The AACR Trailblazer Cancer Research Grant Program, which was launched at the Annual Meeting Opening Ceremony, will award $15 million over three years. 

It is designed for early-stage and mid-career investigators to support meritorious and promising cancer research. 

“AACR has been a proud funder of research grants since 1993,” said AACR Chief Executive Officer Margaret Foti. “We are thrilled to announce the launch of the AACR Trailblazer Research Grant Program as part of our expanded efforts to address the funding challenges facing today’s cancer researchers—especially those who are starting and building their careers. Through this new funding opportunity, we hope to support talented scientists at critical junctures in their careers and empower them to make discoveries that will ultimately save more lives from cancer.” 

The $15 million investment will include nine $1 million grants for early-stage investigators and six $1 million grants for mid-career investigators, distributed over three years.  

The grants are intended to provide investigators with the resources and time to establish innovative, emerging research projects. Projects may be exploratory, developmental, or proof-of-concept.  

The aim is to advance the understanding of cancer biology, drive groundbreaking translational science, and improve patient outcomes. 

“The AACR Trailblazer Research Grant Program is designed to address the challenges ahead at this critical time in the cancer field,” said AACR President Patricia LoRusso. “This exciting, unprecedented initiative is the largest single grant program that AACR has ever offered. It is needed now more than ever before. We are in a remarkable era of progress against cancer, and support for researchers, especially early-stage and mid-career investigators, must continue if we are to achieve the next breakthroughs for patients.” 

Researchers may submit applications for the AACR Trailblazer Research Grant Program through the AACR website.

DIANA SPENCER, Senior Digital Content Editor, DDW