AACR Launches Two Career Development Awards to Encourage Diversity in the Cancer Research Workforce

PHILADELPHIA – Today, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) announced the creation of two career development awards (CDAs) to further diversity, equity, and inclusion in cancer research: one for basic, translational, or population sciences research; the other for clinical cancer research. The AACR is now accepting applications for the awards.

These new awards provide three years of support to early-career investigators from racial or ethnic groups that are underrepresented in cancer-related sciences. In addition to financial support, grantees will have the opportunity to interact and collaborate with other AACR-funded investigators as well as the greater AACR membership community. In coordination with the AACR’s Minorities in Cancer Research (MICR) constituency group, grantees will be provided opportunities to attend professional development sessions and to engage with colleagues and potential mentors.

For the award titled “AACR Career Development Award to Further Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Cancer Research,” the AACR will consider basic, translational, preclinical, or population sciences-related research projects. Recipients of this CDA will receive $300,000 over three years.

For the clinically focused award, titled “AACR Career Development Award to Further Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Clinical Cancer Research,” the AACR invites applicants to submit proposed projects that relate to the applicant’s clinical activities and involve patients or utilize patient samples. Recipients of this CDA will receive $375,000 over three years.

These CDAs are part of the AACR’s broader commitment to diversifying the cancer research workforce and ensuring that underrepresented minority scientists are engaged, supported, and retained throughout their careers. To date, AbbVie, AstraZeneca, and Merck have donated to the program.

The AACR will accept applications for the two awards through November 30, 2021. For more information on these and other funding opportunities, visit the AACR website.