Melanoma Career Development Award (CDA)- New Application Grant

The Melanoma Career Development Award (CDA) is offered by the Melanoma Research Foundation to support researchers dedicated to melanoma and its prevention. This award is designed for postdoctoral fellows within 10 years of their terminal degree, research associates, scientists, staff scientists, assistant professors, and those focusing on melanoma prevention. The initiative promotes innovative research to advance understanding and treatment of melanoma, ultimately aiming to reduce its impact.

Note: Due to the high volume of applications received, applicants interested in applying for the Established Investigator Awards (EIA) and Career Development Awards (CDA) must submit a one-page Letter of Intent (LOI).
Research Overview:
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is committed to advancing research across the spectrum of melanoma – from prevention through diagnosis, staging, treatment and survivorship. The MRF proactively partners with the NCI, Congress, the Department of Defense and other foundations to develop and collaborate on a broad agenda for melanoma research that takes full advantage of all opportunities, while also sharing challenges. In 2025, the MRF awarded over $1,700,000 in new melanoma research.
Career Development Awards (CDA):
CDAs provide funding of up to $50,000 per year for two years to junior investigators. Researchers who are beginning a research career focused on melanoma are eligible.

Eligibility

Applicants who are postdoctoral fellows must be within 10 years of receiving their terminal degree (PhD, MD) at the time the grant is awarded and must not have previously received any major grant support (e.g., from ACS, NIH, NCI, or DoD).Applicants who are not postdoctoral fellows may have a title of Research Associate/ Scientist, Staff Scientist, Instructor, Assistant Professor, or equivalent at the time of the grant submission.Individuals in this category are not subject to the 10-year limit from their terminal degree, and prior grant support (e.g., K08, K99, K22, etc.) is allowed.Applicants are required to have at least one mentor; their biosketch must be included in the application. Please note: mentors do not have to be at the applicant’s own institution.