DoW Kidney Cancer, Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators – Early-Career Scholar Award

The Kidney Cancer Research Program’s Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators Early-Career Scholar Award is a competitive research funding opportunity aimed at fostering the next generation of independent kidney cancer investigators. Administered by the Department of Defense through the Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity, this grant supports junior faculty members by pairing them with established mentors who have demonstrated success in both kidney cancer research and mentorship. The program emphasizes not only the scientific merit of proposed research but also the candidate’s potential for long-term career development in the field. Applications must include a detailed project narrative, career development plan, impact statement, and a statement of work with a statistical plan and clearly defined milestones. Preliminary data is required but need not originate from kidney cancer research, allowing for innovative cross-disciplinary approaches. The award provides up to $1.2 million in total costs over a maximum four-year period, with allowable indirect costs based on the institution’s negotiated rate, and all subaward expenses must be included within the primary award’s direct costs. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov, eBRAP.org, and Grants.gov and must submit a pre-application via eBRAP followed by a full application through either eBRAP (for intramural entities) or Grants.gov (for extramural organizations), with all required attachments in specified formats and filenames. A two-tier review process evaluates technical merit through peer review and programmatic relevance, including alignment with FY26 KCRP focus areas such as basic biology, detection, rare kidney cancers, and novel therapies. Key evaluation priorities include the scholar’s trajectory toward independence and the potential impact of the research on eliminating kidney cancer, particularly in addressing health disparities. Mandatory participation in biennial and annual KCRP-sponsored workshops is required, and recipients must comply with DoDGARs, data management requirements under DoD Instruction 3200.12, and disclose all foreign affiliations of key personnel. Organizations with federal awards exceeding $10 million must report civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings semiannually. Failure to meet deadlines, submit complete documentation, or comply with integrity and registration requirements will result in rejection without exception.