Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) Era of Hope Scholar Award supports individuals who are early in their careers with significant potential to effect meaningful change in breast cancer. As the Intent of the FY26 BCRP Era of Hope Scholar Award is to recognize creative and innovative individuals rather than projects, the award’s central features include the Principal Investigator’s (PI’s) demonstrated ability to go beyond conventional thinking in their field and the innovative and meaningful contributions that they can make toward ending breast cancer. The Era of Hope Scholar Award requires exceptionally talented scientists that are among “the best and the brightest” in their field(s), with demonstrated experience forming effective partnerships and collaborations and strong potential for future leadership in breast cancer research. All applications must address at least one of the FY26 BCRP overarching challenges or provide adequate justification for exception.

Distinctive Features:

·        The PI must commit a minimum of 25% level of time and effort during the period of performance to conduct breast cancer research under this award.

·        The research team must include two or more breast cancer consumer advocates.