Lung Cancer Research Grant Opportunities

2023 LCFA/BMS/IASLC Disparities in Clinical Oncology Research Grants

Funding Opportunity Description

Lung Cancer Foundation of America (“LCFA”) and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (“IASLC”), with financial support from Bristol-Myers Squibb (“BMS”), seek applications for the LCFA/BMS/IASLC Disparities in Clinical Oncology Research Grants.

LCFA, BMS, and IASLC are committed to advancing innovative lung cancer research with a focus on immunotherapy leading to transformative treatment protocols. However, we recognize that not all Young Investigators are represented by the traditional comprehensive cancer research centers which typically make up the NCI pipeline of funding. With these Disparities in Clinical Oncology Research Grants, we aim to fund Young Investigators whose work can directly benefit under-represented populations served by their institutions.

Overview

The objective of the LCFA/BMS/IASLC Disparities in Clinical Oncology Research Grants (“Disparities Grants”) is to support research, undertaken by early-career investigators, that aims to improve the care and treatment of under-represented individuals with lung cancers and other thoracic malignancies.

Examples, though not exclusive, include studies that focus on:

• predictive features guiding the selection of patients for different immuno-oncology therapies
• the application of immuno-oncology therapies in combination with standard therapies, such as curative-intent strategies in early-stage disease
• other ways to improve the effectiveness of immuno-oncology therapies or even cure patients with metastatic lung cancer
• facilitating care by minimizing treatment side effects

Education and Experience

At the time of application, eligible applicants must meet these criteria:

• Be a member of the IASLC. Go to https://www.iaslc.org/membership to join or get more information about IASLC Membership.
  • If selected, the applicant must maintain their IASLC membership throughout the duration of the grant.
• Serve as faculty of an institution where more than 50% of the patients being served identify as members of under-represented groups.
• Hold a doctoral degree (including PhD, MD, DO, PharmD, ScD or equivalent).
• Academic rank should be at the Instructor, Assistant Professor, or Associate Professor or equivalent level. Full professors (or equivalent) are not eligible.
• May not hold an independent grant of the R21, R01, DOD or comparable type, including project leader on a SPORE or P01.
• For physicians: be within seven years of completion of residency or fellowship.
• For laboratory scientists: be within seven years of completion of post-doctoral work.
  NOTE: Exceptions to the seven-year criterion (but not academic rank) can be made for those who may have had interruptions in their career. To request an exemption, contact the IASLC (foundation@iaslc.org) prior to submission of the application.

The applicant may not currently be or previously have been:

• Recipient of an LCFA grant.
• A Principal Investigator (PI) of a National Institutes of Health (NIH) peer reviewed research grant of at least $125,000 in direct costs per year for a minimum of 3 years. (With the exception of mentored career development grants or grants where the PI is required to be mentored by another investigator).
• A Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on a NIH competing multi-component research or center grant or cooperative agreement within a P or U series grant (e.g., P01 Program Project Grant, U01 or U19 Research Program
• A Principal Investigator of a peer-reviewed research grant of at least $125,000 in direct costs per year for a minimum of 3 years from any of the organizations listed in the Organizations with Peer Review Funding Systems at: https://cancercenters.cancer.gov/PoliciesResources/PoliciesResources

The foregoing notwithstanding, the following candidates may be eligible:

• Individuals who are currently supported by NIH Mentored Career Development (K) Grants.
• Recipients of ASCO Career Development Grants or mentored career development grants/grants from other organizations.

Note: Applicants must be a member of the IASLC. Go to https://www.iaslc.org/membership to join or get more information about IASLC Membership.