AACR-Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Innovation and Discovery Grants
Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), also known as lobular breast cancer, is the second most common histological subtype of breast cancer. ILC has a unique biology and a distinct clinical pattern of behavior and is a challenging disease entity in terms of diagnostics, staging, and therapeutic options. There is a critical need to advance understanding of this disease and improve treatment and follow-up care options for patients living with ILC.
The AACR-Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Innovation and Discovery Grants is a joint effort to stimulate and develop creative, paradigm-shifting ideas in ILC research to ultimately contribute to development of new treatment options that may not be funded through conventional channels.
Applications are invited from researchers who have studied ILC as well as investigators with experience in other areas of cancer or biomedical research.
Each grant provides $50,000 over one year for expenses related to the research project. Grant funds may be used for direct research expenses attributable to the project, which may include supplemental salary support, equipment, research/laboratory supplies, and other research expenses. Up to 5% of grant funds may be used on indirect costs.
Program Guidelines and Application Instructions are available for download. Please read all eligibility criteria and instructions carefully before submitting an application.
These grants are intended to support projects focused on invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). Applications in any aspect of clinical or basic research directly related to lobular breast cancer will be considered. Research proposals should focus on biology, diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention of lobular breast cancer or its metastases.
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 or equivalent.
At the start of the grant term on July 1, 2026, applicants must:
- Be independent investigators and be affiliated with 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 Research and Grants Administration Department (AACR’s RGA) at [email protected] before submitting their application for information on additional verification materials/signatures that may be required.
- Work at an academic, medical, or research institution anywhere in the world.
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 the visa status will provide sufficient time to complete the project and grant term at the institution from which they applied.
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 Active membership by the application deadline. Nonmembers interested in this grant opportunity must submit a satisfactory application for AACR membership by the application 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 application deadline and should contact the Membership Department at [email protected] for assistance.
The AACR requires applicants to submit an online application by 1 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Thursday, April 9, 2026, using the ProposalCentral website.
Download Program Guidelines and Application Instructions online.