These grants will support trainees developing any area of research that has the potential to advance the radiation oncology field. Applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. residency or fellowship at the time of application. Projects related to lung cancer can also be considered for the ASTRO-LUNGevity Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Seed Grant as well.
Deadline: January 26, 2026
Award Amount: $50,000 over one year
1. Strong Alignment with Radiation Oncology
Projects must clearly integrate radiation therapy, radiation biology, radiation physics, radiobiology, translational oncology, or quality-improvement in radiation oncology. ASTRO states its “Funding Opportunities” page supports “bench to bedside” radiation research. Astro+1
Additionally, ASTRO’s FAQ states that applicants already funded by another grant may still apply if there is no overlap. Astro
Predictor: Your proposal must be clearly grounded in radiation oncology and show how it advances the field.
2. Appropriate Fit with the Grant Mechanism & Career Stage
ASTRO offers different opportunities: research grants, fellowships, pilot studies, early-career investigator awards, institutional grants (e.g., SCAROP* data indicates institutional performance matters) ResearchGate+1
Ensuring your career stage (postdoc, faculty, clinician-scientist) matches the specific mechanism is critical.
Predictor: Submit to the mechanism aligned with your experience, role and project scope.
3. Solid Preliminary Data / Feasibility
In radiation oncology research funding, feasibility is key: the review community will expect that the methods and model systems work, pilot results exist, or you have a credible path from bench to clinic. The institutional performance data in an ASTRO portfolio analysis suggest success tracks with robust institutional support and prior productivity. ResearchGate
Predictor: Having pilot data, or a convincing proof-of-concept, strengthens the application.
4. Robust Mentorship & Research Environment (Especially for Early Career Awards)
Early career/clinician scientists applying to ASTRO should demonstrate mentorship, access to radiation oncology research infrastructure (e.g., treatment planning systems, imaging, translational lab, dosimetry expertise).
Predictor: Applications showing strong institutional support, protected time, and a mentoring team tend to succeed.
5. Clear, Focused Specific Aims with Milestones
Successful proposals articulate 2-3 specific aims, with clear hypotheses, defined endpoints, timelines, and resource/method descriptions.
ASTRO emphasises clarity in its funding opportunities page. Astro
Predictor: A well-structured, feasible research plan with milestones supports higher reviewer confidence.
6. Innovation + Impact in Radiation Oncology
Projects that propose novel approaches (e.g., novel radiation sensitizers, radiobiology mechanisms, image-guided radiation therapy alterations, big data/AI for radiation planning/outcomes, or quality improvement in radiation clinical practice) are more competitive.
Predictor: Demonstrating how the work could change clinical practice or understanding in radiation oncology enhances competitiveness.
7. Demonstrated Track Record & Future Potential
Although early career applicants may have limited track record, showing productivity, relevant publications, and potential for future external funding (NIH, NCI, major foundations) helps. The institutional analysis in ASTRO’s portfolio suggests that institutions with stronger prior success may have higher funding rates. ResearchGate
Predictor: Evidence of productivity and a credible trajectory in radiation oncology research matters.
8. Engagement with the Radiation Oncology Community & ASTRO
While less directly stated, applicants who present at ASTRO annual meetings, engage with ASTRO committees, or publish in radiation oncology journals often are better recognised.
Predictor: Active involvement in the radiation oncology research community enhances credibility.
9. Clear Budget, Scope and No Overlap
ASTRO FAQ states: Applicants already funded can apply if there is no overlap in science or budget. Astro
Ensuring the budget reflects only the requested period and is realistic for the work proposed helps.
Predictor: Transparent, non-duplicative budget and realistic scope increase chance of success.
| Success Predictor | Why It Matters in ASTRO Funding |
|---|---|
| Radiation oncology‐specific focus | Aligns with ASTRO mission and reviewers’ expectations |
| Matching mechanism to applicant stage | Ensures reviewer expectations are aligned |
| Preliminary data / feasibility | Reduces risk in execution |
| Strong mentorship & environment | Provides infrastructure for success |
| Clear aims, milestones | Demonstrates plan is manageable |
| Innovation + clinical/translational impact | High value in radiation oncology research |
| Track record & future potential | Indicates investigator can deliver and sustain research |
| Community/ASTRO engagement | Signals supported by the field |
| Realistic budget, no overlap | Avoids conflict with ASTRO policy and enhances clarity |
Applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. residency or fellowship at the time of application.
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: American Society for Radiation Oncology
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: 251 18th Street South, 8th Floor Arlington, VA 22202 Telephone: 703-502-1550
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Jan 26, 2026
Jan 26, 2026
$50,000
Affiliation: American Society for Radiation Oncology
Address: 251 18th Street South, 8th Floor Arlington, VA 22202 Telephone: 703-502-1550
Website URL: https://www.astro.org/provider-resources/research/funding-opportunities
Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.