GW American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant (ACS-IRG) Pilot Award
Audience: Early-career faculty (assistant professors or equivalent)
Cohort size: Approximately 2 awardees per year
Duration: 1 year
Funding: Up to $60,000 (non-renewable)
This program provides pilot funding to early-career investigators who are initiating independent cancer research programs. The goal is to generate preliminary data that supports future applications for competitive national funding.
Awardees conduct mentored research projects under the guidance of experienced faculty, with an emphasis on building scientific expertise, research networks, and long-term career development.
Program features include:
- Seed funding for innovative, early-stage cancer research projects
- Structured mentorship from senior GW Cancer Center investigators
- Opportunities to build preliminary data for external grant applications
- Participation in research presentations and professional development activities
- Engagement in peer review through participation in future proposal review committees
Applicants are typically junior faculty who are eligible for national research funding but have not yet secured independent grants such as NIH R01 awards. The program requires a strong mentorship plan and institutional support to facilitate research success.