The Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance (PSSCRA) will open applications for its 2015 Prize on October 1st, 2014. At least five New York based scientists will each be awarded $200,000/year—for up to three years—to enable them to pursue groundbreaking research at a stage when traditional funding is lacking. As part of the program created around the Prize, winners will be introduced to a mentor in the pharmaceutical industry and will present their work to scientific and business audiences.

In May 2014, PSSCRA awarded the inaugural Prize to six winners. Prize winner Emily Bernstein, PhD said, "I would absolutely encourage other scientists to apply for this Prize. Unlike most funding agencies, a high risk-high reward proposal is encouraged. Moreover, the application process is straightforward, with a very fast turn-around time. Winning the prize has substantially boosted my research capacity and increased my academic and industry networks."

Applicants must have between 2 to 8 years of experience running their own laboratories and must have a PhD, MD or MD-PhD (or equivalent). The deadline to submit the Letter of Intent is November 12, 2014. For more details on the application process, including the full eligibility criteria, and for more details on the Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance, please visit: www.psscra.org.