The Louisiana Cancer Research Center (LCRC) announced its 2026 Pilot Awards totalling $600,000 to 12 scientists. The $50,000 grants will support work in new research areas and allow award recipients to develop the preliminary data required to apply for larger funding from significant external sources.

“The LCRC’s Pilot Award Program provides critical seed funding for projects that will hopefully expand into significant advances in cancer research.  Funds are awarded through a robust peer review process involving leaders of LCRC’s research programs and allow these cancer scientists to take the next step in their pursuit of an innovative theory or hypothesis,” said Sven Davisson, LCRC Chief Administrative Officer.

New and established researchers are eligible to apply, and funds may be used to explore new ideas, collect preliminary data, and build a strong foundation for future studies—improving their chances of securing additional external funding. At its core, the program reflects the LCRC’s commitment to advancing discoveries and supporting the next generation of scientists.

This cycle, pilot funding has been awarded through both the Seed Grants and New Investigator Grants mechanisms. These awards recognize innovative, high-impact projects that advance the LCRC's mission and strengthen our collaborative research community.

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New Investigator Grant Awardees:

Guila Monticone, Cancer Biology, LSU Health New Orleans

Efthymios Papadopoulos, Population Science, LSU Baton Rouge

Brent Stanfield, Cancer Biology, LSU Baton Rouge, Vet School

Gianluca Veggiani, Translational Oncology, LSU Baton Rouge

Velencia Witherspoon, Translational Oncology, Tulane University

Seed Grant Awardees:

Christopher Bolden, Cancer Biology, Xavier University

Elisa Ledet, Population Science, Tulane University

Zhipin Liang, Cancer Biology, LSU Health New Orleans

Elizabeth Martin, Cancer Biology, Tulane University

Fatima Rivas, Translational Oncology,  LSU Baton Rouge

Kevin Sullivan, Translational Oncology, LSU Health New Orleans

Aiguo Tian, Cancer Biology, Tulane University

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About the LCRC

Approximately 30,000 Louisianans will receive a cancer diagnosis this year. The Louisiana Cancer Research Center serves as a collaborative hub that advances cancer research, improves prevention, and accelerates the development of innovative treatments. LCRC brings together the collective talent of more than 350 researchers from across the state and member institutions – LSU Health New Orleans, Tulane University School of Medicine, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Ochsner Health – to improve cancer outcomes for Louisianans and all those impacted by the disease.

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