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LCFA/IASLC Translational Thoracic Oncology Research Grants

Lung Cancer Foundation of America

Funding Opportunity Description

Lung Cancer Foundation of America (“LCFA”) and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (“IASLC”) seek applications for the LCFA/IASLC Translational Thoracic Oncology Research Grants.

LCFA and IASLC are committed to advancing innovative lung cancer research that detects and diagnoses the disease, improves the care of individuals with lung cancers and reduces the burden of these diseases with a specific focus on developing early-career investigators in the field of thoracic oncology.

For more information please see the 2026-2027 LCFA/IASLC Translational Thoracic Oncology RFA

Objectives

The objective of the LCFA/IASLC Translational Thoracic Oncology Research Grants (“Grants”) is to support research in translational clinical-oncology, undertaken by early-career investigators that aims to improve the care and treatment of individuals with lung cancers. Examples, though not exclusive, include studies designed to:

define the molecular basis of lung cancer risk assessment
improve molecular diagnostics
detect the disease early and guide curative-intent therapy
discover predictive features guiding the use of targeted or immune oncology therapy to reduce recurrence after standard curative-intent strategies in early-stage disease
improve the outcomes or cure patients with metastatic lung cancer
facilitate care by minimizing treatment side effects
illuminate the causes of non-smoking related lung cancer

Special consideration will be given to projects that:

have a possible near-term impact on patients, specifically, those that have potential to rapidly advance to or actually incorporate a prospective clinical trial
improve access to care and/or patient outcomes
directly benefit underrepresented populations

Research Focus and Overview

Successful applications submitted for this RFA require a research approach that seeks to make an immediate and relevant impact through translational clinical-oncology on lung cancer patient care or interpret the results of a clinical trial from a molecular basis as appropriate to help inform decisions in future clinical trials.

Grant Structure and Allocation	The Grant will be $100,000 per year for up to each of two years. The second year of support is based on the Grantee demonstrating satisfactory research progress as determined by LCFA/IASLC as well as the availability of funding from LCFA/IASLC. No more than 50% of the requested budget for the Grant may be used for a Grantee’s salary and/or fringe benefits. Grant budget may not be used to fund the purchase of permanent equipment. No indirect costs are provided. Any unused Grant funds at the conclusion of the study period will be returned to LCFA.
How to Apply	Applications will be accepted through the IASLC's online application portal only. To access the application: Go to the IASLCs online application portal. Login using your IASLC Member Portal Credentials. If you do not know your IASLC Member Portal credentials, first try resetting your password using the "Forgot your password?" link. If that does not work, email membership@iaslc.org for assistance. Once you have successfully logged in, you will be directed to begin your application. After initiating an application, you may return to the portal as needed to continue work on your application until it is submitted. Applications that have been submitted remain editable until the application deadline.
Application Requirements	Please include the following information in your application: Experimental Design and Methodology: A clear rationale should be given for the experimental design and technical methodologies selected. Hypothesis and Clinical Relevance: The hypotheses must be strong and testable and relate to potential clinical applications such as patient monitoring for preventive or therapeutic interventions, the development of new therapeutic strategies, or testing of new biomarkers for the identification of patient subsets for specific prevention or treatment approaches. Preliminary Data: Preliminary data, including relevant animal models or analyses of patient specimens that support the hypotheses; however, the Applicant need not have personally generated these preliminary data. Clinical Resources: There must be sufficient clinical resources (patient population, disease samples, etc.) to accomplish the stated objectives. Drug Availability (if applicable): If a trial with a specific drug that is not approved or within a guideline for the specified disease state is required, the applicant must provide proof that the drug will be provided (e.g., letter of support from manufacturer) or that the study budget or other sources will cover the cost of the agent. Research Approach: A description of the methodological approach sufficient for an informed reviewer to judge feasibility. Statistical Plan: Applications must include a statistical section describing the study design and plans for analyses of data designed to test the hypotheses. Institutional Commitment: The Application must convey the level of commitment of the institution to the Applicant and the proposed research activities. Applicants must be independent, self-directed researchers for whom their institution must provide independent space and independent resources. Budget and Justification: Itemized budget and justifications must be included. Professional References: Three professional references to provide recommendations and ensure the applicant is qualified to fulfill the duties of the proposed project. Note: LCFA/IASLC is not likely to fund studies undertaken entirely in murine models or cell line xenografts (must use patient biospecimens or PDX’s from local patients).
Peer Review Results of Full Applications	Applications are accepted via IASLC's online application portal only and must be submitted by 12:00 pm (noon) MST on Thursday, January 14, 2027. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of the peer review process by May 14, 2027 for Grant funding to start on or around July 1, 2027. Review Criteria Projects must be feasible, have strong scientific merit, be innovative, and be relevant to the missions of LCFA and IASLC. Applications will be reviewed by an IASLC Research Grant Review Panel and the LCFA Scientific Advisory Board in accordance with their current agreed-upon review process. Applications will be reviewed based on the criteria below: Scientific Merit: Strength of the research hypothesis, scientific rationale, study design, supporting data, and statistical approach. Innovation and Relevance: Novelty of the proposed research, potential impact, and alignment with the missions of LCFA and IASLC. Feasibility: Appropriateness of the research approach,

