Highlights from the New ACS Institutional Grant Recipients

As part of its Spring grant slate, the American Cancer Society is investing directly in research ecosystems by awarding three new Institutional Research Grants (IRGs) and two new Cancer Health Research Center (CHERC) grants, while also renewing funding for nine existing IRGs.

These institution‑based awards provide flexible support that allows organizations to invest in multiple investigator‑driven projects that strengthen their capacity to conduct meaningful research. Through IRGs, institutions can identify and support their most promising early career faculty members, directing funds where they will have the greatest impact based on a deep understanding of their own researchers. CHERC grants, meanwhile, support the creation of new research centers with coordinated programs that bring scientists and communities together to address cancer prevention, outcomes, and equity in populations disproportionately affected by the disease. These grants strengthen the infrastructure behind cancer research, maximizing the reach of discovery to benefit patients and communities alike.

“These programs are about helping institutions meet the needs of their communities,” said Joanne Elena, PhD, scientific director of the Clinical and Population Science Research program at the American Cancer Society. “Whether propelling promising new faculty to success or partnering with the community to reduce cancer health disparities, these grants are a step closer to making a difference for populations that are too often overlooked.”

Today we are highlighting our new IRG and CHERC institutional grantees that are part of the larger Spring 2026 grant slate.

Institutional Research Grants

George Washington University
Washington, D.C.
Principal Investigator: Edward Seto, Ph.D.

This Institutional Research Grant will help the George Washington University Cancer Center (GWCC), a newly integrated cancer center, build a strong foundation for supporting early‑career cancer researchers. The program will provide pilot funding to junior faculty across basic, clinical, and population sciences, helping them develop innovative ideas, generate preliminary data, and compete for peer‑reviewed funding. Awardees will benefit from GWCC’s growing support infrastructure, including structured mentoring, professional development workshops, and opportunities for close collaboration with senior investigators. By pairing ACS IRG funding with institutional investment and an established partnership with local American Cancer Society staff, GWCC aims to accelerate the development of its next generation of cancer research leaders.

Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, OR
Principal Investigator: Melissa Wong, Ph.D.

This Institutional Research Grant will strengthen support for early‑career cancer researchers at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon’s only NCI‑designated cancer center and home to a large, growing community of junior investigators. As the Institute’s only pilot funding program dedicated to early‑stage faculty, the ACS IRG will provide critical seed funding to help launch new cancer research projects during a time of increasing competition for federal support. The program also emphasizes researcher development through broad outreach, detailed review feedback, mentorship from senior investigators, and access to professional development resources. By pairing targeted pilot funding with Knight Cancer Institute expertise and expanded collaboration with the American Cancer Society, this grant will help build a strong pipeline of future cancer research leaders at OHSU.

University of Washington
Seattle, WA
Principal Investigator: Margaret Hannon, Ph.D.

This Institutional Research Grant will support assistant‑level faculty pursuing cancer disparities research across three leading institutions: the University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, and Seattle Children’s Research Institute. The program will provide pilot funding to help early‑career investigators launch new projects, build preliminary data, and strengthen their paths toward independent funding. In addition to financial support, the grant emphasizes mentorship and career development through guidance from a multidisciplinary review committee and connections with American Cancer Society staff. Together, these efforts aim to cultivate a diverse, well‑supported pipeline of early‑career researchers focused on reducing cancer disparities.

The following IRGs were also renewed as part of this funding cycle:

Case Western Reserve University

Principal Investigator: Ruth Keri, Ph.D.

Indiana University

Principal Investigator: Karen Pollok, Ph.D.

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute

Principal Investigator: Kenneth Wright, Ph.D.

Northwestern University – Chicago Campus

Principal Investigator: Leonidas Platanias, M.D., Ph.D.

University of Colorado Denver, AMC and DC

Principal Investigator: Traci Lyons, Ph.D.

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Principal Investigator: Allan Pollack, M.D, Ph.D.

University of Minnesota – Twing Cities

Principal Investigator: Irina Stepanov, Ph.D.

University of Pennsylvania

Principal Investigator: Katherine Nathanson, M.D.

Vanderbilt University

Principal Investigator: David Cortez, Ph.D.