ASPIRE Awards

About this program

The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research’s ASPIRE Awards fund innovative, high-risk, high-reward cancer research addressing feasibility and proof-of-concept questions across basic, translational, therapeutic, 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 projects lasting up to 36 months; larger budgets and timelines may be considered for clinical studies. Applicants may be based worldwide, and collaborations are permitted, but principal investigators must be independent researchers at their institutions. Proposals are accepted through focused requests for proposals or by invitation, with awards selected through rigorous scientific and impact-based review.