AACR-Mark Foundation Chemistry in Cancer Research Grants
The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) are proud to announce the AACR-Mark Foundation Chemistry in Cancer Research Grants. This grant mechanism seeks to support chemists to pursue impactful research in the field of cancer.
Each grant provides $435,000 over three years for research project-related expenses. 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. Each Grantee will be required to attend an Annual AACR Grantee Recognition Event to formally accept their Grant. Up to $3,000 may be allocated from the Grant to cover expenses for attending the Annual Grantee Summit and the Annual Grantee Recognition Event. Additionally, up to $2,000 per year from the Grant Funds may be allocated to support the Grantee’s attendance at the Mark Foundation Scientific Symposium. For institutions that mandate payment of indirect costs, a maximum of 10% of the direct costs may be used for this purpose.
Program Guidelines and Competitive Letter of Intent Instructions are available in PDF format.
These grants are designed to support groundbreaking basic or translational research projects that utilize chemistry or chemical biology to address urgent issues in cancer. Projects should aim to develop innovative chemical tools and/or probes to validate difficult or emerging cancer targets to advance our understanding of cancer biology. Potential areas of research include, but are not limited to:
- Development of chemical tools and/or probes to explore cancer biological function, gene function, molecular interactions, as well as target validation (e.g. antibodies, peptides).
- Novel conjugation approaches to improve the effectiveness of biologics.
- Approaches that use induced proximity (i.e., molecular glues or PROTACs) to modulate cancer-driving proteins.
- Advancement of delivery systems that improve the delivery of drugs, genes, or other therapeutic agents to tumors.
At the start of the grant term on September 1, 2026, 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.
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 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. ET on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, using the ProposalCentral website.
Program Guidelines and Competitive Letter of Intent Instructions are available in PDF format.