DoD Peer Reviewed Cancer Career Development Award

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The PRCRP Career Development Award supports independent, early-career investigators to conduct impactful research with the mentorship of an experienced cancer researcher (i.e., the Designated Mentor) as an opportunity to obtain the funding, guidance, and experience necessary for productive, independent careers at the forefront of cancer research. This award supports impactful research projects with an emphasis on discovery. Under this award mechanism, the early-career investigator is considered the Principal Investigator (PI), and the application should focus on the PI’s research and career development. It should be clear that the proposed research is intellectually designed by the PI and not a product of the Designated Mentor. Preliminary data are not required. However, logical reasoning and a sound scientific rationale for the proposed research must be demonstrated. Key elements of the award are as follows: • Principal Investigator: The PI must be an independent, early-career researcher or physician-scientist within 10 years after completion of his/her terminal degree (excluding time spent in residency or on family medical leave). Time spent as a postdoctoral fellow is not excluded. The PI’s record of accomplishments and the proposed research will be evaluated regarding his/her potential for contributing to the FY16 PRCRP Topic Area(s) in Section I.B. Because career development is the focus of this award, the PI’s organization must demonstrate a commitment to the PI through confirmation of laboratory space and a minimum of 30% protected time for the proposed research, though more protected time is highly desirable. • Designated Mentor: The Designated Mentor must be an experienced cancer researcher as demonstrated by a strong record of funding and publications. In addition, the Designated Mentor must demonstrate a commitment to advancing the PI’s career in cancer research. The Designated Mentor’s record of accomplishments should include documentation of significant contribution to cancer research. • Career Development Plan: A career development plan is required and should be prepared with appropriate guidance from the Designated Mentor. The application should include a clearly articulated strategy for acquiring the necessary skills, competence, and expertise to advance an independent career at the forefront of cancer research in at least one of the FY16 PRCRP Topic Areas in Section I.B. • PRCRP Topic Areas: The proposed research must address at least one of the FY16 PRCRP Topic Areas. Military Relevance: The proposed research is strongly encouraged to be relevant to active duty Service members, their families, Veterans, and other military beneficiaries. Critical to the military health system is the expansion of knowledge in cancer research, patient care, and treatment options. Military relevance should be articulated with respect to the overall military healthcare system, Veterans healthcare, and the mission of the DHP and the FY16 PRCRP (see Section I.C). For more information, review the following websites: Military Health System (http://www.health.mil), Department of Veterans Affairs (http://www.va.gov/), the PRCRP (http://cdmrp.army.mil/prcrp/default.shtml), and PRCRP Report to Congress (http://cdmrp.army.mil/prcrp/reports/reports.shtml). • Impact: The application must articulate the potential impact the proposed work will have on cancer research and/or patient care. Impactful research will, if successful, accelerate the movement of promising ideas in cancer research into clinical applications.

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