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Research

2026 Breast Cancer Alliance - Young Investigator Grants (YIG) and Exceptional Project Grants (XP)

Apply to Internal Competition // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

The University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) is coordinating this limited submission. For more information please contact: UACC-PreAward.

Limiting Language
The University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) can nominate one proposal for the Breast Cancer Alliance Research Awards - either for the Young Investigator Grant (YIG) OR Exceptional Project Grant (XP) 2026.

Purpose of Award:

Breast Cancer Alliance provides seed money – scientific venture capital – to fund innovative breast cancer research with emphases on programs that have not yet qualified for federal grants. To secure federal funding, a researcher must prove a theory works. Breast Cancer Alliance creates the critical bridge between novel research and the opportunity to generate preliminary results with grants like our Exceptional Projects.

BCA encourages careers in breast cancer research and in clinical medicine. We award two year Young Investigator Grants to doctors and scientists in the early stages of their careers, often overlooked by the funding world until they have longer tenure. 

  • YIG:
    • Breast Cancer Alliance invites clinical doctors and research scientists who are in the early stages of their careers, including post docs, whose current proposal is focused on breast cancer, to apply for a Young Investigator Grant. 
    • This award helps advance the careers of young researchers who do not yet have their own major grant support, but who design and conduct their own independent research projects.
  • XP:
    • Breast Cancer Alliance invites clinical doctors and research scientists at any stage of their careers, including post docs, whose current proposal is focused on breast cancer, to apply for an Exceptional Project Grant. 
    • This award recognizes creative, unique and innovative research related to breast cancer.
Funding Type
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
3/31/2026 (Nomination); 6/30/2026 (Invited Full Application)
Solicitation Type

Retirement Research Foundation: Responsive Grants

Apply to Internal Competition // Limit: One LOI per College

Limiting Language
Organizations may submit only one Letter of Inquiry per deadline. Common exceptions include LOIs submitted by separate departments of large universities. Per clarification with RRF, the University of Arizona may submit one LOI per college per deadline. 

Program Description

Full sponsor guidelines are linked here

RRF Foundation for Aging focuses on improving the quality of life for older people. In an effort to strengthen the Foundation’s impact, RRF has established Priority Areas. These Priority Areas are specific topics in aging that will be given higher priority within the Foundation’s grantmaking program.

Types of Grants

  1. Advocacy: Achieve enduring social change around issues that affect older Americans
  2. (Ineligible - for applicants in Illinois only) Direct Service: Improve availability and quality of community-based services and supports in seven states
  3. Research: Seek causes and solutions to significant problems for older persons
  4. Knowledge Sharing and Awareness Raising: Knowledge sharing and awareness-raising projects that convey meaningful information, shape narratives, and drive positive change.
  5. (Ineligible - for applicants in Illinois only) Organizational Capacity Building: Improve management and governance of non-profit organizations


 

Funding Type
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
5/1/2026 (Required LOI); 8/5/2026 (Invited Full Proposal)

2026 Pediatric Cancer Foundation Emerging Investigator Grants

Request Ticket // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Limiting Language
An institution may only submit one LOI per award type. 

Program Overview
Emerging Investigator Fellowship Grants (up to $75,000 for one year) These grants are designed to support Post-Doctoral Fellowships and Clinical Investigator training for emerging pediatric cancer researchers to pursue exciting research ideas. Applicants must have completed two years of their fellowship or not more than two years as a junior faculty instructor or assistant professor at the start of the award period. These grants encourage and cultivate the best and brightest researchers of the future. 

Funding Type
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
4/1/2026 (LOI)

American Diabetes Association: 2026 Pathway to Stop Diabetes

Internal Competition Undergoing Peer Review for Basic through Preclinical Research // Request Ticket for Clinical through Public Health Research Nomination // Limit: 2 (one in basic science/preclinical research and in clinical through public health research) // Tickets Available: 1

Basic through Preclinical Research // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 0

Clinical through Public Health Research // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Limiting Langauge
Each institution is allowed a maximum of two (2) nominations per grant cycle: one (1) applicant must be focused on basic science/preclinical research and one (1) applicant must be focused on translational science. Each nomination can be for either of the Pathway Program Award types: Initiator or Accelerator. Please be aware that if an institution nominates two (2) applicants with proposed projects covering the same phase of research (i.e. basic through preclinical research studies), one of the submitted applications will be administratively disqualified from consideration for funding. 

