DoD Peer Reviewed Cancer, Career Development Award

Description

The FY18 PRCRP Career Development Award supports independent, early-career investigators to conduct impactful research with the guidance of an experienced cancer researcher (i.e., the Career Guide). The Career Development Award presents an opportunity for early-career investigators to obtain the funding, guidance, and experience necessary for productive, independent careers at the forefront of cancer research. This award supports impactful research projects with an emphasis on discovery. Under this award mechanism, the early-career investigator is considered the Principal Investigator (PI), and the application should focus on the PI’s research and career development. It should be clear that the proposed research is intellectually designed by the PI and not a product of the Career Guide. Preliminary data are not required. However, logical reasoning and a sound scientific rationale for the proposed research must be demonstrated. Key elements of the Career Development Award mechanism are as follows: Principal Investigator: The PI must be an independent, early-career researcher or physician-scientist within 10 years after completion of his/her terminal degree by the time of the application deadline (excluding time spent in residency or on family medical leave). Time spent as a postdoctoral fellow is not excluded. Postdoctoral fellows are not considered independent and are not eligible for this award mechanism. The PI’s record of accomplishments and the proposed research will be evaluated regarding his/her potential for contributing to the FY18 PRCRP Topic Area(s) in Section II.A.1. Previous and/or current career development funding outside of institutional startup funds will be taken into consideration when evaluating an applicant’s need for further developmental funds. Because career development is the focus of this award, the PI’s organization must demonstrate a commitment to the PI through confirmation of laboratory space and a minimum of 30% protected time for the proposed research, though more protected time is highly desirable. Career Development Plan: A career development plan is required and should be prepared with appropriate guidance from the Career Guide. The Career Guide must be an experienced cancer researcher as demonstrated by a strong record of funding and publications. In addition, the Career Guide must demonstrate a commitment to advancing the PI’s career in cancer research. The career development plan should include a clearly articulated strategy for acquiring the necessary skills, competence, and expertise to advance an independent career at the forefront of cancer research in at least one of the FY18 PRCRP Topic Areas. PRCRP Topic Areas: The proposed research must address at least one of the FY18 PRCRP Topic Areas. Military Relevance: The proposed research must address at least one of the FY18 PRCRP Military Relevance Focus Areas in Section II.A.2. The proposed research must be relevant to active duty Service members, Veterans, and their beneficiaries. For more information, review the following websites: PRCRP (http://cdmrp.army.mil/prcrp/default); PRCRP Report to Congress (http://cdmrp.army.mil/prcrp/reports/reports); Military Health System (http://www.health.mil); and VA (https://www.va.gov/). Impact: The applicant must articulate the potential impact the proposed work will have on cancer research and/or patient care. Impactful research will, if successful, accelerate the movement of promising ideas in cancer research into clinical applications. The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY18 PRCRP Career Development Award will not exceed $360,000. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information.

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