Emerging Leader Award Grant

The Mark Foundation Emerging Leader Award supports innovative cancer research led by early career investigators. Aimed at high-impact, high-risk projects, this grant is available to those employed by U.S. or Canadian non-profit academic institutions. Eligible applicants must be within three to eight years of starting their independent faculty research appointment. This award emphasizes multi-year independent funding and is not intended as the main funding source for the laboratory, ensuring that diverse research efforts are encouraged.

The Mark Foundation Emerging Leader Awards support innovative cancer research from the next generation of leaders. These grants are awarded to outstanding early career investigators to support high-impact, high-risk projects that are distinct from their current research portfolio.
Funding
The grant amount totals $1,000,000 (USD) distributed evenly over four (4) years ($250,000 USD per year). Budget limits are inclusive of both direct and indirect costs, with indirect costs allowed up to 10% of the direct costs and included in the total grant amount.

Eligibility

MD, PhD, or equivalent is required.
Applicants must be employed by a U.S. or Canadian non-profit academic institution.Emerging Leader Awards support scientists worldwide. There are no eligibility restrictions based on geography or citizenship for this program.Applicants must have established their independent laboratories three to eight years prior to December 31, 2026 (i.e., the official start date of the independent appointment must fall within the calendar years 2018-2023). Exceptions due to prolonged medical or family leave will be considered on a case-by-case basis.This award is not intended to be the main source of funding for the applicant’s laboratory.Applicants must demonstrate multi-year independent funding that sustains the central activities of the laboratory (e.g., at least one or two grants such as NIH/R01, NSF/CAREER, or equivalently substantial multi-year awards).Individual eligibility will be determined during the review process.
Projects for this award must be centered on evidence-based laboratory, data, and/or medical science.
Proposed projects must not be supported by other sources of funding.Finalists will be asked to discuss any potential overlap with other current or pending awards during the interview.
Only one submission per applicant is permitted.
If selected, finalists must be available for virtual interviews in October 2025 (Week to be announced).The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other legally protected characteristics.Indirect costs are not to exceed 10% of direct costs and are included in total.
In Year 3, at The Mark Foundation’s discretion, select Awardees may be invited to apply for up to two (2) years of additional funding depending on project progress.If selected, finalists must be available for virtual interviews in October 2026.
The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristics.

Ineligibility

This award is not intended to be the main source of funding for the applicant’s laboratory.The Mark Foundation does not fund projects that are fully supported by another agency.Any areas of budgetary overlap or percent of effort dedicated to other projects must be resolved to The Mark Foundation’s satisfaction before the start date of the Grant term.Unallowable Items:Student or work visas.Infrastructure (including rent, office and laboratory renovations).General office supplies or expenses.Personal computers or general software or equipment.Service contracts and maintenance costs. Exceptions may be made for equipment purchased with Grant funds that is dedicated solely to the funded project.Institutional telecommunication fees or other fees charged as a per user rate.Membership dues, journal subscriptions, books.Lobbying.