AI Based Application Success Predictor

Research relevance	Direct focus on lung cancer and improving patient survival, diagnosis, treatment, or survivorship.
Scientific innovation	Novel research with potential to advance lung cancer science.
Translational potential	Findings that could lead to improved clinical care or new treatment approaches.
Early-career investigator status	Eligibility and potential for career development under the relevant grant program.
Research methodology	Rigorous study design, appropriate methods, and achievable objectives.
Preliminary data	Supporting evidence that establishes the rationale and feasibility of the proposed research, where applicable.
Investigator expertise	Relevant research experience, publications, and ability to execute the project.
Future funding potential	Ability to use initial funding to generate results and secure subsequent research support.
Patient impact	Potential to improve outcomes for people affected by lung cancer.
Application quality	Clear research aims, feasible timeline, justified budget, and compliance with the specific call's requirements.

These are evidence-informed predictors based on LCFA's stated mission and grant objectives, not a statistically validated ranking of historical award factors.

iaslc.secure-platform.com

Organization and funding details

Field	Details
Organization type	Non-profit charitable foundation
Government/Federal or Non-Profit/Corporate	Non-profit, non-governmental funder
Main grant program	LCFA/IASLC Translational Thoracic Oncology Research Grants
Typical award	$200,000 for a two-year project under the cited program
Historical funding impact	LCFA reports 25 early-career research grants and substantial follow-on funding for researchers. LCFA +1
Historical success rate	Not verified; application totals are needed to calculate the rate.

Excel-ready entry — Previous Success Predictors

Lung cancer research relevance; scientific innovation; translational potential; early-career eligibility; methodological rigor; preliminary data; investigator expertise; patient impact; future funding potential; project feasibility; budget justification; and application completeness.

Specialties

Cancer

Pulmonology

Oncology

Eligibility Requirements

At the time of application, eligible applicants must meet these criteria:

Be a member of the IASLC. Go to https://www.iaslc.org/membership to join or get more information about IASLC Membership.
- If selected, the recipient must maintain their IASLC membership throughout the duration of the grant.
- If selected, recipients will be provided with one-year complimentary membership.
Hold a doctoral degree (including PhD, MD, DO, PharmD, ScD or equivalent).
Academic rank should be at the Instructor, Assistant Professor, or Associate Professor or equivalent level. Full professors (or equivalent) are not eligible.
May not hold an independent grant of the R21, R01, DOD or comparable type, including project leader on a SPORE or P01.
For physicians: be within seven years of completion of residency or fellowship.
For laboratory scientists: be within seven years of completion of post-doctoral work.

NOTE: Exceptions to the seven-year criterion (but not academic rank) can be made for those who may have had interruptions in their career for military or other national services, health or other reasons. To request an exemption, contact the IASLC (GlobalGrants@iaslc.org) prior to submission of the application.

The applicant may not currently or previously have been:

A recipient of an LCFA grant.
A Principal Investigator (PI) of a National Institutes of Health (NIH) peer reviewed research grant of at least $125,000 in direct costs per year for a minimum of 3 years. (With the exception of mentored career development grants or grants where the PI is required to be mentored by another investigator).
A Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on a NIH competing multi-component research or center grant or cooperative agreement within a P or U series grant (e.g., P01 Program Project Grant, U01 or U19 Research Program
A Principal Investigator of a peer-reviewed research grant of at least $125,000 in direct costs per year for a minimum of 3 years from any of the organizations listed in the Organizations with Peer Review Funding Systems at: https://cancercenters.cancer.gov/sites/default/files/PeerReviewFundingOrganizations.pdf.

The foregoing notwithstanding, the following candidates may be eligible:

Individuals who are currently supported by NIH Mentored Career Development (K) Grants.
Recipients of ASCO Career Development Grants or mentored career development grants/grants from other organizations.

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Lung Cancer Foundation of America

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 1775 N. Sherman Street, Suite 1600, Denver, CO 80203-4317

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