PURPOSE OF AWARD: To accelerate cancer treatment and cures, the V Foundation proposes to develop the careers of clinicians who will become leaders in developing programs of clinical trials that are sequential and based on hypothesis–driven research. The competitive candidate will have a thorough knowledge of clinical trials and cancer biology as well as the ability to utilize new research discoveries for clinical intervention, the ability to develop a long-term plan to cure different forms of cancer, communicate with government agencies, and collaborate with the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry to facilitate progress in clinical care. V Clinical Scholars will be expected to lead a program of hypothesis-driven clinical trials, initiating, and completing multiple projects overseen by clinical and laboratory mentors who have a track record for conducting hypothesis-driven research with a strong translational component, often in collaboration with investigators from other disciplines. Each awardee will be expected to conduct the initial clinical trials in their designed program during the two years of the award. Trials will be based on novel pre-clinical data. Each hypothesis-driven clinical trial will include laboratory correlates that will inform the design of subsequent trials. Candidates will become familiar with the methodology, potential and limitations of laboratory correlates. Note: This program is distinct from the existing V Scholar program which is for early investigators of all types (PhD, DVM and/or MD), many of which are not engaged in clinical research.
GRANT SPECIFICS: The total grant amount is $200,000, paid in two annual installments of $100,000. Only direct costs of the research are supported by this award. We allow flexibility in how the PI can use these funds (e.g., salary, protected time, program costs and some correlates) but it is insufficient to fund the major costs of a clinical trial.
WHO MAY APPLY? Each invited institution may submit one nominee to apply for this call.