Dr. Robert F. Vizza Clinical Accelerator Initiative (CAI)

About this program

The Lustgarten Foundation’s Dr. Robert F. Vizza Clinical Accelerator Initiative supports innovative, collaborative clinical trial concepts that translate research discoveries into novel therapies for pancreatic cancer, typically providing up to $1.5–$2 million for as many as three years. Proposals should be supported by strong preclinical or clinical rationale and include deep translational analyses of therapeutic mechanisms and disease biology; incremental safety or dose-finding studies are not eligible. Applicants must hold an M.D., D.M.D., D.V.M., Ph.D., or equivalent, occupy a faculty or equivalent research position, and demonstrate relevant research leadership and potential for clinical impact; domestic and international nonprofit or public institutions may apply without citizenship restrictions. Letters of intent are due through ProposalCentral on November 2, 2026, with selected applicants advancing to a Translational Advisory Group presentation and potentially a full grant application.