Komen Research Grants: An Investment in the Next Generation of Breast Cancer Researchers (CTA & CCR)

About this program

Susan G. Komen funds hypothesis-driven research to advance breast cancer science and cultivate early-career investigators, supporting projects that range from basic mechanisms to translational and disparities-focused work. Key programs include Career Transition Awards (CTA), which provide phased funding of up to five years to finish mentored postdoctoral training and launch independent, tenure‑track research, and Career Catalyst Research (CCR) grants that provide up to three years of protected time for early faculty; ASPIRE supplements add trainee-support funds to enhance diversity. Applicants for CTA are typically late-stage postdoctoral scholars preparing for tenure‑track positions, CCR targets early-stage independent faculty at eligible research institutions, and ASPIRE requires established investigators proposing support for trainees from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities.