Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP) Early Investigator Research Award (EIRA) supports prostate cancer research conducted by investigators in the early stages of their careers with guidance from an experienced mentor. All applications must address one of the FY26 PCRP Overarching Challenges.

Distinctive Features:

·        Early-Career Investigator: Serves as the principal investigator. Includes investigators possessing a doctoral degree or equivalent with fewer than three years of postdoctoral research experience at the application submission deadline, excluding clinical residency or clinical fellowship training.

·        Mentorship: Applications must include at least one mentor who demonstrates experience in prostate cancer research and successful mentorship.

·        Researcher Development Plan: Applications must include a researcher development plan articulating an individualized strategy for acquiring necessary skills, competence, and expertise to complete the project and foster the Principal Investigator’s (PI’s) career development