$1 Million Emerging Leader Award 2026: Global Cancer Research Grant Opportunity @Unknown

Overview

The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research has opened applications for its Emerging Leader Award 2026, a prestigious global funding opportunity for early-career scientists advancing innovative cancer research.

Eligibility

• Hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent qualification
• Affiliated with a non-profit academic or research institution
• Established an independent laboratory between 2018 and 2023
• Demonstrate independence including lab space and authority to hire staff
• Must have ongoing independent funding for the laboratory

Benefits

• Total funding: $1,000,000 (USD) over 4 years
• Annual allocation: $250,000

How to Apply

Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) through the foundation’s online portal.

• LOI Requirements:
• Project title
• Project summary (max 350 words)
• Statement on how the project differs from existing research
• Biosketch (NIH format or equivalent)
• List of current grants and funding sources

Deadline

April 30, 2026: Deadline for Letters of Intent (5 PM ET).

Important Dates

• March 25, 2026: Application portal opens
• July 30, 2026: Full application deadline
• January 1, 2027: Grant start date