AACR-Think Forward Foundation Career Development Award

AACR-Think Forward Foundation Career Development Award is sponsored by American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and Think Forward Foundation. Supports early-career researchers in advancing precision medicine in breast cancer treatment, encouraging AI integration.

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Patient / Caregivers / Public Researchers / Professionals Information for Current Grantees Research Training and Fellowships Career Development Awards Independent Research Grants AACR-Think Forward Foundation Career Development Award Grant Amount $300,000 USD Start of Grant Term July 1, 2026 Letter of Intent Deadline December 18, 2025 1:00 PM (ET) Letter of Intent Notification Date February 2026 Application Deadline April 7, 2026 1:00 PM (ET) Additional Information Additional details regarding this grant can be found in the Program Guidelines and Competitive Letter of Intent Instructions .

Final determinations of eligibility will not be completed until the AACR is in receipt of the submitted Competitive Letter of Intent. The Think Forward Foundation and AACR are proud to announce the AACR-Think Forward Foundation Career Development Award This grant mechanism seeks to support early-career researchers to pursue impactful research focused on advancing precision medicine in breast cancer treatment.

Each grant provides $300,000 over 3 years for expenses related to the research project. Grant funds may be used for research expenses attributable to the project, which may include supplemental salary support, equipment, research/laboratory supplies, and other research expenses. Program Guidelines and Competitive Letter of Intent Instructions are available in PDF format.

Research Project Criteria This grant is designed to support innovative research focused on advancing precision medicine in breast cancer treatment. Our goal is to accelerate the development of tailored therapeutic strategies that address individual genetic profiles, molecular markers, and biomarkers to enhance treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects.

Applicants are encouraged to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze large datasets, identify research correlations, and accelerate access to precision medicine—ultimately improving patient outcomes and transforming breast cancer care. At the start of the grant term (July 1, 2026), applicants must: Hold a faculty position with the title of assistant professor, instructor, research assistant professor, or the equivalent.

If eligibility is based on a future position, the position must be confirmed at the time of submission and CANNOT be contingent upon receiving this grant.

If the future position is at a different institution than the applicant’s current institution, the applicant must contact AACR’s Research and Grants Administration Department (AACR’s RGA) at [email protected] before submitting their Letter of Intent for information on additional verification materials/signatures that may be required.

Have started their first independent faculty position within the past 6 years from the grant start date (i.e. cannot have held an independent faculty position before July 1, 2020). Have independent laboratory space as confirmed by their institution. Work at an academic, medical, or research institution anywhere in the world.

There are no citizenship or geographic requirements. However, by submitting a Letter of Intent for this grant, an applicant applying from an institution located in a country in which they are not a citizen or a permanent resident assures that the visa status will provide sufficient time to complete the project and grant term at the institution from which they applied.

AACR Membership Requirements Applicants must be Active AACR members in good standing (dues paid for the current year). Please be informed that no dues are required for members located in countries building cancer research capacities ( view list of eligible countries here ). Nonmembers interested in this grant opportunity must submit a satisfactory application for AACR membership by the Letter of Intent (LOI) deadline.

Nonmembers can apply for membership online . Please review the Membership Categories for the category that best fits your qualifications. Nonmembers must obtain a statement of support from a nominator who is an Active AACR member in good standing (dues paid for the current year).

Nonmembers requiring assistance with finding a nominator may email [email protected] and include your geographical location to receive a list of members in your area to contact for nominations. For more information check the membership FAQ . Members can renew their membership through myAACR .

You will need your logon (email address) and password to access the member portal. If you require assistance logging in, please submit a help form . Lapsed members must be members in good standing by the Letter of Intent deadline and should contact the Membership Department at [email protected] for assistance.

The AACR requires applicants to complete an online Letter of Intent submission by 1 p. m. U.S. Eastern Time on Thursday, December 18, 2025, using the ProposalCentral website .

Program Guidelines and Competitive Letter of Intent Instructions are available in PDF format. block needs to be placed in the location where the link block will be displayed--> AACR Launches Its Largest-ever Grant Program... Career Development Awards AACR-Novocure Career Development Award for...