Cancer Research Institute
CRI Lloyd J. Old STAR Program
Submission deadline was January 15, 2026 — past deadline; next cycle not yet announced
Last verified:
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.
Details
| Funder | Cancer Research Institute |
| Budget | $1.25M |
| Deadline | 15 January 2027 |
| Duration | 5 years |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | 2-stage: application submission → invited virtual interview (Spring) |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Next round | 2027-01 |
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.
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.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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