IASLC - Award Guidelines

Program	Grant program to support lung cancer research related to Lung Cancer and COVID-19 Infection.
From	The Lung Ambition Alliance, administered by the International Lung Cancer Foundation.
Purpose	The purpose of this program is to fund groundbreaking research related to COVID-19 infected lung cancer patients. The intent of the support is to allow junior faculty researchers, as defined as fewer than 7 years in a faculty position after training, to obtain preliminary data that will enable them to successfully compete for national peer-reviewed grant support.
Objectives	The objective of this program is to support research by new investigators in epidemiology, pathology, imaging, immuno-biology and immune biomarkers, and translational science in COVID-19 positive lung cancer patients. Ultimately, the aim is to improve the quality of care and the outcomes for these patients.
Needs Statement	Currently there is a scarcity of quality data with regard to COVID-19 positive lung cancer patients. COVID-19 or other respiratory coronavirus infections will last or occur in the future and there needs to be a better understanding of how these viruses infect lung cancer patients, affect the lungs, are influenced by or influence lung cancer therapies, and affect outcomes.
Applicant Eligibility: Education and Experience	These grants are open to junior faculty investigators worldwide. At the time of application, the applicant must meet all of these requirements: Hold a doctoral degree (MD, DO, PhD or equivalent) Hold a full-time faculty appointment with an academic institution, including research institutions that are not formally associated with a university Have completed a training or post-doctoral fellowship not more than 7 years ago The award will target those involved in lung cancer care and/or research. Investigators currently supported with national/governmental research awards on the same topic are not eligible. Applicants must identify a primary mentor and a mentoring team who collectively have expertise in the research area and a strong record of success in mentoring junior investigators. It is preferable that there be a collaboration between two disciplines either at the same institution or at another institution with an already existing partnership.
Award Structure and Allocation	The minimum funding for the award will be $50,000. No more than 25% of the requested budget may be used for an Awardee’s salary and/or fringe benefits. No Award budget may be used to fund the purchase of permanent equipment. No indirect costs are provided. Any unused Award funds at the conclusion of the study period will be returned to the study sponsor.
How to Apply	Applications will be accepted through the International Lung Cancer Foundation’s online application portal only. One primary applicant for each proposal must create an account in the portal and complete the online application. Once an application is initiated, the applicant may return to the portal as needed to continue work on their application until it is submitted. Applications that have been submitted are no longer editable.
Application Structure	Projects must have strong scientific merit and must be feasible, innovative and relevant to the management of lung cancer patients. Collaborative, multidisciplinary applications are encouraged. The online application requires the items listed below. Application sections denoted with ^± are sections that will be scored by the review team. Layman’s Summary (250 words): Explain your project in a way that makes it easy for anyone to understand it. Statement of Significance^± (250 words): Describe the significance of your proposed research project with respect to Covid-19 in lung cancer patients. Applicant Statement^± (250 words): A description of the training and expected educational benefits to be provided by the proposed project. Project Background^± (500 words): Describe the following: problem (or need) that will be addressed by the proposed project the project's goals and objectives, with hypotheses that are strong and testable Specific Aims^± (250 words): Specific aims should be clear and describe how the hypotheses will be tested. Specific aims can be related but should not be dependent upon each other. Methods^± (1500 words): Detail the methods to be used in achieving the project's aims. Tables, figures, or graphs may be included in this field. No appendix or attachments will be allowed. Reference List: Upload the list of publications referenced. Timetable^± (250 words): Provide a detailed timetable for implementing your proposal. Reviewers will weigh heavily the feasibility of carrying out the project in the projected time span. Budget (250 words): Provide the planned budget for your project, including any current research support. Current Research Support (250 words): List funding source, grant number, duration of funding amount for all current funding and pending applications for this project. Evaluation (250 words): How will the results of this study be communicated? (Research publications, presentations, etc.) Biosketch/CV: Upload biosketch or CV for up to five key members of the project team, including the primary applicant. Certifications: If the project requires any human or animal testing, certifications must be uploaded. Recommendation Letters: Three letters of recommendation are required, as noted below. A letter of commitment from the institution for the applicant and the proposed research activities. A letter from a primary mentor and a mentoring team who collectively have expertise in the research area and a strong record of success in mentoring junior investigators. A letter from one professional reference to provide a recommendation and ensure the applicant is qualified to fulfill the duties of the proposed project. Through the online application system, the applicant provides the contact name and email address for the person providing the letter of reference. That individual then receives an email asking him/her to upload the letter directly into the application. Reference letters will not be accepted after the application close date of September 15 at noon Denver time. Applicants will not be allowed to submit their applications until all required references have been uploaded.
Measurable Final Outcome	Grant recipients will be required to submit a report describing the accomplishments made on the project as well as copies of any presentations or publications arising from the work funded by the Grant.