Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) -- Melanoma Research Program -- Mid-Career Accelerator Award

Funding Agency:
Department of Defense

The MRP MCAA supports independent, mid-career investigators to conduct impactful research in the field of melanoma. The MCAA presents an opportunity for mid-career investigators with prior experience in melanoma research and/or patient care to obtain funding to perform impactful research that will accelerate their career to become leaders in the melanoma research community. Preliminary data relevant to melanoma are required. Logical reasoning and a sound scientific rationale for the proposed research must be demonstrated.

Synergy with the FY21 MRP Melanoma Academy. To enhance networking and collaboration options for both the MCAA Principal Investigator (PI) and Melanoma Academy Scholars, MCAA PIs will be encouraged to participate in Melanoma Academy activities (networking events, seminars hosted by the MRP Melanoma Academy Leadership, etc.) as appropriate. MCAA PIs will be required to attend one meeting hosted by the FY21 MRP Melanoma Academy Leadership during the second year of the MCAA to present project information or disseminate project results. Additional information about the FY21 Melanoma Academy can be found on the MRP website.

Deadlines:
• Required Pre-Application Deadline: Sep. 14, 2022
• Application Submission Deadline: Oct. 5, 2022

Agency Website

Areas of Interest

To be considered for funding, applications for the FY22 MRP Mid-Career Accelerator Award (MCAA) must address at least one of the following FY22 MRP Focus Areas.

  • Research across the entire spectrum (biology, etiology, prevention, diagnosis and detection, prognosis, treatment, and quality of life) for rare melanomas (e.g., uveal, acral, mucosal, pediatric) in patients and model organisms.
  • Identify and understand risk factor determinants for melanoma, including rare subtypes.
  • Develop prediction and surveillance tools for distinguishing patient populations at risk for second primary/recurrence and/or metastasis.
  • Understand how precursor lesions and environmental/endogenous factors influence melanomagenesis, including (but not limited to) race, sex as a biological variable, etc.
  • Develop new tools for the detection and diagnosis of melanoma, which includes easily accessible technology (beyond the dermoscope) for primary care physicians and dermatologists.
  • Identify how the tumor microenvironment (e.g., stromal, immune, microbiome) impacts tumor initiation, response to therapy, progression, recurrence, and/or dormancy.
  • Delineate the molecular pathways that influence metastatic spread, recurrence, and/or dormancy.

Eligibility Requirements

To be named as the PI on the application, the investigator must:

  • Be at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor (or equivalent). ○ Note: Instructors and Full Professors (or equivalents) are not eligible.
  • Be at least 7 years from their first faculty-level appointment at the time of application submission.
  • Be able to demonstrate receipt of at least one peer-reviewed extramural funding award.

An investigator may be named on only one MCAA application as a PI.

Amount

$725,000

Amount Description

The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY22 MRP MCAA will not exceed $725,000. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information.

Funding Type

Award
Grant

Eligibility

Faculty
Junior Faculty

Category

Engineering and Physical Sciences
Environmental & Life Sciences
Interdisciplinary
Medical
Medical - Basic Science
Medical - Clinical Science
Medical - Translational

External Deadline

September 14, 2022