2026 CIHR Institute of Cancer Research & ARCC Research Impact Award & Early Career Researcher Award

Eligibility

CIHR Institute of Cancer & ARCC Research Awards

The Canadian Centre for Applied Research in Cancer Control (ARCC) was established in 2009 with a mission to improve cancer control and the delivery of cancer care through interdisciplinary, pan-Canadian leadership in health economics, services, policy and ethics research, education and knowledge translation. We are pleased to announce a new partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Cancer Research (CIHR-ICR) to establish the CIHR Institute of Cancer Research & ARCC Research Impact Award and Early Career Researcher Award, which will be given out annually between 2026-2028

Both awards will be based upon the successful applicant’s record of research and evidence of research leadership and impact in the past three (3) years , with the Early Career Researcher (ECR) award dedicated to applicants who qualify as an ECR as per CIHR Guidelines.

Eligibility 

The CIHR Institute of Cancer Research & ARCC awards will recognize exceptional contributions to research which have earned distinction for the researchers because of the characteristics of their work in any of the fields encompassed by ARCC. ARCC has four main Program Areas: Health Technology Assessment; Health Systems, Services, and Policy; Societal Values and Public Engagement; and Survivorship. We welcome applications across a range of these research areas. 

Specific Eligibility Criteria 

1. Applicants must be a member of ARCC in good standing prior to the launch of the annual Awards Program. Members who join after program launch will be eligible for awards in future years/competitions.
2. Applicants must hold an academic appointment at a Canadian institution.
3. Awards will be conferred annually and are non-renewable. An individual recipient will not be eligible to receive more than one award in a three-year period.
4. ARCC Co-Directors, Program Managers, and Program Leads are not eligible to apply. 

Additional Eligibility Considerations 

Applicants must demonstrate their leadership not only as outstanding researchers, but also as notable contributors to ARCC’s broader community. 

Examples may include, but are not limited to:  

• mentoring students and junior colleagues
• leading research collaboratives or programs
• training graduate students or postdoctoral fellows in the applied cancer research space
• building linkages with other institutions, such as universities, colleges or non- governmental organizations, or engaging in entrepreneurial activity
• building linkages with communities  

ARCC strongly supports the removal of disparities experienced by the designated groups in Canada: women, Indigenous Peoples in Canada, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and LGBTQI2S+ persons. To this end, the Committee will pay particular attention in ensuring Equity, Diversity and Inclusion considerations are embedded in the selection process. 

Program Guidelines

Summary

Individuals are asked to self-nominate themselves for consideration. Application packages must be completed by the submission deadline of February 20, 2026. A completed application includes the following:

1. Completion of the Application Form Document at the following link: CIHR Institute of Cancer Research & ARCC Research Awards Application Form (https://forms.office.com/r/VL8eDxN9qH)
2. Submission of Supporting Documents Package (combined as a single file in PDF format) by email to arcc@cc-arcc.ca . Supporting documents must include the following:
   1. A complete up-to-date CIHR Common CV – Biosketch format (maximum 10 pages)
   2. A maximum 3 page submission prepared by the applicant describing their research and how it contributes to the broader cancer care continuum, and how it aligns with ARCC and the Research Excellence Awards program.
   3. At least one letter of support from an Institutional Representative (e.g. Department Chair/Dean)

Application deadlines

Program application deadline