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University of Wisconsin–Madison

Badger Challenge is soliciting grant applications

PostedJuly 7, 2025

The overarching mission of the Badger Challenge is to advance state-of-the-art cancer research and treatment, serving cancer patients and their families in Wisconsin and beyond.

Federal research funding is exceptionally challenging, and funds raised from the Badger Challenge help bridge this funding gap, making UW cancer researchers competitive at the highest level. The Badger Challenge began in 2016 (formerly known as The Ride) and has since raised nearly $ 4.6 million for UW cancer research, awarding funds to over 65 researchers, clinicians, collaborative programs, and students.

Please visit the Badger Challenge website (https://www.badgerchallenge.org/scholars/) to find more information regarding the Badger Challenge.

The Badger Challenge seeks to fund scholars and program applications that will:

  • Promote cancer research in basic, translational, clinical, social/behavioral, and population
  • Results in preliminary data to support extramural grant applications (R01 or equivalent).

GRANT DESCRIPTIONS:

  • Program: Provides financial support to two or more UW faculty from interdisciplinary fields who have a focus on an identified research project ($50,000).
  • Scholar: Provides financial support ($25,000) to individual UW faculty members whose current work focuses on cancer research and/or advancements in cancer treatments.

PROJECT PERIOD: Feb. 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2027

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sept. 15, 2025

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Must have a UW Professor title series (including Assistant, Associate, and full Professor)

APPLICATION FORMAT (please apply online by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 15, 2025)

Please assemble items 1-11 into a single PDF for submission.

  1. Title Page (title and team members)
  2. Scientific Abstract (175-word max)
  3. Lay Abstract (175-word max to be used on the Badger Challenge website and non-scientific marketing materials)
  4. Lay Sentences (1-2 lay sentences describing the project to be used in non-scientific marketing materials)
  5. Specifics Aim page (1 Page – NIH Style)
  6. Hypothesis (50-word max)
  7. Research Approach (1 Page)
  8. Budget Justification describing how the Badger Challenge funds will be used (1/2 page)
  9. Statement on Projects Potential for Translation (1/2 page)
  10. Statement on Alignment with the Badger Challenge’s Mission* (1/2 page)
  11. NIH Biosketch for applicants and team members

*The overarching mission of the Badger Challenge is to advance state-of-the-art cancer research and treatment to serve cancer patients and families in Wisconsin and beyond. The Badger Challenge helps bridge gaps in traditional funding to make UW cancer researchers competitive at the highest level.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

The Badger Challenge targets applications that:

  • Promote basic, translational, clinical, social/behavioral, and/or population cancer
  • Result in preliminary data to support competitive national grants (R01 or equivalent).

Proposals must be focused on cancer to be eligible for funding support. Proposals will be scored based on the following criteria:

  • Overall Impact
  • Significance
  • Investigator
  • Innovation
  • Approach
  • Potential for Translation
  • Alignment and advancement of the Badger Challenge mission

 

AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Upon receipt of an award, awardees will receive an overview of program obligations and agree to the terms of the program.

  • Submit progress reports at the 1-year mark and 2-year mark describing the outcomes and expenses associated with their research.
  • Provide written and verbal reports on projects to be used in Badger Challenge marketing materials (2 max per year).

Inquiries should be directed to:

Alyse Peters

Director of Community Engagement and Sponsorship alyse.peters@wisc.edu

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