AAAS Martin and Rose Wachtel Cancer Research Award

Eligibility

• Each entrant must be a researcher in the field of cancer, with an advanced degree (Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M.) received within the last 10 years. If the applicant has more than one advanced degree, the 10 years are counted from the date that all degrees were completed in the case of uninterrupted training, such as a dual degree M.D.-Ph.D. program. However, if the applicant completed one degree, left to do research or other activities (including residency or fellowship), and then returned to study for an additional degree, the 10 years are counted from the time of completion of the first advanced degree. Residency, fellowship, or postdoctoral training do not extend the timeline.
• The research must have been performed during the previous 10 years.
• The entrant must have performed or personally directed the work described in the Essay.
• Employees and affiliates of AAAS and their relatives are not eligible for the prize.
• Applicants who did not win are welcome to reapply as long as they are otherwise eligible for the award. Previous winners and honorable mentions are not eligible to apply again.

Summary

AAAS and Science Translational Medicine invite applications for the 2024 AAAS Martin and Rose Wachtel Cancer Research Award. This annual award, funded by an endowment established through a generous bequest from Martin L. Wachtel, honors early-career investigators who have performed outstanding work in the field of cancer research. Entrants must have received their Ph.D. or M.D. within the last 10 years (in 2014 or later).

The award winner will be invited to deliver a public lecture on their research and receive a cash award of US$25,000*. The award-winning Essay will be published in Science Translational Medicine.

*All federal, state and local taxes, and any other costs and expenses, associated with the receipt or use of the prize are the sole responsibility of the winner.

The deadline for application is 1 February 2024.

Application deadlines

Program application deadline

Entry packages must include the following materials, written in English:

1. A completed Entry Form.
2. A letter of application written by the entrant or by a nominator describing the entrant's significant contributions to cancer research. The letter should explain how the candidate's research promises to make a lasting impact on the cancer field.
3. An Essay written by the nominee describing his or her research project and explaining how it advances our understanding of cancer. The Essay must not exceed 1500 words (not including references) and should have a short title, a one-line abstract, no more than 10 references and one figure. The research described in the Essay must be in the field of cancer, and the applicant must have performed or directed all of the work. The research must have been performed within the last 10 years.
4. A one-page letter of recommendation from the entrant's postdoctoral advisor, supervisor, or other senior colleague who is familiar with the entrant's work.
5. A copy of the entrant's curriculum vitae.
6. Copies of two of the entrant's papers that are most relevant to the Essay.

The applications for each year's award cycle are due on February 1 of that year.

The Entry Form and submission materials must be submitted electronically through our prize management system here. Please note: If your contact information changes after submission, you must inform us at wachtelprize@aaas.org.