Applications Open for ACS Institutional Research Grant (IRG): early career faculty invited to apply

Posted in CRTEC Funding Opportunities News

The American Cancer Society (ACS) Institutional Research Grant (IRG) Pilot Project Grant is open for applications from early career faculty members at Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Grant Deadline is Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

Award Details
Award Period: January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026
Grant Amount: $30,000 maximum
Download the full application announcement in Box, which includes the application Word document template.

Applicant Eligibility Criteria

  • Early career faculty (e.g., Assistant Professor or equivalent) who are:
    • Eligible to apply for independent national competitive research grants (e.g. NIH R-level grants, ACS Research Scholar Grants, and similar)
    • Do not currently hold and have not previously held such a grant, with the exception of an R00, which is allowed.
  • Within six (6) years of their first faculty appointment.
  • Either on an independent investigator track (e.g. tenure track or equivalent), or demonstrate clear independence from their mentor(s). Research track and other non-tenure eligible faculty can be eligible for this award, but must demonstrate through their proposal and the mentor letter that the proposed project involves their independent research. Proposals in which the applicant is clearly performing their mentors’ research are not competitive.
  • Applications must focus on or be relevant to the study of cancer, including basic, pre-clinical, clinical, translational, or population sciences.

Additional Information

  • Submission of proposals from allied fields and disciplines outside of oncology/medicine, and from a range of perspectives that help broadly contribute to our understanding of cancer prevention, causation, treatment, or survivorship-related issues, are strongly encouraged.
  • Applications from persons historically underrepresented in cancer research are strongly encouraged.
  • There are no citizenship requirements, but applicants who are not U.S. citizens must hold a visa that will allow them to remain in the U.S. through the funding period.
  • Faculty who have received prior support from an ACS IRG are not eligible.

For scientific or eligibility questions Dr. Rebecca Riggins (PI of the ACS IRG).

For application download or upload questions: Karen Howenstein.