The Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize is an initiative designed to support early career scientists based in the greater New York City area who are engaged in cancer research. This grant, provided by the Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance, aims to empower researchers to take innovative risks in their work, particularly at a time when traditional funding sources may be limited. The prize is intended to foster groundbreaking research that could lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment and understanding.

The primary purpose of the Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize is to accelerate the development of innovative cancer research by providing substantial financial support and facilitating collaborations between researchers and the business community. The program not only offers funding but also creates a network of resources and opportunities for prize winners, including partnerships with other researchers, access to industry mentors, and invitations to networking events. This holistic approach aims to enhance the impact of the funded research and promote the exchange of ideas within the scientific community.

Funding for the prize totals $750,000, with each winner receiving $250,000 annually for three years. Approximately six prizes are awarded each year, allowing multiple researchers to benefit from this significant financial support. The funding is intended to cover various aspects of the research projects, enabling scientists to pursue their most ambitious ideas without the constraints often imposed by limited funding.

To be eligible for the Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize, applicants must hold an MD, PhD, MD-PhD degree, or an equivalent qualification. They should have a minimum of two years of experience running their own laboratories but no more than six years of experience by the start date of the prize in July 2025. Principal Investigators must hold faculty appointments at academic research institutions within the greater New York City area, which includes New York City, Long Island, Westchester County, New Jersey, and parts of Connecticut. The program is open to both U.S. citizens and non-citizens, provided that non-citizens can assure that their visa status allows them to complete the project within the United States.

The application process requires candidates to submit a detailed proposal outlining their research plans and objectives. Specific questions related to the research's potential impact, innovation, and feasibility will be included in the application. The evaluation criteria will focus on the scientific merit of the proposed research, the applicant's qualifications, and the potential for collaboration and networking within the scientific community.

The deadline for submitting applications for the 2025 Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize is October 28, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their proposals well in advance of this date to ensure a thorough and competitive submission. For further details and updates, applicants can visit the official website of the Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance.