At a glance
The FY26 Melanoma Research Program Idea Award funds innovative, exploratory, high-risk research that addresses at least one program focus area, with an end goal of proof of principle and preliminary data for future funding. Eligible applicants include U.S. Department of War organizations, foreign and domestic organizations, and for-profit or nonprofit public or private entities; the principal investigator must be at or above postdoctoral level, and awards go to organizations, not individuals. The program expects to fund about 10 awards totaling roughly $5.6 million, with a maximum of $0.56 million in total costs per award and a 2-year performance period. Cost sharing is not required. The announcement says studies of non-melanoma skin cancers are not allowed, and applications must address prevention and interception, rare melanomas, or survivorship as described in the notice.
What it funds
Official description from grants.gov
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Melanoma Research Program (MRP) Idea Award supports innovative, exploratory, high-risk/potentially high-reward research. Novelty and innovation are expected to be key aspects of the proposed project. By the end of the Idea Award funding period, the anticipated outcomes of successful efforts should establish proof of principle and obtain preliminary data to secure follow-on funding. Distinctive Features: • Preliminary data are discouraged. • After submitting the required pre-application, investigators must receive an invitation to submit a full application.
Who can apply
- Unrestricted