Early Career Research Programs
Attracting and retaining the best and brightest early career scientists is critical to the future of childhood cancer research. Funding at this stage will encourage and steer promising researchers toward long-term careers in pediatric oncology investigation.
'A' Award Grants
The 'A' Award is designed for the early independent career scientist who wants to establish a career in pediatric oncology research. The ideal candidate has an original project, can demonstrate outstanding career development support from the institution, and has a strong future commitment to pediatric cancer investigation. These awards are open to MD, MD/PhD and PhD applicants who are within 5 years of their first faculty appointment as an Assistant Professor. The 'A' Award offers up to $200,000 per year for four years.
In 2022 the 'A' Awards do not allow for applicants to have NIH funding as it has previously. However, we are pleased to launch the NEW R Accelerated Award for researchers who have received a pediatric cancer focused NIH R01 Award or equivalent (eg ACS) within the last five years and have an original project which will accelerate the discovery of more effective, less toxic therapy for children with cancer. Read more about this opportunity and view the guidelines.
POST Program Grants
The Pediatric Oncology Student Training (POST) Program is designed for undergraduate, graduate, and medical students who have an interest in pediatric oncology research and would like to experience the field firsthand. Students train with a pediatric oncology research mentor. Students may join a research project underway in a mentor’s lab or begin an original investigation with the mentor.
>> Download the 2025 POST Program Grant Application Guidelines
RUNX1 Early Career Investigator Grants
The RUNX1 Early Career Investigator grant is a 3-year award designed to fund research in strategies leading to the development of therapies to prevent the transition from pre-leukemia to leukemia for patients with RUNX1-FPD. Collaboration and data sharing are a priority for this research program. The RUNX1 Research Program and ALSF host an annual scientific meeting that brings together grant recipients and other scientists. Grant recipients are expected to present their progress as part of the annual review. The RUNX1 Early Career Investigator Grant offers up to $60,000 per year for three years.
>> Download the 2025 RUNX1 Early Career Grant Guidelines
Young Investigator Grants
Young Investigator grants are designed to fill the critical need for startup funds for less experienced researchers to pursue promising research ideas. Eligible applicants may apply during their fellowship training or early in their research careers but must not have achieved an appointment higher than Instructor. These grants encourage and cultivate the best and brightest researchers of the future and lead to long-term research projects. The Young Investigator grant offers up to $50,000 per year for three years.
