Request for Applications (RFAs) and Grant Awardees

FY26 STTR Pilot Award

We are pleased to announce the FY26 STTR Pilot Award, which will award $50,000 each to two exceptional translational research projects. This funding opportunity is designed to advance innovative, high-impact research, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and support for junior faculty across teams within our organization. 

We invite proposals that align with one of the following two focus areas: 

1. Uncovering Disease Mechanisms through Spatial and Molecular Profiling

We invite proposals that leverage cutting-edge spatial omics technologies, high-resolution genomics, and biomarker discovery to reveal novel disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Proposals should emphasize the integration of spatial profiling platforms with genomic or other high-throughput techniques to generate actionable insights that enable precision diagnostics and targeted therapies in cancer. 

2. Accelerating Translational Impact through High-Risk and Early-Stage Innovation

We also seek proposals that catalyze early-stage, high-risk, or translational research aimed at bridging discovery and clinical application. Projects may include feasibility studies, pilot projects, or early validation of innovative therapeutics, diagnostics, or technologies. Emphasis will be placed on novel concepts that, while not yet ready for large-scale funding, demonstrate strong potential to transform cancer care and outcomes. 

Eligibility & Submission Requirements  

Applicant and Team Eligibility:  

• Open to all Principal Investigators (PIs) at Fred Hutch, the University of Washington, and Seattle Children's who are engaged in translational research.  

• Each proposal must include at least one PI or Co-PI who is an STTR member with a primary appointment at Fred Hutch. If you are not currently a STTR member, please reach out to our team at STTRCancer@fredhutch.org to discuss membership application. 

• Each proposal must include at least one team member who is an early career researcher (priority will be given to projects that involve junior faculty, particularly those at the assistant professor level and/or pre-NIH funding stage.  

Proposal Requirements  

• Proposals must present a well-defined hypothesis, specific aims, and measurable outcomes that have the potential to significantly advance the field.  

• Projects should demonstrate a clear pathway toward clinical application or population-level impact within five years (e.g., readiness for clinical trials).  

• Proposals should include meaningful collaboration across disciplines (e.g., data science, pathology, molecular biology) and institutions.  

• Alignment with Institutional Mission: Projects should align with Fred Hutch’s mission and strategic goals.  

Review Criteria:   

Applications will be evaluated based on NIH scoring criteria: significance, innovation, and approach in addition to the specific priorities outlined above.  

Completed applications must be submitted electronically as a single PDF document to STTR (STTRCancer@fredhutch.org) by 11:59 pm PT on Friday, October 31, 2025.

For any questions or further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your commitment to advancing translational research!