Open Texas Cancer-Research Recruitment Funding
The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) is accepting FY 2027 applications for Recruitment of Rising Stars (RFA R-27.1-RRS). The mechanism is designed to help Texas academic institutions recruit outstanding mid-stage investigators who have demonstrated strong promise for continued and enhanced contributions to cancer research.
Funding
Current CPRIT guidance lists an award of up to $3,000,000 over a maximum five-year period. CPRIT’s FY27 instructions also identify a $1,500,000 amount for emerging research institutions seeking separate consideration under the recruitment framework.
Who Can Nominate
Nominations are submitted on behalf of a specific investigator by the president, provost, vice president for research, or appropriate dean of a Texas-based public or private institution of higher education, including academic health institutions. The nominator prepares and finalizes the institutional workflow, and the Authorized Signing Official performs final submission.
Current Review-Cycle Timing
The overall FY27 recruitment receipt period runs from June 23, 2026 through June 21, 2027, subject to available funding. CPRIT reviews recruitment nominations in recurring cycles. For the review cycle currently open in September 2026, applications are due October 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time. CPRIT states that it will not extend the submission deadline.
Submission Controls
The investigator prepares the research and supporting materials; the nominator completes the application in CPRIT’s recruitment application system; and the institution’s Authorized Signing Official reviews, approves, and submits. Required uploaded materials must be PDF files, and CPRIT provides specific templates and formatting instructions.
Atlas Fit Analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 91/100. This is substantial Texas cancer-research workforce and institutional-capacity funding with recurring review opportunities, but it only fits institutions with a bona fide mid-stage cancer-investigator recruitment strategy.
N9+ Direct Vendor Fit: 0/100. This is investigator recruitment funding rather than a clinical-technology purchase mechanism.
QC Healthcare Fit: 0/100. The award is not a general physician-coverage or clinical staffing program.
Required Next Action
Identify the rising-star investigator and authorized institutional nominator, confirm the current RFA/IFA criteria, assemble the candidate and institutional materials, and submit through the nominator and Authorized Signing Official workflow by October 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT for the current cycle. If the deadline is missed, verify funding remains available before relying on a later FY27 review cycle.
Official sources: CPRIT Funding Opportunities and FY 2027 Recruitment Instructions for Applicants.