ACS Institutional Research Grant Awards
Winship's American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant (ACS-IRG) supports the early development of junior faculty in their independent cancer research careers through an annual call for pilot projects.
Overview
The American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grants (ACS-IRG) are designed to support the early development of junior faculty conducting cancer research by providing pilot funds to obtain preliminary results that will enable them to compete successfully for national research grants.
The program solicits innovative pilot projects in clinical, basic, or translational cancer-related research that offer significant potential for reducing the incidence, mortality, and morbidity of cancer and/or improving quality of life. ACS initiatives also focus on the fields of cancer prevention and cancer control and eliminating cancer disparities. Pilot projects will operate with $40,000 (directs) for one year, with a written progress report expected at the 12-month mark detailing outcomes from the research project and how the funds were used. The ACS-IRG award will provide funding for up to 4 junior faculty members, including one specifically for an underrepresented minority investigator.
The National Science Foundation reports that certain racial and ethnic groups are underrepresented at many career stages in health-related sciences, namely, African Americans (or Blacks), American Indians and Alaska Natives, Hispanics (or Latinos), Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders. Collectively, these groups are known as underrepresented minorities in science.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should be Assistant Professors (or equivalent) with faculty appointments of six years or less, who are eligible to apply for independent national competitive (peer-reviewed) research grants, but who currently do not hold such funding. Postdoctoral/clinical fellows, professors or associate professors are not eligible. Applicants are not required to be United States (U.S.) citizens but must hold a visa that will allow him or her to remain in the U.S. long enough to complete the IRG pilot project.
ACS-IRG awardees will be mentored by a Winship Executive Committee faculty member who has expertise in the mentee’s area of research. Mentors will meet on a regular schedule with the mentee to develop an individual mentoring plan, to review scientific progress and research direction, to provide guidance in the preparation of manuscripts and subsequent grant applications, and to provide guidance in career development activities. As part of their professional development, ACS-IRG awardees will be invited to serve on the ACS-IRG Local Review Committee after the conclusion of their award, where they will be work with an Executive Committee member to review ACS-IRG proposals.
Application Process
The application cycle is currently closed. Direct any questions you have regarding this funding opportunity to Venus Henriques via email.