The American Brain Tumour Association (ABTA) has announced the 2025 Discovery Grant Program, which is a highly coveted funding opportunity for scientists as well as medical researchers who are exploring new approaches for understanding and treating brain tumours.
This grant assists with early-stage, high-impact research projects which could result in significant advances in the diagnosis of brain tumours, treatment and survival. The grant is open to researchers, both established and novices, dedicated to advancing groundbreaking research concepts that can shape the future of neuro-oncology.
Application Deadline: December 10, 2025
About the ABTA Discovery Grant Program
The ABTA Discovery Grant Program is a part of the American Brain Tumour Association’s ongoing mission to promote creativity and cooperation across the world research community.
The program annually offers seed funds to support researchers in the development of exciting new ideas, create experimental data, and set the foundation for studies of a larger scale.
The ABTA encourages applications that investigate innovative or cross-disciplinary methods to the biology of brain tumours and diagnostics, genetics, and therapeutics – expanding the boundaries of conventional research.
Objectives of the Grant
This grant is intended for Discovery. Grant is created to:
- Support the early stages of research that could lead to larger, externally funded research projects.
- Help develop innovative ideas in science and methods.
- Facilitate partnerships between non-biological and biological science disciplines.
- Contribute to the long-term advancements in brain tumour prevention, detection and treatments.
In the end, the ABTA seeks to speed up technological advancements that can improve the survival rate and improve the living quality of brain tumour patients across the globe.
Allowable Expenses
Grant funds can be used to fund:
- Support for the salary of a researcher (PI or personnel)
- Equipment and laboratory equipment
- travel directly connected to activities of the project
- Management of data and sharing costs
Non-Allowable Expenses
The funds may never be used to:
- Costs of indirect or institutional overhead
- Visa or tuition fees
- Administrative costs for non-research.
Focus Areas
The 2025 Discovery Grant prioritises innovative research across a wide range of scientific disciplines, which includes but is not only:
- Brain tumour biology and cell signalling
- Biomarkers to assess risk, burden of disease, and treatment response
- Clinical research as well as innovations in diagnostics
- The drug delivery systems along with pharmaceutical strategies
- Genetics and Molecular Pathways
- Aetiology and Epidemiology
- Neuroimaging and Advanced Diagnostic Techniques
- Novel Therapeutic Approaches
- Risk Assessment and Predictive Modelling
Researchers who are proposing cross-disciplinary research, including computational biology, AI and engineering, are highly encouraged to submit applications.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the criteria for eligibility set forth by ABTA in order to be considered.
Applicant Requirements
- You must have an official doctoral certificate (MD, PhD, MD or DO).
- Have a full-time faculty position that started at or after September 1, 2018.
- Conduct research in a qualified non-profit organisation (universities or hospitals and research centres).
- Researchers in early stages of their careers (within the initial five years of appointment) must have the lead mentor who conducts brain tumour research at the same institute.
Institutional Requirements
- The institution that is applying for the grant must serve as the grant fund’s administrator.
- It must be acknowledged as a non-profit organisation.
- It is imperative to ensure that you are in compliance with the ethical standards of research as well as the management of data standards.
Application Process
The applicants must submit their application through an official ABTA Grant Portal latest by 10th of December, 2025.
Required Documents
- Project Abstract and Title: A concise and clear outline of research objectives.
- Research Proposal Limited to 5 pages, which include hypothesis and methodology, as well as anticipated outcomes.
- Budget and justification Detailed explanation of how the money is allocated.
- Application Biosketch – Highlighting academic accomplishments as well as research experience.
- The mentor letter is required for applicants who are in the early stages of their careers.
- Institutional Approval letter – Validating eligibility and overseeing administrative oversight.
All submissions are required to be completed in English and sent in the format of PDF using the secured online portal.
