Request for Applications

Funding Support for Translational Research Projects

Conducted in Cancer Center Shared Research Cores.

As a result of the funding issues at the NIH our CCSG award is not sufficient to allow us to continue the "co-pay" program for our shared research resources (Cores) in its current form.   Furthermore, the recent review of the Cancer Center clearly stated the need to strengthen our profile in the field of translational research.  Therefore, to ameliorate the problems caused by the elimination of the "co-pay" system for providing Core discounts, and also to stimulate the utilization of our Cores for explicitly translational research, the Executive Committee of the Cancer Center has approved a one-year trial program that will provide direct payment to investigators for the translational work done through the Cancer Center shared research Cores: Advanced Microscopy, DNA Sciences, FACS, Gene Targeting and Transgenic, Lymphocyte Culture (Hybridoma), Mass Spectrometry, Molecular Assessment and Preclinical Studies (MAPS), Protein Sciences,  Research Histology, Small Animal Multi-Modality Imaging (SAMMIC), Tissue Culture, and Tissue Procurement.  Descriptions of these Cores are available through the Cancer Center website:  http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/cancer-research/cores/

Applications for this support will be accepted October 6th, December 15th and March 1st.  The application should be submitted electronically as a single PDF document, along with 5 printed copies to Tom O'Leary (TJO@virginia.edu; Box 800334; delivered to the Cancer Center administrative offices (6131 and 6171, West Complex), and should include:

  • Abstract of Research Project. No more than 250 words.
  • Short Description of Research Project. You should clearly describe the translational focus of the work and specifically the Core(s) involved. Only projects with an obvious link to cancer will be considered. (Limit of five pages).
  • Budget. The CCSG funding through this RFA can only support the work done in Cores. The Shared Research Core will directly bill the Cancer Center for the work done. Please ask the director of the Core to assist you in developing a budget for the work to be done in the Core. If you will be using more than one Core, please include a budget detailing the work performed in each Core. If the work will include significant supply costs for the Core, it is appropriate to discuss a sharing of the supply costs including CCSG funds and other sources of support.

      There is no minimum or maximum dollar amount for the budget, but we expect that most awards will be under $10,000. 

Current Funding.  Because this initiative is designed to replace and reorient the co-pay system, existing projects are eligible to apply for support. If this proposal is for an existing project or for a translational extension of an existing project, please include the Specific Aims section of the funded existing grant, as well as an explanation of why your current funding is insufficient to perform the work.

In the spring, Cancer Center leadership will evaluate the effectiveness of this research support program.  It is our hope that by providing direct support for translational research we will assist investigators in conducting experiments that would not otherwise be possible and promote the growth of translational research in our Cancer Center.  If successful this RFA will help us address the two most significant criticisms of the site visit team: our Cancer Center needs to bring more of our outstanding basic research into the clinical arena, and our shared cores need to be involved in more translational research projects.

8/30/06