The AACR-Ocular Melanoma Foundation Miriam Counts Innovation and Discovery Grants represent a new funding mechanism established by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) in collaboration with the Ocular Melanoma Foundation. This grant seeks to foster innovation and translational or clinical research in ocular and uveal melanoma, with an emphasis on discovering druggable targets or biomarkers that can contribute to new treatment options. The AACR, founded in 1907, is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing cancer research, education, and advocacy worldwide.

This grant offers $50,000 in funding for a one-year term beginning August 1, 2025. The funding can be used to support a wide range of project-related costs, including salary and benefits for the principal investigator or supporting personnel such as collaborators, postdoctoral or clinical fellows, graduate students, or research assistants. Other allowable costs include laboratory supplies, equipment, publication charges for related manuscripts, and research-related expenses. However, indirect costs are not allowable under this grant.

Research projects funded through this grant must focus on translational or clinical aspects of ocular/uveal melanoma, particularly exploring novel and druggable targets or biomarkers. Projects that also apply to cutaneous melanoma are permitted, as long as their primary focus remains on ocular/uveal melanoma biology. For the purpose of this grant, a druggable target includes any nucleic acid or protein (e.g., enzyme or receptor) whose activity can be therapeutically modulated. Relevant biomarkers may include proteins, nucleic acids, or metabolites measurable in various biological contexts.

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent) and cannot be pursuing another doctoral degree. As of the grant start date, applicants must be independent investigators affiliated with an academic, medical, or nonprofit research institution. Those relying on a future appointment must have that position confirmed at the time of application, and it cannot be contingent on receiving the grant. Institutions may be located anywhere in the world, and there are no restrictions based on citizenship. However, international applicants must ensure that their visa status will allow them to complete the full grant term.

Applicants are required to be AACR Active members in good standing by the application deadline. Nonmembers must apply for membership by April 8, 2025, and secure a nomination from a current AACR Active member. The AACR offers assistance to identify nominators if needed, particularly for those based in low-resource countries where membership dues may be waived. Membership support questions should be directed to membership@aacr.org.

Applications must be submitted online through the ProposalCentral portal by 1:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time on April 8, 2025. Funding decisions will be announced in June 2025. Detailed Program Guidelines and Application Instructions are available for download on the AACR website. For questions regarding eligibility or application materials, applicants should contact AACR’s Research and Grants Administration Department at grants@aacr.org. The AACR is located at 615 Chestnut St., 17th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106-4404, and can be reached by phone at 215-440-9300.