$40,000
1 Awards
1 Year Term
$40,000
1 Awards
1 Year Term
This award provides $40,000 for one year to an early career investigator who currently holds a federal or non-federal career development award devoted to conducting research related to digestive cancer.
Active:
Accepting Applications Now
Active:
Accepting Applications Now
Objective
The objective of this AGA Research Foundation award is to provide supplemental funding to early career investigators who have existing career development awards and are conducting research relevant to the pathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of digestive cancer.
Applicant eligibility
- Applicants must hold an NIH K series (e.g., K01, K08, K23, K99, R00) or other federal or non-federal career development award of at least four years’ duration. You must have at least one year remaining on the award on April 1, 2026.
- Applicants may not hold an R01 or equivalents such as a VA Merit award.
- Candidates for this award must hold an MD, PhD and/or equivalent degree (e.g., MB, ChB, MBBS, DO).
- Applicants must hold a full-time faculty or equivalent position at an institution in North America (United States, Canada and Mexico).
- Applicants must hold a full-time faculty or equivalent position at an institution in North America (United States, Canada and Mexico).
- Applicants must classify as “early career” according to the following criteria:
- MD applicants are considered “early career” if no more than seven years have elapsed following the completion of clinical training (GI fellowship or its equivalent) at the start date of this award (i.e., April 2026).
- PhD applicants are considered “early career” if no more than seven years have elapsed following the awarding of the PhD degree and the start date of this award (i.e., April 2026).
- AGA membership is required at the time of application submission. Please visit AGA’s membership page or call 301-654-2055 for membership information.
- Applicants performing any type of research (basic, translational, clinical) relevant to digestive disorders are eligible to apply.
- Applicants who are physician-scientists, female or from racial/ethnic groups underrepresented in biomedical research are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application requirements
- The proposed research must focus on the pathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of digestive cancer.
- Applicants must submit evidence of their existing career development award, including a notice of award and specific aims. Applicants must address how the AGA award will both build upon the work of their existing career development award and aid in their transition to independence.
- A letter of recommendation from the candidate’s division chief or department chair that outlines support of the candidate and his/her research project is required.
- A complete research facilities and resources form.
- Biographical sketches for the applicant, mentor and all key personnel.
- A list of the applicant’s current and pending other support.
- Upon notification of receipt of this award, the recipient must provide approval from the appropriate institution committee(s) for use of human subjects or animals. If approval is not necessary, the recipient must provide an explanation.
- Scientific and financial progress reports must be submitted to AGA upon completion of the award and as needed at the request of the AGA Research Foundation.
- Additional information regarding AGA’s pre-award policies is available on the Research Award Policies page.
Budgeting requirements
- Applicants must submit a budget narrative justifying expenses in the budget.
- This award is intended to support direct research-related activities and may be used to support a new endeavor or an ongoing basic or clinical research project.
- The following expenses are allowable:
- Salary and benefits of research assistants, laboratory technicians or other non-faculty personnel.
- Biostatistical support.
- Supplies, animals, equipment and/or other materials necessary for the proposed research. Note that equipment costs may not exceed $10,000 unless the cost is a shared department expense and is documented by a letter enclosed with the award application.
- The following expenses are not allowable:
- Salary and benefits of the principal investigator.
- Salary and benefits of the mentor.
- Indirect costs.
- Travel costs.
Award overlap
The proposed research must be a departure from or an extension of the aims of the applicant’s existing career development award. Thus, applications proposing some or all of the aims of the funded career development award will not be considered for funding under this award mechanism.
Selection criteria
The recipient will be selected based on the following criteria: significance, investigator, innovation, approach, environment, evidence of institutional commitment and relevance to AGA’s mission. The applicant’s potential for a future independent research career will also be considered.
Review process
A selection committee comprising members of the AGA Research Awards Panel will review proposals and select award recipients. Applicants will receive a status notification on or before January 31, 2026, and funding will commence in April 2026.
Application process
The application deadline is September 18, 2025. Applications are only accepted through the AGA Grants Management System. Click the “Apply Now” button to create an account and/or submit an application. Applicants may preview the application as it will appear in the AGA Grants Management System. Please note that this preview is for reference only; all applications are completed online by selecting the “Apply Now” button.
Contact
Please direct all questions to the AGA Awards Program at awards@gastro.org.
Acknowledgements
Funding for this award is provided by an anonymous donor to the AGA Research Foundation Endowment Fund.
