AACR-Hope Scarves Metastatic Breast Cancer Innovation and Discovery Grant
Hope Scarves and the AACR are proud to announce the 2025 AACR-Hope Scarves Metastatic Breast Cancer Innovation and Discovery Grant. This grant mechanism aims to foster innovation and advance the translation of promising ideas in metastatic breast cancer research, including the exploration of potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers. By supporting efforts to bridge basic science with emerging treatment strategies, the grant also aims to foster the development of the next generation of cancer researchers.
Research projects may be basic, clinical, or translational in nature and must have direct applicability and relevance to metastatic breast cancer. Applications are invited from researchers currently studying metastatic breast cancer, as well as investigators with experience in other areas of cancer or biomedical research.
This grant provides $50,000 over one year 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. Indirect costs are not allowed.
Program Guidelines and Application Instructions are available for download. Please read all eligibility criteria and instructions carefully before submitting an application.
Research projects may be basic, clinical, or translational in nature and must have direct applicability and relevance to metastatic breast cancer. Applications are invited from researchers currently studying metastatic breast cancer, as well as investigators with experience in other areas of cancer or biomedical research.
All applicants with questions about eligibility should contact AACR’s Research and Grants Administration (RGA) at [email protected] before submitting an application.
At the start of the grant term on November 1, 2025, applicants must:
- Have a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent) in a related field and not currently be a candidate for a further doctoral degree.
- Be an independent investigator working at an academic, medical, or non-profit research institution.
- If eligibility is based on a future position, the position must be confirmed at the time of application, 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 RGA at [email protected] before submitting their application for information on additional verification materials/signatures that may be required.
- Postdoctoral or clinical research fellows or the equivalent who are working under the auspices of a scientific mentor are not eligible to apply. Qualified fellows are invited to apply for an AACR Fellowship.
- Employees or subcontractors of a U.S. government entity or for-profit private industry are not eligible. Employees or subcontractors of a U.S. government entity or for‐profit private industry may serve as Collaborators, but no grant funds may be directed toward these individuals.
There are no citizenship or geographic requirements. However, by submitting an application 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 their visa status will provide sufficient time to complete the project within the grant term at the institution from which they applied.
- Applicants must be AACR Active Members in good standing (dues paid for the current year).
- Annual dues are not 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 Active membership by the application deadline. Nonmembers can apply for membership online and should review the Membership Categories for the category that best fits their qualifications. Nonmembers must obtain a statement of support from a nominator who is an AACR Active Member in good standing (dues paid for the current year). If assistance is needed to find a nominator, email [email protected] to receive a list of members in your geographical location. For more information check the membership FAQ.
- Members can renew their membership through myAACR using their email address and password. If assistance is needed with logging in, please submit a help form. Lapsed members must be in good standing by the application deadline and should contact the Membership Department at [email protected] for assistance.
The AACR requires applicants to submit an online application by 1:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Thursday, July 24, 2025, using the ProposalCentral website at https://proposalcentral.com.
Download Program Guidelines and Application Instructions here.