The LUNGevity Foundation, a leading nonprofit organization focused on lung cancer, announced on January 15, 2026, that it is now accepting applications for its 2026 research grants. These competitive awards aim to accelerate innovations in early detection, treatment, and health equity within the lung cancer care continuum.
Upal Basu Roy, PhD, MPH, Executive Director of LUNGevity Research, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to advancing lung cancer research. Since its inception in 2002, LUNGevity has funded over 200 research projects, totaling more than $55 million. “Funding for lung cancer studies becomes harder to obtain,” Basu Roy remarked, highlighting the ongoing need for financial support in this critical area of research.
LUNGevity has designed several award programs for 2026 to cultivate a new generation of researchers. The flagship program, the Career Development Award, offers a $300,000 grant over three years. This award targets emerging research leaders poised to make significant contributions to early detection methods and treatment outcomes. Applicants must submit a letter of intent by February 17, 2026.
Another opportunity, the Health Equity and Inclusiveness Research Fellow Award, provides $100,000 over two years to support researchers from underrepresented minority groups in STEM. Eligible candidates must hold a doctoral degree and be pursuing a postdoctoral fellowship focused on lung cancer. This award also requires a letter of intent by the same February deadline.
The VA Research Scholar Award specifically targets researchers within the Veterans Affairs system, offering $100,000 over two years. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree and be either postdoctoral fellows or junior faculty members within the first five years of their appointment. The application process similarly begins with a letter of intent due on February 17, 2026.
Additionally, the ASTRO-LUNGevity Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Seed Grant aims to foster research careers among residents and fellows interested in radiation oncology. This one-year program will provide $50,000 to support relevant research initiatives.
Interested candidates can apply through Proposal Central by January 26, 2026. More details about the awards are available on LUNGevity’s website.
LUNGevity Foundation strives to transform the lung cancer landscape. Its mission includes improving quality of life and promoting health equity by addressing disparities throughout the cancer care continuum. The foundation employs innovative approaches to detect lung cancer early and works to advance treatment options, ensuring a diverse pool of investigators for future research.
In the United States, approximately 1 in 18 individuals will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime. This year alone, more than 226,000 people are expected to receive a lung cancer diagnosis. Alarmingly, a new diagnosis occurs every 2.3 minutes. The vast majority of new cases—nearly 65%—are found in individuals with little or no history of tobacco use. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with only 28% of those diagnosed surviving five years or more. Early detection significantly improves the chances of survival, raising the five-year survival rate to 65% if caught before metastasis.
With these research grants, LUNGevity aims to catalyze breakthroughs that could significantly alter the future of lung cancer treatment and care. The announcement of award recipients is anticipated in late summer 2026. For more information about LUNGevity’s initiatives, visit their official website at www.LUNGevity.org.
