Strongers for Research: €3,000 mini-grants for under-40 young oncologists
Each year the call awards individual mini-grants to under-40 researchers studying lung cancer. €3,000 goes directly to the researcher — for conferences, publications, professional growth — not to the laboratory. Merit-based selection via independent Scientific Committee with public criteria.
The 7 researchers we've funded
Who can apply
Researchers resident in Italy, under 40, holding a PhD, MD or PharmD degree. PhD students, post-docs, RTD-A/B, academic doctors, medical residents. One application per edition. All Italian research centres are eligible.
What we fund
Individual mini-grant of €3,000 for the researcher's professional growth — not for the laboratory. Eligible expenses: international conferences (ATS, ERS, ASCO), open-access publications, advanced specialization courses. Funded research areas: from molecular carcinogenesis to innovative therapies, from biomarkers to supportive care, including the role of physical activity in cancer therapy.
How we evaluate
Independent Scientific Committee: 3 evaluators outside the Strongers Board (Prof. Rizzo, Dr. Di Isernia, Dr. Giusti). Public criteria, scoring out of 100 points: 30 pt scientific quality (originality + rigour), 20 pt clinical impact, 35 pt professional growth (coherence + skills + networking + feasibility), 15 pt equity (underfunded candidates = +15). No conflict of interest: evaluators do not know candidate identities during scoring.
Annual calendar
September-October: applications open. December: applications close. January-February: Committee evaluation. February: outcomes communicated. March-April: disbursement (Strongers Awards ceremony). +18 months: reporting via certified email.
Required documents
Europass CV (PDF, max 3 pages), motivation letter (PDF, max 1 page), ID document. Language: Italian or English. Application form available when the call opens.
Who we've funded so far
7 researchers funded in the first 2 calls (2024-2025). Their stories and projects — DUAL-IT, cfDNA, Time Toxicity, IMPEREAL, AI-Imaging, Immuno-SAFE, TrialBridge — are published on our dedicated page.
See funded projects →No call currently open. The next edition opens in September.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the grant?
Researchers under 40 resident in Italy (MD, PhD or PharmD) working on thoracic oncology and lung cancer (NSCLC).
When does the call open and what is the process?
Opens between September and October, closes in December, evaluation in January-February, award ceremony in March; reporting within 18 months of disbursement.
What is the amount and who evaluates?
Mini-grants of €3,000 each, awarded by an external, independent Scientific Committee based on public criteria (scientific quality, clinical impact, professional growth, equity).