Funding-Transdisciplinary Cancer Genomics Research; deadline March 25, 2009

The purpose of this funding opportunity announcement (FOA), issued by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), is to promote thorough and efficient identification of genomic regions associated with cancer susceptibility. The FOA specifically solicits applications proposing transdisciplinary research projects designed to: a) take advantage of the existing Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) of cancer by exploiting previously generated “initial scan” GWAS data; and b) accelerate and coordinate integrative post-GWAS discovery research.

To address these goals, each application should consist of two to three component sub-projects closely pertinent to a single unifying research theme. At least one of these sub-projects must address the replication or expansion of prior GWAS findings and at least one sub-project must center on epidemiologic aspects. In addition, biological and/or mechanistic studies complementing and connecting the required sub-projects are strongly encouraged as a third sub-project. The long-term goal is to provide a rigorous knowledge base that would enable clinical translation and public health dissemination of the GWAS findings. It is anticipated that these goals will require collaboration of multi-center teams comprising both epidemiologists and basic scientists.

The NCI intends to commit up to $24 million in total costs in FY 2009, and up to $96 million over the planned 4-year project period, to support five to eight awards.

See the complete RFA for additional information and specific proposal requirements: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CA-09-002.html

Because NCI limits an institution to one application in response to this solicitation, the University of Kentucky has implemented the following internal selection procedure. Researchers who wish to submit a proposal are to send the following information electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Wednesday, March 25, 2009:

• Names and departments of PI/Project Director, sub-project leaders, and key personnel for each sub-project

· Project narrative (3-5 pages) – Briefly describe the project’s research theme and the specific aims of each of the two or three component sub-projects; identify which sub-project addresses replication and/or expansion of prior GWAS findings, which one centers on related epidemiologic aspects, and if a third sub-project with biological and/or mechanistic studies is proposed

A committee will be appointed to review the information and make recommendations as to the University’s submission. NCI requests a letter of intent by April 29, 2009 and a full application by May 29, 2009.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663.)