Cancer Center Developmental Funds (Prouty Pilot Projects)

In 2008 Norris Cotton Cancer Center again will fund pilot projects that advance meritorious cancer research and collaborative interactions. The purpose of developmental funds is to support preliminary studies that pursue novel approaches, build new interdisciplinary collaborations, and provide preliminary data necessary for proposed grant applications.

View the 2009 Prouty Pilot Project Awards.

Eligibility Criteria:

To foster research collaborations, in 2008 applications will require co-principal investigators. Preference will be given to projects that represent novel collaborations (e.g., interdisciplinary, inter-programmatic, translational, or application of new technologies to research methods). At least one co-principal investigator must be a current Cancer Center Member. Awards to non-members will be contingent on application to become a Cancer Center Member. In contrast to the Cancer Center's ACS/IRG awards, funded investigators are eligible, but the application should address how the request represents novel work in light of current funding.

Review criteria:

Proposals will receive internal peer review. Criteria include scientific merit, collaborative emphasis, and likelihood of pilot data necessary for a proposed grant application. Applications should address feasibility of the work proposed, but preference will be given to pilot projects testing novel approaches to innovative and high-risk aims. Translational projects may bridge laboratory, clinic, and/or population-based research. In addition to priority score, funding decisions will seek a set of awards that spans basic, clinical, and population-based research.

Awards:

Proposals from currently funded cancer investigators may request one-year of support up to $25,000 to take work in a new direction. Currently unfunded investigators may propose new projects that require two years of up to $50,000 annual funding, contingent on competitive review of a one-year progress report. Given the pilot intent of the awards, projects requiring PI salary support and/or equipment purchases require special justification unique to the work proposed. Funding for this announcement totals $300,000, with an expectation of 10 awards (including two at the $50,000 level). Awards are anticipated to be made by October 1.

Applications:

Proposals should follow the attached format, which includes biographical sketches of the co-principal investigators, description of the research proposed, and budget justification. The description of the research proposed is limited to 5 pages and must address background, aims, methods, and cancer relevance. Applications should be sent to the attention of Robert Gerlach, Norris Cotton Cancer Center Research Administrator, and must be received by September 1, 2008. Questions should be directed to him at (603) 653-6187.