The PNET Pathway Grant Program is designed to support high-impact research that accelerates new treatment approaches for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. With a focus on PNET biology, early-stage disease progression predictors, advanced disease prognostication, and radiotherapy treatment, we aim to drive science into tangible results for patients and families. This program builds upon the strong framework and review processes established through the Foundation’s Seed Grant and Catalyst Grant Programs while bringing focused attention to the unique biology and clinical needs of PNET patients.
Goals of the PNET Pathway Grant Program
- Expand and strengthen the national community of investigators focused on PNET research
- Support innovative projects with clear scientific merit and translational potential
- Accelerate progress toward less invasive, more effective treatment options
- Increase collaboration across leading research institutions and clinical centers
- Establish the Hirshberg Foundation as a long-term research leader in both pancreatic adenocarcinoma and PNETs
PNET Pathway Grant Application Information
Award Information
- Submission deadline: May 15, 2026
- Notification of award decision: July 30, 2026
- Earliest award start date: September 1, 2026
- Duration of award: 1 year. No-cost extension (1 year) may be requested.
- Amount of award: $75,000. No indirect costs are provided. Salary support for mentors cannot be requested.
Eligibility
Applications are invited from US academic institutions and research organizations. The funding opportunity is available to all academic researchers, including research-track and clinical-track faculty, staff scientists, and post-doctoral trainees. There is a single PI associated with each grant. Collaborative projects are encouraged but multi-PI applications are not allowed. Applicants with no independent research programs need to enlist the support and participation of a senior mentor with a track record in pancreatic cancer research, preferably with a focus on PNET.
Application Requirements
For your application, please use 11-point Arial font, single spaced text, and at least 0.5″ margins. Compile all documents into a single pdf file. Include the following documents.
- Application Cover Page with the applicant’s and institution’s information and signatures.
- Title and abstract (300 words or less).
- Research plan (3 pages) should include background and significance, hypothesis, specific aims, and approach with preliminary results (optional). Figures are included in the 3-page limit.
- References cited (1 page).
- Vertebrate animals (if applicable, 1 page).
- Protection of human subjects (if applicable, 1 page).
- Investigator’s NIH biosketch (5 pages or less).
- Investigator’s other support (no page limit).
- Mentor’s support letter (if applicable, 1 page)
- Mentor’s NIH biosketch (if applicable, 5 pages or less).
- Mentor’s other support (if applicable, no page limit).
- Budget justification (1 page).
Download Application Cover Page
Administrative Requirements
- Name, phone number and email address of the Finance or Grant Manager
- A high-resolution headshot photo in jpg format (to be used on our website if your award is selected)
- A simple, layperson summary (2 paragraphs) of your project (to be used on our website if your award is selected)
Award selection process
The applications will be reviewed by a 3-member committee selected from members of the Scientific Advisory Board or external reviewers with appropriate expertise and approved for funding by the Foundation leadership.
Reporting requirement
Award recipients will be required to submit progress reports as outlined in the Grant Agreement and present your work at the Foundation’s annual research forum at the end of the award term.
