Stephenson Global Scholar Grants

Empowering investigators to pursue transformative and innovative ideas.

The Stephenson Global Scholar Grants revolutionize the traditional research model with a dynamic structure designed for agility and rapid progress. These generous awards support investigators with the most innovative and promising ideas, cutting through bureaucracy and red tape to foster a culture of true innovation and courageous risk-taking. This transformative approach drives breakthrough research with the potential to significantly improve pancreatic cancer survival and outcomes.

Applications for the 2026 Stephenson Global Scholar Grants are open!

Submit a Grant Proposal

Eligibility Guidelines

The Stephenson Global Scholar Grant is open to investigators worldwide whose research may help advance the field of pancreatic cancer through prevention, early detection, treatment, and/or other areas.

We are seeking applicants who demonstrate the following:

  • Innovation: Projects should embody groundbreaking approaches and creative solutions to address key challenges in pancreatic cancer.
  • Strategic Budget Planning: Applicants are encouraged to thoughtfully consider the funding required for the success of their innovative project. The open-budget proposal framework allows for flexibility in requested amounts, ensuring that funding aligns with the projects scope and objectives.
  • Ethical Standards: Applicants must have conducted their work in compliance with applicable ethical research standards and global best practices for research integrity. To ensure a fair and unbiased selection process, applicants should not contact members of the Scientific Advisory Board (SSAB) regarding their submissions. Any direct outreach may compromise the integrity of the process and could result in disqualification.
  • Requirements: 1 page letter of intent (round 1) and 5-page proposal if invited to round 2. Deadline for Round 1 is February 25, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. See additional details below.

Funding amounts will be determined based on the scale and potential impact of the proposed project. The Stephenson Global Scholar Grant is dedicated to supporting transformative research that has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

The Inaugural Grants have been awarded!

The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute in July 2025 announced the six inaugural recipients of the prestigious Stephenson Scholar Grants, awarding $5.25 million to support high-impact research aimed at transforming the understanding, early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer. The grants support a new generation of research that is collaborative, cross-institutional, and deeply innovative.

See all Inaugural Recipients

Frequently Asked Questions about the Stephenson Global Scholar Grant

What kind of information should be included in the letter of intent in the first round?

We ask that you provide a summary of what research you intend to do, and why you feel that this is truly innovative in this field. We also ask that you outline what your resourcing needs will be from a financial perspective. Note that we will not provide an upper monetary limit of the grant — instead we ask that investigators outline what they need to be successful. 

Deadline for LOI is February 25, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Basic Guidelines for LOI

  1. Project Title Principal Investigator (PI) Information
    • Title of the research project
    • Name, title, institution, and contact information of the PI and co-investigators (maximum of three)
  2. Background Significance
    • Briefly describe the research problem and its relevance to cancer research
    • Explain the unmet need and scientific gap being addressed
  3. Objectives Specific Aims
    • Clearly define the research goals and the funding required for the success of this research project. Include a budget justification that aligns with the projects scope and objectives.
    • Outline the key specific aims and hypotheses
  4. Research Approach Methods
    • Summarize the proposed methodology
    • Highlight innovative aspects of the study
  5. Expected Impact Relevance to Cancer Research
    • Explain how the research will contribute to advancing knowledge, improving treatments, or developing new interventions
  6. Institutional Support Collaborations
    • Mention any institutional resources, core facilities, or partnerships that will support the research

Yes, you may apply for the grant in collaboration with other researchers. Please denote them in your application.

Yes, as long as this project is substantially different from other currently funded projects. The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute (SGPCRI) aims to support new research initiatives to maximize impact.

Due to space limitations in the initial submission, applicants are not required to acknowledge relevant publications at this stage. However, if invited to submit a full 5-page proposal in the second round, they will have the opportunity to include relevant publications at that time. Certainly, if applicants would like to cite their work as a reference or two in the 1 page proposal, they are welcome to do so.