Call for Applications: Young Investigator Grant (US, Canada)

Deadline: 10-Dec-2026

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) is inviting early career researchers, including postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows, and instructors, to apply for the Young Investigator Grant to support innovative research focused on childhood cancer. The program is designed to help develop the next generation of pediatric cancer researchers by combining research funding, structured mentorship, career development, and training activities. Eligible researchers can receive up to $60,000 in direct costs per year for three years, for a maximum total of $180,000 USD.

About the ALSF Young Investigator Grant

The Young Investigator Grant supports early career scientists who are committed to conducting impactful research in childhood cancer. Beyond financial support, the program places strong emphasis on professional development. Applicants are required to identify an experienced research mentor and submit a detailed career development plan. The combination of research funding and structured mentorship is intended to help investigators develop their scientific expertise and establish their careers in pediatric cancer research. Main Objectives of the Grant

The program aims to:

- Support innovative childhood cancer research. - Foster the next generation of pediatric cancer researchers. - Encourage impactful research aligned with ALSF’s mission. - Support translational and clinical research. - Provide structured mentorship for early career investigators. - Strengthen researchers’ career development and training. - Help early career scientists build expertise in pediatric oncology. Research Focus Proposed projects must align with the mission of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and focus on childhood cancers.

The program particularly encourages:

- Translational research. - Clinical research. - Innovative approaches to childhood cancer. - Research with potential to generate meaningful advances in pediatric oncology. Projects should have a clear connection to childhood cancer rather than focusing primarily on adult cancer populations. Age Requirement for Research Research projects with a sole or primary focus on patients over 19 years of age are not eligible. Applicants should ensure that the proposed research is appropriately focused on childhood cancer and fits within the program’s pediatric research priorities. Ineligible Research Areas The program will not fund research that utilizes: - Human embryonic stem cells. - Non-human primates. Projects primarily focused on patients older than 19 years are also not eligible. Mentorship Requirement Applicants must identify a research mentor with a track record in pediatric cancer research. The mentor is an important component of the program’s career development structure. Applicants should select someone with relevant expertise who can provide meaningful guidance throughout the award period. The proposed mentorship should complement the applicant’s research and long-term career development goals. Career Development Plan A detailed career development plan is required as part of the application. The plan should demonstrate how the grant period will contribute to the applicant’s development as a pediatric cancer researcher.

Applicants should consider explaining:

- Their long-term research goals. - Skills they intend to develop. - Training activities they will undertake. - How mentorship will support their development. - How the proposed research will strengthen their career. - How the award will help prepare them for future independent research. Funding Available

The Young Investigator Grant provides:

- Maximum annual funding: $60,000 USD.

- Award duration: Three years.

- Maximum total: $180,000 USD.

- Funding type: Direct costs.

- Indirect costs: Not allowed.

The budget may include eligible expenses such as: - Fringe. - Travel. - Research supplies. - Small equipment. ALSF also follows the NIH salary cap for principal investigators. Tuition remission is not permitted. Resource Sharing Requirement Grant recipients are expected to share unique resources developed under the award. Applicants must submit a Resource Sharing Plan as part of the application. This requirement supports broader scientific collaboration and allows resources generated through funded research to potentially benefit other researchers. Who Can Apply? The Young Investigator Grant is designed for early career researchers, including: - Postdoctoral fellows. - Clinical fellows. - Instructors. Applicants must meet the program’s specific degree, appointment, career-stage, institutional, and research-commitment requirements. Academic and Institutional Eligibility

Eligible applicants must:

- Be based at a nonprofit institution in the United States or Canada. - Hold an MD, PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent. - Hold an appointment no higher than Instructor. - Meet the applicable doctoral-degree timing requirement. - Allocate at least 75% of their time to research activities during the grant period. - Identify a qualified pediatric cancer research mentor. - Submit a detailed career development plan. Faculty Appointment Restriction Applicants must not hold an appointment higher than Instructor. Assistant Professors are not eligible for the Young Investigator Grant. This distinction is important because the program is specifically designed for researchers who are still at an early stage of their academic careers. Doctoral Degree Timing Requirements

Applicants must be within:

- Seven years of their last doctoral degree for MD or MD/PhD applicants. - Four years of their last doctoral degree for PhD applicants. Applicants should carefully assess the applicable time limit based on their highest relevant doctoral degree. Research Commitment At least 75% of the applicant’s time during the grant period must be allocated to research activities. This requirement reflects the program’s strong focus on developing researchers through hands-on scientific investigation and training. Applicants should ensure tha