Research News

Limited Submission Opportunity: Phi Beta Psi Charity Trust Cancer Research Grant

Applications are due April 15. This is a joint competition for VU and VUMC investigators. All investigators should follow these instructions.

Overview

Vanderbilt (VU and VUMC, collaboratively) has been invited to submit two proposals to the Phi Beta Psi Charity Trust research grant competition. The goal of the Phi Beta Psi Charity Trust is to advance cancer research nationwide to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment by providing research grants to qualified investigators addressing original questions and hypotheses to be explored in basic and clinical studies in the field of cancer. Research applications must be focused on brain, breast, colorectal, endometrial, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, gastrointestinal tract or prostate cancer.

The organization anticipates that five or six grants in the amount of $40,000 to $60,000 will be awarded. Overhead costs are not allowed.

Eligibility

  • Generally, if the individual is eligible to submit an R01 from their institution as principal investigator, then they are eligible to submit a Phi Beta Psi application.
    • Research assistant professors may be eligible.
    • Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible.
  • Preference is given to young Investigators with documented evidence of potential for conducting novel research of either basic or clinical aspects of cancer and cancer-related problems.
  • Applications from established Investigators exploring new and innovative areas of cancer research will be considered.

Internal application process

Anyone interested in being considered as Vanderbilt’s nominee must submit the following (in a single PDF) to LSO@vanderbilt.edu by 5 p.m. on April 15:

  1. Research plan (two-page maximum);
    1. Suggested sections include: (a) background, (b) specific aims and long-term goals including how the project will address the goals of the Phi Beta Psi Charity Trust, (c) preliminary results, (d) scientific approach and rationale, including methods and resources, and (e) innovation or clinical relevance.
  1. Summary budget (half-page maximum);
    1. Budget may include: (a) personnel and fringe benefits (PI salary may not be included), (b) consumable supplies, and (c) other expenses with justifications for each category.
    2. Recommended budget range: $40,000-60,000
  2. Statement of support from department chair/center director;
    1. Letters must acknowledge that this grant does not allow indirect costs. This statement can be used/modified: “The department recognizes that this grant does not allow indirect costs and will commit to covering any associated indirect costs per applicable institutional/school policy.” Consult LSO@vanderbilt.edu for further guidance.
  3. NIH Biosketch or five-page CV

Submissions should reference the program name in the subject line of the email. Following the internal review, full proposals will be due to the Phi Beta Psi Charity Trust by June 15, 2021.

Contact LSO@vanderbilt.edu with any questions about this opportunity or the LSO process.