AACR-Novocure Cancer Research Grant
The AACR-Novocure Cancer Research Grants represent a joint effort to promote and support independent investigators who are currently conducting innovative research focused on Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields; intermediate frequency, low intensity, alternating electric fields that disrupt cell division in cancer cells) as well as to encourage independent investigators to enter the TTFields research field.
These grants are intended to provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of action of this novel anti-cancer treatment modality and to accelerate the development of new treatment strategies to advance therapeutic options for cancer. The research proposed for funding may be basic or translational in nature; however, studies promoting the transition of in vitro work into in vivo systems, combination therapies involving TTFields, or translational projects bringing treatments involving TTFields into the clinic will be prioritized. The Inovitro® system (which will be provided by Novocure, if needed), must be included in the experimental design. Training on the use of Inovitro® system will be provided by Novocure, if needed. Note that inter-laboratory collaboration is encouraged, particularly for applicants new to TTFields research.
This grant provides $350,000 over three years for expenses related to the research project, which may include salary and benefits of the grant recipient and any collaborators, postdoctoral or clinical research fellows, graduate students and/or research assistants; research/laboratory supplies; equipment; travel; publication charges for manuscripts that pertain directly to the funded project; other research expenses; and indirect costs.
Program Guidelines and Application Instructions are available for download. Please read all guidelines and instructions carefully before submitting an Application.
Research proposals must incorporate the Inovitro® and/or inovivo® systems into the experimental design. For grant recipients who are affiliated with institutions that do not currently hold a Materials Transfer Agreement (MTA) with Novocure for use of its devices, Novocure will provide this system to complete the research. For additional details, please see the MTA and Terms and Conditions. If selected for funding, Novocure will work with the institution to execute an MTA.
Research projects should examine the use of TTFields as a therapeutic modality for cancer. Proposals may include 1) Basic and translational approaches, promoting the transition of TTFields in vitro work into in vivo systems, 2) Studies that link preclinical and clinical data, or 3) Studies with ability to translate into the clinic for cancer treatment.
Projects that focus on one or more of the areas outlined below are strongly encouraged, provided they incorporate the use of Inovitro® and/or inovivo® systems:
- Key cancer-related signaling and cellular pathways.
- Metabolic effects of TTFields.
- Studies that include Omics data (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics).
- TTFields immunological aspects and the potential combination with immunotherapy.
- Combinational studies with approved agents (preferably to include mechanistic aspects).
At the start of the grant term (December 1, 2026), applicants must:
- Have a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent) in a related field.
- Be independent investigators. Applicants must hold a faculty position (i.e., professor, assistant professor, research assistant professor, instructor, or equivalent)
- If eligibility is based on a future position, the position must be confirmed at the time of submission and CANNOT be contingent upon receiving this grant. Applicants are advised to contact the AACR’s Research and Grants Administration (RGA) at [email protected] before submission to confirm they will hold an eligible position.
- Work at an academic, medical, or research institution anywhere in the world.
At the start of the grant term (December 1, 2026), applicants cannot:
- Be a candidate for a further doctoral degree.
- Be an employee or subcontractor of a U.S. federal government entity or for-profit private industry. They may serve as collaborators, but no grant funds may be directed toward these individuals.
- Be postdoctoral or clinical research fellows (or equivalent) working under the auspices of a scientific mentor. Qualified fellows are invited to apply for an AACR Fellowship.
- Be a current or past recipient of an AACR-Novocure Tumor Treating Fields Research Grant. Collaborators or other participants of an active AACR Novocure grant (at the time of application deadline) are also not eligible to apply.
- Current recipients of an AACR-Novocure Career Development Award for Tumor Treating Fields Research Grant may apply if their current grant ends and their final progress reports have been approved before the start of the grant term of this funding opportunity.
- Concurrently hold another AACR grant.
- Current AACR grantees may apply only if their current grant ends and their final progress reports have been approved before the start of the grant term for this funding opportunity.
Investigators may submit only one application for this funding opportunity but may concurrently apply for other AACR grants. However, applicants are expected to accept the first grant they are awarded. Individuals may accept and hold only one AACR grant at a time.
Multiple applications for the AACR-Novocure Cancer Research Grant may be submitted from the same institution as long as the applicants are not collaborators on an active Novocure grant.
All applicants with questions about eligibility should contact the AACR’s Research and Grants Administration at [email protected] before submitting an application.
There are no citizenship or geographic requirements. However, by submitting an application for this grant, applicants applying from an institution in a country where they are not a citizen or permanent resident confirm that their work status will allow them to complete the project and grant term.
By the submission deadline, applicants must be AACR Active members in good standing (dues paid for the current year):
- Information on AACR membership, including membership categories, due rates, and steps for lapsed or nonmembers, can be accessed on our membership website.
- Assistance with membership can be requested by submitting a myAACR help form or by contacting our Membership Department at [email protected]
- Applicants whose membership is not in good standing or nonmembers who do not apply for membership by the submission deadline will be considered ineligible.
The AACR requires applicants to complete an online Application submission by 1:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Thursday, June 4, 2026, using the ProposalCentral website.
Program Guidelines and Application Instructions are available in PDF format.