Evaluation Criteria
The applications will be evaluated using an evaluation process that is peer-reviewed, which will be based on:
Evaluation Area Key Considerations Scientific Merit: Rigidity, quality and the originality of the research Feasibility Methods that are practical and clear and the goals Impact The possibility of advancing the diagnosis and treatment for brain tumours. Investigator Qualifications Mentorship, experience, and institutional assistance Innovation The novelty of a hypothesis and the potential for wider application of science
The ABTA Scientific Advisory Council will evaluate proposals and recommend awardees, in accordance with merit and with the objectives of the program.
Reporting and Dissemination
Participants of this ABTA Discovery Grant must:
- Send an end-of-project report that summarises the results of the project and financial expenses.
- Present findings from the research during The ABTA National Conference following the completion of the project.
- Thank you for ABTA support in all publications and presentations.
These rules guarantee transparency, accountability, and also the release of new findings to the scientific community at large.
Timeline
| Activity | Date / Period |
|---|---|
| Application Portal Opens | Ongoing |
| Submission Deadline | December 10, 2025 |
| Peer Review Process | January – March 2026 |
| Notification of Awards | April 2026 |
| Project Start Date | July 2026 |
| Project Duration | 12 months |
| Presentation of Results | ABTA National Conference 2027 |
Why It Matters
The ABTA Discovery Grant Program is a key element in fostering the early stage of innovation in the field of brain cancer research.
In order to support African, Asian, and international researchers This program offers:
- A way to join forces with universities of research.
- An opportunity to secure bigger-scale awards or recognition.
- The ability to access global research networks in the fields of neuroscience and oncology.
By funding research with high potential at an early stage By funding studies with high potential at an early stage, the ABTA is helping to lay the groundwork for breakthroughs that will change the way patients are treated all over the world.
Summary Table
| Program Name | ABTA Discovery Grant Program 2025 |
|---|---|
| Organizer | American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) |
| Funding Amount | Up to $50,000 |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Eligible Applicants | Scientists with doctoral degrees and full-time faculty positions |
| Eligible Institutions | Non-profit research or academic organizations |
| Focus Areas | Brain tumor biology, biomarkers, diagnostics, drug delivery |
| Deadline | 10 December 2025 |
| Geographic Scope | Global |
| Reporting Requirement | Presentation at ABTA National Conference |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for the ABTA Discovery Grant?
Researchers with a doctoral degree and a full-time faculty appointment at a non-profit institution are eligible.
2. What is the funding amount?
The grant provides up to $50,000 for a one-year project.
3. Can early-career investigators apply?
Yes. Researchers within the first five years of their faculty appointment must include a Lead Mentor.
4. What types of research are supported?
Projects related to brain tumor biology, diagnostics, biomarkers, therapeutics, and related disciplines.
5. Are indirect or overhead costs allowed?
No. The grant covers only direct research expenses.
6. Can international institutions apply?
Yes, provided the lead applicant’s institution meets the ABTA’s eligibility and non-profit criteria.
7. What happens after the grant period ends?
Awardees must submit a final report and present findings at the ABTA National Conference.
8. How competitive is the grant?
Highly competitive — priority is given to scientifically innovative and feasible proposals.
9. What makes a strong application?
A clear hypothesis, sound methodology, relevant mentor support, and a strong potential for clinical impact.
10. When will awardees be announced?
Notifications are expected by April 2026 following the peer-review process.
Conclusion
The ABTA Discovery Grant Program 2025 can be a way for scientists who are innovative to lead new avenues for brain cancer research. Through funding ambitious, early-stage research projects, the ABTA grants researchers the ability to create crucial insights that can revolutionise brain tumour treatment and diagnosis all over the world.
For young researchers as well as established scientists The program offers financial support and recognition and amplification of the goal to enhance and prolong the life spans of patients suffering from brain tumours with the help of science-driven technology.
Disclaimer
FederalGrantsInfo.com provides this information for educational purposes only. The applicants should confirm eligibility and submit their proposal directly through the official ABTA Grant Portal before the 10th of December 2025.