Bridge to Population Science Award

The purpose of the Bridge to Population Science Award is to provide pilot funding that will foster new and successful partnerships between members of the Cancer Control research program and both the Cancer Biology & Immunology and Developmental Cancer Therapeutics research programs.

Overview | Eligibility | Evaluation | Timeline

Overview

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center leadership anticipates distributing two awards of $50,000 per year for one year with the possibility of no cost extensions for up to one year. Extensions will require prior approval. One award will support a partnership between Cancer Control and Cancer Biology & Immunology. One award will support a partnership between Cancer Control and Developmental Cancer Therapeutics.

Sources of funding for the award include the Hollings Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA138313), fundraising from the LOWVELO bike ride, or other Hollings philanthropy/foundation accounts. PIs are expected to obtain regulatory approvals (e.g., IACUC and IRB) within three months of award decision. Please note that the funding cannot be released until required approvals have been obtained for any human and animal subject protocols and copies have been provided. For more information or questions regarding the Hollings Bridge to Population Science Award, eligibility, or the application process, please contact Mary Shipp-Tabor (shipptab@musc.edu).

Eligibility

• Proposed research must be cancer relevant.
• At least one member of Cancer Control (full or affiliate) and at least one member of either Cancer Biology & Immunology or Developmental Cancer Therapeutics, who will serve in Co-PI roles.
• Applicants must demonstrate a new collaboration.
• Applicants must make use of at least one of the seven Hollings shared resources.
• Applicants are encouraged but not required to include partnerships with South Carolina State University.
• All awarded PIs are encouraged to participate as a registered rider in the annual LOWVELO bike ride.

Evaluation

• Priority will be given to early stage investigators.
• Review criteria include:
  
  • Standard NIH criteria
  • Potential to lead to future NIH funding

Timeline

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult a biostatistician when developing the research design and methods of their proposals. If assistance is needed in identifying a biostatistician, please contact Dr. Betsy Hill (hille@musc.edu) as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, August 18, 2023.

Full applications are due on Friday, September 8, 2023, by midnight. After peer review, notifications of award will be made and the start date will be dependent on the status of human and animal studies protocol approvals. Applicants receiving a score just outside the funding range will be notified with the possibility of resubmitting their application for a subsequent RFA cycle.