ASPIRE Awards for High-Risk, High-Reward Cancer Research

About this program

The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research’s ASPIRE Awards fund innovative, high-risk, high-reward cancer research addressing critical feasibility or proof-of-concept questions across basic, translational, technology, and early-stage clinical research. ASPIRE I provides up to $250,000 for 12 months or less, while ASPIRE II provides up to $750,000 for 36 months or less; clinical studies may receive extended periods or higher amounts. Applications are supported worldwide, collaborations are permitted, and principal investigators must be independent researchers; proposals are accepted through focused requests for proposals or by invitation. Awards are selected through rigorous internal and external review based on scientific merit and potential impact, with indirect costs capped at 10% of direct costs.