Rabab Gaafar Young Investigator Grant
Prof. Rabab Gaafar Young Investigator Grant
The International Society of Liquid Biopsy (ISLB) is proud to offer the Rabab Gaafar Young Investigator Award designed to support promising young researchers in the field of liquid biopsy. This award encourages high-quality research projects from early-career scientists in the initial years of their postdoctoral stage.
The grant carries a prize of 25,000 USD to support the recipient’s ongoing research endeavors.
Requirements for Applicants
Letter of Intent (LOI)
Applicants must submit a two-page proposal for the LOI. The proposal should include the hypothesis, background, objectives, methods and future plan, including how the Award will support the applicant’s career development. 2 letters of support should be attached separately, including one from the applicant’s supervisor, Division or Department Head of their institution.
CV
An abbreviated CV (maximum 5 pages, may use NIH biosketch as guidance) should also be attached to the submitted proposal. It is important to include information about participation in research projects, publication records, social impact.
Eligibility
Postdoctoral researchers and investigators within seven years of their first faculty appointment, holding an MD, PhD, or equivalent degree at the time of LOI submission.
Research Focus
Applicants must conduct laboratory, population-based, or clinical research focused on liquid biopsy in cancer. The research should take place in an oncology laboratory or clinical research setting at an academic medical institution anywhere in the world.
ISLB Membership
Applicants must be ISLB members. Annual dues are waived for early-career researchers interested in Associate membership according to membership guidelines (www.islb.info). Non-members interested in this award must submit a satisfactory application for ISLB membership by the application deadline.
Presentation Requirement
Awardees agree to present an abstract at the International Liquid Biopsy Meeting.
Grant Term
The grant term is two years.
Note: There is no discrimination based on age, gender, or geographic location of the applicants. However, applicants from institutions where they are not citizens or permanent residents must ensure their visa status allows sufficient time to complete the project and the grant term at the institution. The evaluation committee will select the awardee based on the quality of their proposal and their qualifications.
Evaluation Criteria
Scientific Track Record and Achievements (40%)
- Quality and relevance of publications
- Awards, grants, patents, or other recognitions
- Demonstrated impact in their field despite early career stage
Clarity and Strength of the Letter of Intent (30%)
- Clear research goals and vision
- Alignment with innovative, relevant, and promising scientific directions
- Ability to communicate scientific ideas effectively
Relevance and Focus of Research Area (15%)
- Strategic importance of the field of research
- Originality and potential for future contributions
Overall Potential as a Future Leader in Science (10%)
- Capacity to lead research projects or groups
- Demonstrated independence and initiative
- Engagement with the scientific community
2026 Application will be opened soon
Submission deadline: September 20, 2026. To apply, please click here.
Inquiries
For any question, please contact: [email protected]
The International Society of Liquid Biopsy (ISLB) is honored to establish the Dr. Rabab Gaafar Award for Young Investigators in Liquid Biopsy, dedicated to the memory of a remarkable leader, mentor, and pioneering researcher in the field of oncology. Prof. Rabab Gaafar’s groundbreaking work in medical oncology, particularly in thoracic cancers and early cancer detection, has left an indelible mark on the medical community, and this award aims to support and inspire the next generation of researchers in her name.
Prof. Gaafar was the former Chair of the Medical Oncology Department at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, and served in influential roles with major global oncology organizations, including the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). Her expertise was widely recognized, and she played a key role in advancing cancer research and treatment in Egypt and across the MENA region.
A respected mentor, Prof. Gaafar nurtured the careers of many young scientists, encouraging them to pursue innovative research in areas like targeted therapies, translational research, and cancer prevention. She was instrumental in guiding her mentees in exploring new frontiers in cancer diagnosis and treatment, especially in the context of liquid biopsy, a field she passionately believed could revolutionize early cancer detection and personalized medicine.
Throughout her distinguished career, Prof. Gaafar published over 200 articles in prestigious international journals and held key editorial and review positions in leading oncology publications. Her accolades included numerous awards from Cairo University, the Medical Syndicate of Cairo, and recognition in Marquis Who’s Who in the World for her contributions to the field.
The Dr. Rabab Gaafar Memorial Award will be granted to young investigators whose research in liquid biopsy demonstrates innovation, excellence, and the potential to drive forward breakthroughs in early cancer detection and treatment. Through this award, we honor Prof. Gaafar’s enduring legacy as a dedicated clinician, researcher, and mentor.
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