Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance-AACR Career Development Award
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 from diagnostics, staging, and through to therapeutic options. There is a critical need to advance understanding of this disease and improve treatment and follow-up care options for the patients living with ILC.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance-AACR Career Development Award represents a joint effort to promote and support innovative research led by early-career investigators. The proposed project may be basic, translational, clinical, or population-based research in nature and must have direct applicability and relevance to invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC).
The grant provides $150,000 over two years 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. For institutions that mandate payment of indirect costs, a maximum of 5% of the total grant may be used for this purpose.
Program Guidelines and Competitive Letter of Intent Instructions are available in PDF format
Proposed project may be in basic, translational, clinical, epidemiological, population health, and/or community-based cancer related research and designed to accelerate the discovery, development, and application of new agents to treat invasive lobular carcinoma.
Applicants must have a doctoral degree (including PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent) in a related field and not currently be a candidate for a further doctoral or professional degree.
At the start of the grant term on July 1, 2026, applicants must:
- Hold a faculty position with the title of assistant professor, instructor, research assistant professor, or the equivalent.
- 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 the AACR’s Research and Grants Administration Department (RGA) at [email protected] before submitting their application for information on additional verification materials/signatures that may be required.
- Have started their first independent faculty position within the past 6 years from the grant start date (i.e. cannot have held an independent faculty position before July 1, 2020).
- Have independent laboratory space as confirmed by their institution.
- 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 AACR Active 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) on members interested in this grant opportunity must submit a satisfactory application for AACR Active membership by the letter of intent (LOI) deadline. 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 with 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 LOI 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 1:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, using the ProposalCentral website.
Program Guidelines and Competitive Letter of Intent Instructions are available in PDF format.