| Abramson Cancer Center Seed Money Grants: December 15 |
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November 18, 2008,
Volume 55, No. 13
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The Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) of the University of Pennsylvania announces the availability of four types of seed money grants for faculty to conduct cancer-related research projects:
American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grants
Through an Institutional Research Grant from the American Cancer Society (ACS IRG), the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania will provide seed money grants to junior faculty members (e.g., assistant professor within six years of their appointment) to initiate promising new cancer research projects with the object to obtain preliminary data enabling them to compete successfully for national peer-reviewed research grants. Hence, investigators who have a peer-reviewed national research grant are not eligible for this award.
NEW: Investigators who have previously received support from the Cancer Center ACS IRG are now eligible to apply for a second year of funding. Seed money grants from $5,000 to $30,000 will be awarded for the exploration of new developments in basic, translational clinical and cancer control research. Behavioral sciences or health services research related to cancer are eligible for these awards. Covered costs include laboratory personnel costs (non-faculty), data manager or research nursing support, laboratory supplies, animals, and small equipment; no travel or patient costs are allowed. Projects must have all necessary certifications to be eligible.
The award period for the ACS IRG grant is for one year, January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009.
Cancer Center Pilot Project Grants
The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania will provide seed money grants up to $50,000 to University faculty members at any faculty level for innovative cancer research projects that have the potential for national peer-reviewed grant funding. Investigators who have already received peer-reviewed funding for their proposed projects will not be eligible for this award. However, investigators with new grants submitted to the NCI requiring a second submission (A1) are encouraged to apply for a pilot award. Investigators whose projects use Abramson Cancer Center Cores, involve significant new collaborations, and/or relate to the strategic priorities of the ACC are also encouraged to apply.
The Scientific Strategic Priorities are:
• Identification of factors in the tumor microenvironment that promote carcinogenesis and tumor growth
• Identification and characterization of cancer stem cells in solid tumors, and/or of understanding their interactions with the tumor microenvironment
• Evaluation of novel compounds that target pathways required for tumor maintenance in investigator-initiated human trials that validate target effects
• Identification of host genetic signatures and gene-environment interactions that predict cancer susceptibility and cancer outcomes
• Elucidation of the mechanisms underlying key behavioral cancer risk factors (e.g. obesity, tobacco, and physical inactivity) and/or development of novel interventions to modify these factors and prevent cancer
• Translation of evidence-based strategies for personalized risk assessment, prevention, and early detection into improved population health
Covered costs include faculty salaries, laboratory personnel costs, data management or research nursing support, laboratory supplies, animals, and small equipment; no travel or patient costs are allowed. Projects must have all necessary human subject or animal certifications to be eligible.
The award period for the Pilot Projects grant is from February 1, 2009 to November 30, 2009.
Cancer Center HIV-Associated Malignancies Pilot Project Grants
The Cancer Center will provide Pilot Project Grants from $25,000 to $50,000 for Penn faculty members to conduct HIV-associated malignancy research. Full-time faculty of the University of Pennsylvania are invited to apply.
The Cancer Center HIV-associated malignancy Pilot Projects Program funds innovative, research projects that have the potential for future peer review funding. The award period for the HIV-associated malignancy pilot project program is from February 1, 2009 to November 30, 2009. An extension may be possible with a written request and approval 2 months before the expiration date.
Collaborative Research in RNA Biology and Cancer
The Abramson Cancer Center solicits applications in the broad field of RNA Biology and Cancer, with strong emphasis on the discovery of novel phenomena and mechanisms. Examples of specific areas include but are not limited to: 1) role of micro- and other non-coding RNAs in cancer pathogenesis, progression, and therapeutic responses, 2) RNA processing enzyme, 3) splicing alterations in cancer, 3) novel therapeutic approaches utilizing RNAi.
It is not the intention of the RFA to fund large-scale profiling studies, studies utilizing standard, commercially available RNAi reagents, or studies applying known approaches to another cancer type. It is anticipated that upon conclusion of the funded work, the successful applicants will submit a competitive application for extramural funding.
The proposed collaborative research must involve the meaningful participation of two or more investigators who are Penn faculty on either the tenure or research track. The research proposed should not be (a) funded already by an extramural or intramural source or (b) substantially similar to ongoing funded research. The principal investigator must be a member of the Abramson Cancer Center and a primary member of the Tumor Biology Program (TBP) within the ACC. The collaborating investigator (co-PI) does not have to be a member of the ACC or TBP. Membership in the RNA Interference and Cancer focus group is not a requirement for application. However, the PI and the co-PI of an awarded project are expected to join this focus group if they are not already members.
The period of award is from February 1 to November 30, 2009.
For more information or an application: University faculty from all Schools and Departments are invited to download application forms and instructions from the Abramson Cancer Center’s website www.penncancer.com/grants. The deadline for all of these grants is December 15, 2008.
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