Program Summary
The Pathway to Stop Diabetes® program intends to attract brilliant scientists approaching the peak of their careers in diabetes research, and to accelerate their research progress by providing the necessary resources and support for conducting transformative science. 

This call for nominations will prioritize exceptional investigators across the spectrum of diabetes research, spanning basic science through public health research and implementation science. The ideal applicant will propose innovative research with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of people at risk of diabetes or living with the disease - and the pathway to this impact is clear. 

Starting in 2024, ADA will accept up to two (2) nominations per institution with one (1) nomination spanning basic through preclinical research and one (1) nomination spanning clinical through public health research. 

Examples of basic through preclinical research studies (for nomination #1) include: 

  • Innovative mechanistic studies on fundamental or new aspects of biology
  • Novel insights derived from data science using AI/Machine Learning
  • Development of new technologies, devices, and/or experimental approaches 

Identification and validation of novel and unique therapeutic targets 

Examples of clinical through public health research (for nomination #2) include: 

  • Clinical experimental medicine studies
  • Identification and validation of novel biomarkers
  • Health services research
  • Behavioral research
  • Population epidemiology
  • Health economics research
  • Patient preference / Quality of Life
  • Dissemination and implementation science
  • Health Care system-based interventions 

Nominations are welcomed from all areas of diabetes and span prevention, management, and cure of all diabetes types (i.e. type 1, type 2 and gestational), diabetes-related disease states (obesity, prediabetes, and other insulin resistant states) and complications. The program intends to attract a broad range of expertise to the field of diabetes from various fields of science and technology, including medicine, biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and physics. 

Funding Type
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
5/19/2026
Solicitation Type

Breakthrough Science Initiative Awards Program (Ono Initiative)

Limit: 2 // Tickets Available: 0

M. Zhang (COM-P)
V. Kamath (COM-P)

Limiting Language
Each Nominating Institution may nominate up to two (2) applicants in Chemical Biology Research. 

Program Overview
Annually, the Ono Pharma Foundation considers proposals from PIs for research that could ultimately transform human health. Although additional areas of research may be added in future years, the Ono Pharma Foundation is only considering proposals for scientific research addressing Chemical Biology at this time.

Chemical Biology is defined as research that deals with the interface between chemistry and biology. The criteria for this field are deliberately broad so as not to disqualify potentially innovative and groundbreaking projects.

The goals of the Ono Initiative are to:

  • Identify and develop innovative research proposals and results that could lead to the development of breakthrough treatment solutions for patients.
  • Support academic research and the career development of promising young and established scientists.
  • Build strong relationships within the community in order to lead to transformative research aligned with Ono Initiative's interest.

Eligibility:

  • Applicants must meet the following requirements. LOIs and final Proposals from applicants not meeting the requirements listed below will not be considered.
    1. PIs applying must be working at one of the nominating institutions. Nominating institutions might be replaced or added to in subsequent years. For the list of nominating institutions, please see the FAQ.
    2. The PI must have an MD and/or a PhD degree.
    3. The PI must be a new applicant to the Ono Initiative, or, if they are a returning applicant, must be applying for a project different from the one they previously proposed.
    4. The PI must be a young and/or mid-career scientist (15 years or less of experience since starting an independent academic position).
    5. The PI must not have been, nor currently be, engaged in other sponsored research and/or collaborative research with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and/or grant program with Ono Pharma Foundation.
    6. The PI may not apply for funding to amplify current work. However, PIs may research a new idea based on a prior finding of the PI.
    7. The PI must not be a healthcare professional (defined as individuals currently holding an active state license for which they are (a) qualified to prescribe, administer, use or supply any medicinal or medical products or (b) perform any professional clinical services). A PI with an MD but without an active state medical license is still eligible.
    8. PIs serving on a healthcare formulary or similar committee are not eligible.
Funding Type
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
2/13/2026 (LOI); 5/15/2026 (Full Proposal)
Solicitation Type

