The CRI Lloyd J. Old STAR Program — Scientists TAking Risks — provides long-term, flexible funding to mid-career scientists, giving them the freedom to pursue high-risk, high-reward research at the leading edge of cancer immunotherapy.
The ideal candidate is a bold, creative scientist who embraces risk in pursuit of breakthrough insights. They are distinguished by their ability to:
- Leverage deep expertise and visionary curiosity to frame significant, non-obvious questions
- Draw connections across disciplines to generate and test novel hypotheses
- Pursue unconventional lines of inquiry, even at the risk of failure, with the potential for transformative success
Ultimately, CRI STARs will advance fundamental or translational discoveries that shape the development of immune-based therapies, broadening their impact for patients worldwide. CRI STARs not only drive innovation, they are defining the future of cancer immunology.
The Lloyd J. Old STAR Program provides $1.25M over a 5 year period. Institutions will be provided indirect costs of up to 10% of the total amount awarded. Indirects are provided in addition to awarded funds.
Key Dates:
Application deadline: 15 January, 2027
Invited interview: Spring 2027 (date TBD)