The American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative
Lung Cancer Screening Innovation Challenge
An international science competition to promote medical research, policy, and advocacy in lung cancer screening.
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High school students are eligible to participate!
Develop and present your project and make an impact for a chance to win a grand prize of $10,000!
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and the world.
Patients who are diagnosed with lung cancer at an early stage due to frequent and accessible lung cancer screening are 50% more likely to survive. However, only 1 in 15 eligible individuals receive lung cancer screening. The American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative is an international organization dedicated to spreading lung cancer screening awareness.
The ALCSI Innovation Challenge is an opportunity for students to learn about and advance the field of lung cancer. In the fall, individuals will meet with community leaders and healthcare experts to develop project proposals. Selected finalists will be invited to present at the final ALCSI 2026 Lung Cancer Summit in Boston, MA. Students will develop a project that asks the question:
"What innovative and impact solution can I develop to raise awareness for lung cancer and get as many people screened for lung cancer as possible?"
ALCSI Innovation Challenge Timeline
Fall Enrichment Phase
September - December | 2025
Students can join webinars and discussions with ALCSI members, healthcare activists and professionals from across the country to learn about lung cancer risk factors, progression, screening, diagnosis, and awareness. Students will also have access to "office hours" where they can work on developing their project.
One-Page Proposal
Due February 1, 2026 | Rolling basis (open now)
Students (individual or team/chapter) will submit a one-page description for the project they will carry out relating to lung cancer screening and awareness. From community events and local policy to original research and announcements on national television, there are many ways to make an impact!
Students will receive initial feedback by February 15, 2026. Students can immediately start carrying out their project, but will need to have all written materials approved through this form.
Formal Feedback
April 15 | 2026
As soon as students receive feedback, they will be able to carry out their project. On May 15, students will meet with an ALCSI member to discuss their progress and make any necessary changes as they prepare for their final submission. Students will be assigned to a mentor throughout this phase as well for more informal feedback and to answer any questions they may have.
In-Depth Metric Report
May 15 | 2026
Students will submit an in-depth metric report outlining the work they have done for their project. Students showing exceptional dedication and innovation in their projects will be designated as finalists and invited to present their final project at the 2026 ALCSI Lung Cancer Summit in Boston, MA.
Finalists will be notified by May 30, 2026.
Challenge Summit
June 10 - 15 | 2026
Finalists will be invited to Boston to present their final project to ALCSI members and world-renowned faculty. The top 3 teams will be selected to receive prizes of $10,000 (1st place), $5,000 (2nd place), and $2,000 (3rd place). In addition to their presentation, students will engage in conference programming (keynote speakers, surgical skills lab, and more!)
Click here to download detailed challenge information
After completing The ALCSI Innovation Challenge, students are encouraged to continue expanding their projects. Participants are always welcome to reconnect with challenge mentors and speakers and join other ALCSI initiatives, as well as return to serve as mentors for the next year's challenge.
Registration and Submission
Registration
All students who would like to participate in the challenge, regardless of whether they plan on completing a project proposal, must register in advance in order to join webinars and discussions during the fall enrichment phase. Students are not required to join every meeting and can find a schedule of events in the attached calendar to join those they are interested in. The deadline to register for the challenge is January 1, 2025.
One Page Submission and Material Approval
Students are required to submit a one-page description outlining their project goals. We welcome students to submit this as early as possible, but the deadline to submit this proposal will be February 1, 2026.
As students receive feedback, they will begin carrying out their projects. During this process, and written and recorded materials must be approved before being disseminated. Please submit these materials through this form and allow 3-5 business days for approval.
Frequently asked questions
Please email any additional questions to innovationchallenge@alcsi.org and allow up to 48 hours for a response.
We are grateful for the support of members from the following institutions:
Challenge updates will be regularly posted on social media. Please email with any questions.