RTX University Research Program - Five (5) RFPs

Limit: 25* // Tickets Available: 10

* RTX has invited the University of Arizona to participate in submission to five (5) topic areas (listed below) for funding of up to $100,000/project. Each institution is limited to five (5) submissions per topic area and each tenure track faculty member may request one limited submissions ticket for one topic area

Autonomy // Limit: 5 // Tickets Available: 0
H. Rastgoftar (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering)
M. Chertkov (Applied Mathematics)
J. Thanga (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering)
E. Azimi (Electrical and Computer Engineering)
N. Risso  (Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources)

Advanced Materials and Manufacturing // Limit: 5 // Tickets Available: 1
P. Deymier (Materials Science and Engineering) 
E. Madenci (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering)
V. Yurkiv (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering)
B. Chalifoux (Optical Sciences)

Microelectronics // Limit: 5 // Tickets Available: 5

Digital Lifecycle // Limit: 5 // Tickets Available: 3
A. Salado (Systems and Industrial Engineering)
H. Budinoff (Systems and Industrial Engineering)

Integrated Battlespace // Limit: 5 // Tickets Available: 4
B. Bash (Electrical and Computer Engineering)

Program and Submission Details:
For more information on each of these topics of interest, login to box and click here. Please note technical data is strictly prohibited. 

The full submissions consists of: 

  • Acknowledgement of Terms of Use and agreement that no Technical Data is included.
  • 700 Word Description including: relevance of your proposed project to the specific technology needs; how the work will advance the field of research; how the deliverables and outcomes would lead to a continued and deeper research partnership with RTX businesses; opportunities for future collaborations with institutions, organizations, or experts; follow-on funding opportunities and specific funding agencies who would have interest in the technology, and the outcomes necessary to stimulate that interest.
  • Scope of Work (SOW) that breaks down the proposed project into tasks explaining in brief terms how you would secure and allocate resources; how you address any risks, including delays; defined tasks and their associated milestones, schedule, and deliverables.
  • Budget Form 

Topics of Interest: 

  1. Autonomy
  2. Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
  3. Microelectronics
  4. Digital Lifecycle
  5. Integrated Battlespace

Upcoming Informational Webinars
Please note that webinars will not be recorded. If you are unable to attend and have questions, please contact Christine Gemelli, Director for University Relations and Technical Learning at RTX, at christine.gemelli2@rtx.com

New Date:  Microelectronics
Monday November 10, 10 to 11:00 am (Arizona time)
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16124740608?pwd=Vkk3ZWFSM25COUJMeTRNdU83cktNUT09&omn=1600648772&from=addon
Meeting ID: 161 2474 0608 | Passcode: 615506


Integrated Battlespace
Friday November 7, 1:30 to 2:30 pm (Arizona time)
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16124740608?pwd=Vkk3ZWFSM25COUJMeTRNdU83cktNUT09&omn=1618313830&from=addon 
Meeting ID: 161 2474 0608 | Passcode: 615506

Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
Monday November 17 1pm to 2 pm (Arizona time)
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16124740608?pwd=Vkk3ZWFSM25COUJMeTRNdU83cktNUT09&omn=1613346598&from=addon 
Meeting ID: 161 2474 0608 | Passcode: 615506

Digital Lifecycle
Friday, November 7, 8 am to 9 am (Arizona time)
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16124740608?pwd=Vkk3ZWFSM25COUJMeTRNdU83cktNUT09&omn=1608750769&from=addon
Meeting ID: 161 2474 0608
Passcode: 615506

Autonomy
Friday, November 7, 9 am to 10 am (Arizona time)
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16124740608?pwd=Vkk3ZWFSM25COUJMeTRNdU83cktNUT09&omn=1609280784&from=addon
Meeting ID: 161 2474 0608
Passcode: 615506
 

Research Category
Funding Type
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
12/2/2025
Sponsor
Solicitation Type

SebastianStrong Foundation's Discovery Science Award

No Applicants // Limit: 2 // Tickets Available: 2

Limiting Language
Submissions will be evaluated to ensure they align with our mission and funding criteria. A limit of two proposals may be submitted from the same institution, researcher, or foundation. 

