Submit Applications for Research Scholar Grants (United States)

The American Cancer Society (ACS) Research Scholar Grants (RSG) support independent researchers conducting investigator-initiated cancer research projects aligned with ACS priority research areas. Eligible researchers can receive up to $215,000 per year in direct costs for projects lasting up to four years.

Overview of the American Cancer Society Research Scholar Grants

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is inviting applications for Research Scholar Grants (RSG) to support independent, self-directed researchers working on innovative cancer research projects.

The programme provides funding for researchers developing their own scientific proposals and investigating important questions across the cancer research continuum. Supported projects must align with ACS priority research areas and contribute to advances in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, survivorship, or related fields.

Purpose of the Research Scholar Grants

The main goal of the Research Scholar Grants programme is to strengthen cancer research by supporting independent investigators who are developing impactful research programmes.

The grants aim to:

• Advance discoveries in cancer research.
• Support innovative investigator-led studies.
• Strengthen research capacity among independent scientists.
• Address critical questions across the cancer research continuum.
• Promote scientific progress toward reducing cancer burden.

Research Areas Supported

Research Scholar Grants support projects across the cancer research continuum, including studies related to:

• Cancer biology.
• Cancer prevention.
• Early detection and diagnosis.
• Treatment development.
• Cancer control.
• Survivorship.
• Other ACS priority research areas.

Applicants must ensure that their proposed research aligns with the American Cancer Society’s current research priorities.

Funding Details

The Research Scholar Grants provide:

• Up to $215,000 per year in direct costs
• 10% allowable indirect costs
• Funding period of up to four years

Grant funds may support essential research expenses, including:

• Researcher salaries.
• Consumable laboratory supplies.
• Project-related materials.
• Other necessary research expenses.

Project Duration

Supported projects may receive funding for a maximum period of:

Four years

Applicants should submit proposals with clear research objectives, achievable timelines, and appropriate budget planning.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the requirements for independent research status and institutional eligibility.

Eligible applicants generally include researchers working at:

• U.S. academic institutions.
• Eligible nonprofit research organisations.

Applicants must have the institutional support needed to conduct independent research activities.

Researcher Requirements

Applicants should:

• Be independent, self-directed investigators.
• Develop their own research proposals.
• Conduct cancer research aligned with ACS priorities.
• Have access to appropriate research facilities and resources.

The applicant’s institution must provide:

• Suitable research space.
• Necessary institutional support.
• Resources normally available to independent investigators.

Independent Investigator Eligibility

For new Research Scholar Grant applications, applicants must:

• Have been first appointed as an independent, full-time faculty member or equivalent position for no more than eight years at the time of application.

Researchers who exceed the eight-year eligibility period may apply for resubmissions only with approval from the ACS Program Office.

Principal Investigator Restrictions

At the time of application, applicants must not be the principal investigator on more than one:

• R01 grant, or
• R01-equivalent grant.

An R01-equivalent grant is defined by ACS as a funding award that provides:

• More than $100,000 in direct costs per year, and
• Funding for more than three years.

Institutional Requirements

Applicant institutions must demonstrate that they can support successful research implementation.

Institutions should provide:

• Appropriate research facilities.
• Necessary infrastructure.
• Administrative support.
• Resources required for conducting independent research.

Types of Expenses Supported

Grant funding may be used for:

• Research personnel support.
• Laboratory supplies.
• Consumable materials.
• Project-related costs.
• Other approved research expenses.

Funding should directly contribute to achieving the proposed research objectives.

Application Considerations

Applicants should prepare proposals that clearly explain:

• The cancer research problem being addressed.
• Scientific importance of the research.
• Research methodology.
• Expected contribution to cancer knowledge.
• Alignment with ACS priorities.
• Budget justification.

Resubmission Policy

Applicants may submit revised proposals after unsuccessful applications.

Resubmissions may be allowed:

• Within eligible submission opportunities.
• With Program Office approval when required.
• Until all permitted resubmission opportunities have been used.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

• Selecting a research question with clear cancer relevance.
• Demonstrating innovation and scientific importance.
• Aligning the project with ACS priority areas.
• Providing a strong research methodology.
• Explaining expected outcomes and impact.
• Developing a realistic budget.
• Highlighting institutional support and research capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are ACS Research Scholar Grants?

Research Scholar Grants are funding opportunities from the American Cancer Society that support independent researchers conducting cancer research projects aligned with ACS priorities.

Who can apply for the Research Scholar Grants?

Independent investigators working at eligible U.S. academic institutions or nonprofit organisations can generally apply.

How much funding is available?

The programme provides up to $215,000 per year in direct costs, plus 10% allowable indirect costs.

How long can projects receive funding?

Projects can receive support for up to four years.

What type of cancer research is supported?

The grants support investigator-initiated research across the cancer research continuum, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

Do applicants need to be independent researchers?

Yes. Applicants must be independent, self-directed investigators with institutional support for their research activities.

Can researchers with more than eight years of independent faculty experience apply?

New applicants beyond the eight-year eligibility period require approval from the ACS Program Office. Resubmission opportunities may also require approval.

What expenses can grant funding support?

Funding can support research salaries, consumable supplies, and other necessary project-related expenses.

Conclusion

The American Cancer Society Research Scholar Grants provide significant support for independent researchers working to advance cancer science and improve outcomes for patients. By funding innovative investigator-led projects across the cancer research continuum, ACS aims to accelerate discoveries and strengthen efforts toward cancer prevention, treatment, and improved quality of life.