Request for Applications for Developmental Research Program
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center SPORE in Brain Cancer, together with the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Brain Tumor Program (BTP), is currently announcing its solicitation for applications to be funded as developmental research projects.
Awards will be made for amounts up to $50,000 and funded for one year. Carry-over for an additional year of funding is possible, depending on the project progress. Electronic submissions are required. All funded investigators will be required to present a summary of their research data at the UT M.D. Anderson BTP Seminar Series, and summary reports will be required at the end each year of funding, or when required by SPORE progress reports.
All submitted proposals that meet the stated requirements will be sent through scientific evaluation by internal and/or external peer review. Based on recommendations from the NIH, as well as our IAB and EAB, projects that expand or otherwise enhance the current full SPORE projects will receive high priority. Projects will be listed at the SPORE website: http://www.mdanderson.org/brainspore.
Recommendation for funding will be based on the following criteria: 1) Scientific merit 2) Technical soundness 3) Innovation 4) Potential for translation to or from clinical application 5) Multidisciplinary interaction 6) Appropriateness of the proposed budget and resources 6) Potential impact on reducing brain tumor morbidity and mortality; potential impact on improving quality of life for brain tumor patients. Use of human tissues is required, and translational goals are to be clearly stated.
All applicants must hold either an M.D. or Ph.D. degree or equivalent and hold a full-time position at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, UTMB Galveston, or UT Health Science Center at Houston-School of Medicine. Please contact Theresa Willis, SPORE Administrator at
twillis@mdanderson.org or (713) 794-1419 if you have any questions.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 18, 2008 – 5:00 p.m.
APPLICATION FORMAT:
Applicants are asked to submit a cover page (see below), a five-page research proposal, a budget and budget justification (does not have to be detailed - one paragraph will suffice), a three-page biographical sketch in NIH format, Other Support in NIH format, a description of resources and study environment, and involvement and consideration of human subjects and vertebrate animals. The five-page research proposal must contain the following information:
1. Title
2. Hypothesis to be tested
3. Specific aims
4. Gaps in knowledge to be addressed
5. Background and translational significance
6. Plan of research
7. Literature cited (outside the 5-page limit)
Junior investigators without significant independent research experience are asked to also provide a mentorship plan including a statement of commitment from the senior mentor.
Copies of an approved Fred Checklist and all protocols (animal and human use) must be provided within 30 days of notice of award, or the developmental funds will be awarded to the next in line.
FUNDING LEVEL: up to $50,000 for one year
For more information and forms please contact twillis@mdanderson.org
