# CRI Lloyd J. Old STAR Program

**Funder:** Cancer Research Institute
**Budget:** $1.25M
**Deadline:** 15 January 2027 (Submission deadline was January 15, 2026 — past deadline; next cycle not yet announced)
**Duration:** 5 years
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** 2-stage: application submission → invited virtual interview (Spring)
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2027-01
**Official call:** https://www.cancerresearch.org/lloyd-j-old-star-program
**Last verified:** 12 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports mid-career scientists pursuing high-risk, high-reward research at the leading edge of cancer immunotherapy. Targets established investigators with bold, transformative research directions.

## Summary

The CRI Lloyd J. Old STAR Program awards up to $1.25 million over five years to mid-career scientists pursuing high-risk, high-reward cancer immunotherapy research. The programme targets tenure-track assistant professors at least three years into role or associate professors within three years of appointment, holding an MD, PhD, or MD/PhD, with a minimum 80% research commitment. The STAR programme runs annually and welcomes applicants at non-profit research institutions globally, with no citizenship restrictions.

## Who should apply

- Tenure-track assistant professors at least 3 years into role, or associate professors within 3 years of appointment
- Holders of MD, PhD, or MD/PhD degree
- Researchers with at least 80% research commitment
- Scientists at non-profit medical schools or research centres globally
- Investigators proposing high-risk, high-reward cancer immunotherapy projects

## Key dates

- Annual deadline 15 January (next cycle expected 15 January 2027)
- Two-stage review: written application followed by invited virtual interview in spring
- Five-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- The STAR programme explicitly rewards high-risk science; frame your innovation as a departure from conventional approaches in cancer immunotherapy, not an incremental advance.
- Demonstrate how your 80% research minimum is protected institutionally; institutions with protected time track records score higher.
- Virtual interviews are decisive, prepare a clear two-minute pitch of your core hypothesis and why current approaches fall short.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the budget for the CRI Lloyd J. Old STAR Program?

Up to $1.25 million distributed over five years per award.

### Who is eligible for the CRI Lloyd J. Old STAR Program?

Tenure-track assistant professors at least 3 years into role or associate professors within 3 years of appointment, holding an MD, PhD, or MD/PhD, with minimum 80% research commitment.

### Can I apply to the STAR Program from outside the United States?

Yes, the programme is open globally to researchers at non-profit medical schools and research centres, with no citizenship restrictions.

### When is the deadline for the CRI Lloyd J. Old STAR Program?

The annual deadline is 15 January; the next cycle is expected 15 January 2027.

### Is there an interview stage for the STAR Program?

Yes, invited candidates are called to a virtual interview in spring following the written application stage.

---

Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/cancer-research-institute-cri-cri-lloyd-j-old-star-program-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

**See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md).