Applications due June 2
This is a joint competition for VU and VUMC investigators. All investigators should follow these instructions.
Vanderbilt (VU and VUMC, collaboratively) may choose one nominee for the V Foundation 2021 Adult Translational Cancer Research (Immuno-oncology/Immunotherapy) Grants Program. The grant provides $600,000 in three annual installments of $200,000. Indirect costs up to a maximum of 10 percent within the total award are permitted.
The V Foundation seeks to support translational research projects within the scope of adult cancer research, specifically in the focus area of immuno-oncology/immunotherapy. They are interested in various immuno-oncology/immunotherapy research questions such as, but not limited to: biomarker research for stratification, biomarker validation research, combination of checkpoint inhibitors with vaccines, and development of new therapies/approaches. Cross-disciplinary research, including expertise from other disciplines (for example: bioinformatics, computational scientists or engineers) is encouraged when applicable.
Translational projects should move a novel strategy from the laboratory into a human clinical trial or use specimens from a clinical trial to develop biomarkers or mechanisms. The research should apply in some direct way to human beings within the time frame of less than three years. If biomarker research is undertaken, a validation set or independent clinical trial is essential. A plan for biomarker validation, if applicable, must be included in any proposal. The endpoint of the project should be the planning or initiation of a new adult clinical trial.
Special focus area: This request for applications is specifically for adult cancer research in the focus area of immuno-oncology/immunotherapy. While not required, research on the biological basis of cancer disparities experienced by patients from minority ethnic or racial populations in areas related to causes, aggressiveness, treatment or relapse is encouraged and may be eligible for special funding. Cancers in which ethnic and racial disparities have previously been demonstrated include: lung and bronchus, colon and rectum, breast, prostate, uterine, cervix, stomach, and liver. Proposals on the biological basis of disparities must still fall within the focus area of immuno-oncology/immunotherapy.
Applicant eligibility
By July 12, 2021, applicants who will lead this research team must have all of the following:
- Be scientists who hold a tenure-track faculty position (any level) at their cancer research institution. Non-promotable adjunct, affiliated, temporary, part-time or acting faculty positions are not eligible for principal investigator nomination to lead the translational research team.
Internal selection process
Anyone interested in being considered as Vanderbilt’s nominee for this opportunity must submit the following (in PDF format) to LSO@vanderbilt.edu by 11:59 p.m. on June 2. Late applications will not be considered.
- Brief (2-page maximum) research plan including summary budget;
- Statement of support from department chair/center director;
- NIH Biosketch or 5-page CV
Submissions should reference “2021 V Translational Research Award – Adult Cancer Research” in the subject line of the email. Vanderbilt will submit a short nomination form by June 15 on behalf of the selected nominee. The nominee will then submit a full application to the sponsor by July 12.
Email LSO@vanderbilt.edu with any questions about the program, foundation or internal review process.