The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (UTMDACC) SPORE in Brain Cancer, together with the Brain Tumor Program, is soliciting applications for funding as developmental research projects. The Translational Research Program (TRP) is home of the SPOREs— Specialized Programs of Research Excellence—a cornerstone of efforts by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to promote collaborative, interdisciplinary translational cancer research. SPORE grants involve both basic and clinical/applied scientists and support projects that will result in new and diverse approaches to the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of human cancers.

Awards will be made for amounts up to $50,000 and funded for one year (no indirect costs provided in award).  Funds may be used to support research activities, including partial salary support for the candidate, research personnel, supplies, travel, and/or other expenses to conduct the project, but they cannot be used for the purchase of any large equipment. An additional year of funding is possible, depending on the project’s first-year progress and compared to other proposals on a competitive basis. Funded investigators will be required to present an oral summary of their research data annually and to provide a written report of their research progress for submission to the NCI as part of the SPORE progress report.  Attendance at monthly meetings of the SPORE program is required.

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 peer review, projects that expand or otherwise enhance the current full SPORE projects will receive high priority (see attached). 

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, and (7) 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, according to NCI definition (http://www.cancer.gov/trwg/TRWG-definition-and-TR-continuum).

All applicants must hold either an M.D. or Ph.D. degree or equivalent and a full-time faculty position at UTMDACC, Baylor College of Medicine, UTMB Galveston, or UT Health Science Center at Houston.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  June 1, 2012

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMAT: http://research.utmb.edu/FindFunding/Files/BrainSPORE_Yr5_DRP_RFP.pdf

Junior investigators without significant independent research experience are asked to also provide a mentorship plan, including a statement of commitment from the senior mentor.  Woman and minority investigators are strongly encouraged to apply for these grants.

All protocols (animal and human use) must be approved within 30 days of the notice of award, or the developmental funds will be awarded to the next application in line. 

Submit applications via e-mail to Theresa Willis, SPORE Administrator (twillis@mdanderson.org) by midnight on June 1, 2012.  Please combine all Word files into one PDF.

Reminder:  All research applications should go through the Office of Sponsored Programs prior to submission.  Please contact your pre-award analyst (http://research.utmb.edu/aboutus/prepostspecialists.shtm) if you plan to apply for this opportunity.