Program Overview
SebastianStrong funds one or more proposals each year that advance meaningful change in pediatric cancer treatment. We are especially interested in research that:

  • Focuses on pediatric cancers with low survival rates or high relapse rates
  • Has transitional potential within 36 months
  • Pursues underfunded or unconventional approaches that could change the status quo
Funding Type
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
11/30/2025 (LOI)
Solicitation Type

Strategically Focused Research Network (SFRN) on Earlier Detection and Delaying Progression of Valvular Heart Disease

No Applicants // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Limiting Language
An institution may submit only one Center (and related Projects) application in response to this RFP.

Purpose
The intent of this initiative is to support a collaborative network of researchers whose collective efforts will lead to enhanced understanding of the earlier detection and/or delaying progression of valvular heart disease. Therefore, this Request for Proposals seeks applications that can address these critical questions and stimulate significant advances in these areas of valvular heart disease. All proposed projects must address valvular heart disease. Within that context and as presented above, an array of potential areas of investigation exists. Both human studies and appropriately designed animal models that can foster understanding of valvular heart disease may be proposed. 

STUDY POPULATION(S)

  • For studies involving human subjects, researchers must ensure that participant populations accurately reflect those affected by the disease under investigation. Efforts should be made to include individuals whose health criteria align with the prevalence and impact of the disease, thereby enhancing the relevance and applicability of the study findings.

     
  • Important: Applicants should design studies that incorporate both realistic recruitment goals and sufficient statistical power to ensure valid results.
Funding Type
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
10/29/2026 (Required pre-proposal)
Solicitation Type

Retirement Research Foundation: Responsive Grants (Nov 2025 Deadline)

Limit: 1 LOI per College

Z. Chen (College of Public Health) - Research Grant
Y. Shirai (COM-T) - Professional Education and Training Grant

Limiting Language
Organizations may submit only one Letter of Inquiry per deadline. Common exceptions include LOIs submitted by separate departments of large universities.

Overview
RRF funds research that seeks to identify interventions, policies and practices to improve the well-being of older adults and/or their caregivers. Preference is given to projects aimed at generating practical knowledge and guidance that can be used by advocates, policy-makers, providers, and the aging network. Of particular interest are:

  • Interventional trials; translational studies; and health services and policy research
  • Projects that build on the investigator’s past studies
  • Proposals that include robust dissemination plans, if appropriate, to assure that findings reach audiences positioned to act on them
Funding Type
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
11/1/2025 (LOI)

Brain Research Foundation: 2026 Seed Grant Program

Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 0

D. Ferguson (COM-P)

Limiting Language
BRF will only accept one LOI per institution

Overview
Brain Research Foundation’s Annual Seed Grant Program was initiated in 1981. The purpose of our program is to provide start-up monies for new research projects in the field of neuroscience that will likely lead to extramural funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or other outside funding sources. 

The objective of the BRF Seed Grant Program is to support new and innovative projects, especially those of junior faculty, who are working in new research directions. BRF Seed Grant awards are not intended to supplement existing grants

Funding Specifics
1.) Funding is to be directed at pilot research projects that are both innovative and will likely lead to successful grant applications to NIH and other public and private funding entities. 

2.) Assistant Professor – Junior faculty with a new research project that will generate pilot data that will lead to RO1 funding or a comparable outside grant will be first priority. • Must provide abstract and specific aims for current grants and indicate if there is any overlap. 

3.) Associate Professor – Faculty who are pursuing new research directions. • Must explain how the project is a new research direction. • Must provide abstract and specific aims for current grant(s) and indicate if there is any overlap. 

4.) A new technique is not considered a new direction unless it pertains to a different area of study. 

5.) Grants are NOT to be used for bridge funding between grants. 

For full guidelines, please visit https://www.thebrf.org/seed-grants/ 

Funding Type
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
10/23/2025 (LOI)
Solicitation Type