The FY17 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
credit:
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 Career Development Award mechanism 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 FY17 PRCRP Topic Area(s) in Section II.A.
1. 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.• Career Development Plan:
A career development plan is required and should be prepared with appropriate guidance from the 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 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 FY17 PRCRP Topic Area(s) in Section II.A.
1. • PRCRP Topic Areas:
The proposed research must address at least one of the FY17 PRCRP Topic Areas.• Military Relevance:
The proposed research must address at least one of the FY17 PRCRP Military Relevance Focus Areas in Section II.A.
2. The proposed research must be relevant to active duty Service members, Veterans, and their beneficiaries.
Military relevance highlights the need to address exposures, conditions, or circumstances that are unique to the military or disproportionately represented within the military beneficiary population.
Studies into cancer knowledge gaps that may affect an individual’s mission readiness, patient care, and treatment options are critical.
Military relevance should be articulated with respect to the overall Military Health System, the VA, and the mission of the DHP.
For more information, review the following websites:
Military Health System (http://www.health.mil), VA (http://www.va.gov/), the PRCRP (http://cdmrp.army.mil/prcrp/default), and PRCRP Report to Congress (http://cdmrp.army.mil/prcrp/reports/reports).• Impact:
The applicant 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.The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY17 PRCRP Career Development Award will not exceed $360,00 0. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information.