Funding
The Mayo Clinic Ovarian Cancer SPORE has two funding programs to support innovative pilot projects and new researchers in ovarian cancer.
Developmental Research Program
The Developmental Research Program provides pilot project funding for innovative, scientifically sound research ideas. Findings from these projects can be translated into clinically relevant interventions to reduce the burden of ovarian cancer.
The Developmental Research Program:
- Fosters innovative laboratory, clinical and population study proposals that have strong translational potential.
- Encourages and supports interdisciplinary collaboration in translational research in ovarian cancer at Mayo Clinic and partnering institutions.
- Generates new hypotheses that can be tested in larger scale research projects or in clinical trials of ovarian cancer.
The Developmental Research Program uses a defined process to call for applications and review submissions with the expertise of the Ovarian Cancer SPORE's Internal Scientific Advisory Committee and other experienced investigators as needed.
Pilot projects supported through this program are expected to generate new hypotheses that can be addressed in existing SPORE-sponsored projects or through peer-reviewed external grant support.
Program directors
Career Enhancement Program
A crucial component of the SPORE is increasing the quality and depth of the translational investigator base in ovarian cancer research.
The SPORE's Career Enhancement Program identifies and mentors new and upcoming investigators in ovarian cancer who demonstrate clear potential to become independent translational researchers. The program also supports established scientists who want to redirect their work to ovarian cancer.
The program emphasizes attracting highly qualified individuals from groups who are often underrepresented in medicine, including women and people of color.
Program awardees are chosen based on past accomplishments after a rigorous review of the most talented and promising candidates.
Awardees are provided intense mentoring and integrated into ongoing Ovarian Cancer SPORE activities. In addition to having a primary mentor, awardees also have complementary mentors in basic, clinical and population sciences to help ensure successful development of a translational research career. The Career Enhancement Program maintains close oversight of the mentoring activities and progress of awardees.
