DoD Peer Reviewed Cancer Horizon Award

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The Horizon Award supports junior-level scientists in conducting impactful research with the mentorship of an experienced cancer researcher (i.e., Mentor). The Horizon Award challenges junior scientists to develop and implement research in the cancer field. This opportunity allows for junior investigators to develop a research project, investigate a problem or question in the field of cancer, and further their intellectual development as a cancer researcher of the future. Under this award mechanism, the junior 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 with assistance from the Mentor. Preliminary data are not required. However, logical reasoning and a sound scientific rationale for the proposed research must be demonstrated. Clinical trials will not be supported by this mechanism. Key elements of the award are as follows: Principal Investigator: Both predoctoral candidates and postdoctoral fellows are eligible according to the following definitions: ○ A predoctoral candidate within two years of completing required coursework, having completed all laboratory rotations, successfully passed qualifying examinations (excluding time in residency or on family medical leave), and is working in his/her Mentor’s laboratory by the time of the application submission deadline, or ○ A postdoctoral fellow within three years of completion of his/her terminal degree (excluding time in residency or on family medical leave) and working in the Mentor’s laboratory at the time of the application submission deadline. The PI’s record of accomplishments (including but not limited to publications, awards, research recognition) will be evaluated regarding his/her potential for contributing to the FY16 PRCRP Topic Area(s) (Section I.B.) the proposed research addresses. Mentor: The Mentor must be an experienced cancer researcher as demonstrated by a strong record of active funding and publications. In addition, the Mentor must demonstrate a commitment to advancing the PI’s career in cancer research. The Mentor’s record of accomplishments (such as publications, patents, presentations, etc.) should include documentation of significant contribution to cancer research. PRCRP Topic Areas: The proposed research must address at least one of the FY16 PRCRP Topic Areas in Section I.B. Research Approach: The scientific rationale and experimental methodology should demonstrate in-depth analysis of the research problem presented. The feasibility of the research design and methods should be well defined, and a clear plan should be articulated as to how the proposed goals of the project can be achieved. Additionally, resources should be identified and supported through documentation. Identification of potential problems and pitfalls are strongly encouraged with alternate approaches addressed. A statistical analysis of the proposed research should be included, if applicable, as well as a power analysis to support the design and sample size. Researcher Development Plan: A researcher development plan is required and should be prepared with appropriate guidance from the Mentor. The application should include a clearly articulated strategy for acquiring the necessary skills, competence, and expertise to successfully complete the proposed cancer research in at least one of the FY16 PRCRP Topic Areas in Section I.B. A commitment of 100% effort by the PI is required for the proposed research. If the PI is a predoctoral candidate, the proposed research should be in the topic of the PI’s thesis. Impact: The proposed research should have the potential for significant impact on understanding of and knowledge gaps in the prevention, diagnosis, detection, prognosis, treatment, and/or long-term side effects of treatment in one of the FY16 PRCRP Topic Areas in Section I.B. It is encouraged that the proposed research be relevant to active duty Service members, their families, Veterans, and other military beneficiaries (see Section I.C., FY16 PRCRP Military Relevance Focus Areas).

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