The VICC SPORE in Breast Cancer announces a Developmental Research Program pilot funding opportunity focused on catalyzing innovative and transformative breast cancer-related projects that promote discoveries in basic and translational research focused on metastatic disease. This funding aims to support junior and established investigators conducting high-risk, innovative research to support the generation of preliminary data required for the submission of external, breast cancer-relevant grant applications (e.g. R type, DOD).
The overall goal of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center SPORE in Breast Cancer is to conduct collaborative, multidisciplinary and mechanism-based translational research that will have the highest possible impact for women and men with, or at risk for, breast cancer.
Funds are available to qualified faculty from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, Meharry Medical College and Tennessee State University. Up to two $50,000 grants will be awarded for one-year projects beginning in August 2020, with the possibility of renewal for a second year based on measurable progress of impact.
Ranking will be by peer review based on novelty and scientific merit, with consideration given to the projects with relevance to metastatic breast cancer. A major criterion for this mechanism will be the perceived probability that the research project will lead to the submission of a competitive research grant application to the NCI or similar major source of extramural funding. The purpose of this program is not to serve as the sole source of funding for small projects, but rather to catalyze the generation of relevant preliminary data needed for a larger study. Other factors to be considered in the review will be the areas of expertise of the investigator(s) and the value of the project to the cancer research priorities of the VICC.
Interested applicants for the Developmental Research Program should submit the following:
- Cover letter that includes the title of the project, participating investigator(s), whether the proposed research will involve human subjects or vertebrate animals, and the status of the appropriate committee (e.g., IACUC or IRB) approval if appropriate.
- Biographical sketches for the proposed investigator(s)
- Other support of the applicant (and the mentor for junior faculty) using the NIH PHS398 form
- Two-page research proposal (excluding references)
- Detailed budget for the project period using the NIH PHS 398 detailed budget form page (form page 4)
- Budget justification (include a certification that there is no financial or scientific overlap with existing projects)
All applications are due Monday, June 29, 2020.
To submit your application electronically, please submit a single PDF containing all documentation through the VICC Pilot Project Application Portal. A link to the VICC Pilot Project Application Portal can also be found at the top right-hand corner of the VICC Funding Opportunities webpage. In the VICC Pilot Project Application Portal, please select “Breast SPORE DRP” from the dropdown options.
VICC may require oral presentations of competitive projects to VICC senior leadership before final funding selections. Oral and written progress reports will be required at the end of the project period.
If you have further questions or comments, please contact M. Allison Bowen (margaret.a.bowen.1@vumc.org).