeutic targets and/or important biomarkers amenable to pharmacological treatment that are relevant to gastric cancer. associated with the project.
Total amount: 50,000 USD
Duration: 1 year
Start date of assistance: November 1, 2026
Application deadline: June 22, 2026
- AACR Academy Cancer Research Impact Grants: supports postdoctoral researchers transitioning to independent research careers by providing research funding and an individualized mentoring program with members of the AACR Academy. There are no nationality requirements. However, to be eligible for this grant, applicants must be conducting their research under the supervision of a mentor at an academic, medical, or research institution located in the United States.
Total amount: 75,000 USD
Duration: 12 months
Start date of assistance: October 1, 2026
Application deadline: June 30, 2026
- AACR Gertrude B. Elion Cancer Research Award: This call for proposals supports junior researchers with the potential for academic tenure by funding cancer research projects—including basic, translational, and clinical research—related to the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of cancer. The grant provides $225,000 for one year to fund primarily the research project, including costs for personnel, consumables, equipment, travel, publications, and other research-related expenses.
Total amount: 225,000 USD
Duration: 1 year
Start date of assistance: November 1, 2026
Application deadline: September 16, 2026
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through the Proposal Central platform.
We recommend that you carefully read the rules and instructions for each call for applications.
There are no requirements regarding nationality or geographic location. However, applicants submitting their application from an institution located in a country of which they are not citizens or permanent residents must ensure that their visa status will allow them to remain long enough to complete the project and the grant implementation period at the institution from which they are applying. Furthermore, by the deadline for submitting the complete application, applicants must be members of the American Association for Cancer Research and have paid the membership dues for the current year.