The intent of the OCCTA is to enhance knowledge within next generation of ECIs in clinical trial research and to produce effective treatments and cures for ovarian cancer. The OCCTA enables the ECI (the investigator named as the PI on the application) to pursue funding for ovarian cancer clinical trial research under the guidance of a Designated Mentor. Because of the early-career nature of the PI, clinical trials initiated or collaborated with during the award period of performance are anticipated to be the led by the Designated Mentors. Beyond research, OCCTA ECIs will be expected to participate in monthly webinars and annual workshops and to communicate and collaborate with other members of the OCCTA (other ECIs, Mentors, the Dean and Assistant Dean), as well as with the advocacy community.
This award provides the ECI with funding, networking, and collaborative opportunities, as well as the research experience necessary to develop and sustain a successful, independent career at the forefront of ovarian cancer clinical research. This award also provides support and protected time for the ECI for 4 years of intensive research under the guidance of the Designated Mentor. Although the OCCTA will serve as a conduit to share knowledge and research experience among all OCCTA members, the ECI and Designated Mentor will be responsible for designing and executing the proposed research and for developing the ECI’s career development plan.
Deadlines:
• Required Pre-Application Deadline: June 12, 2025
• Application Submission Deadline: Sept. 11, 2025
Early-Career Investigator
o Must be within 12 years of last postdoctoral research position (Ph.D.), clinical fellowship (M.D.), or equivalent at the time of full application submission deadline.
A Statement of Eligibility is required with the submission of the full application.
For industry, investigators at or above an independent scientist level may be named by the company as the PI on the application, provided they meet the criteria listed above.
o Must commit no less than 25% effort to this award and/or OCCTA activities for the first 2 years.
o Individuals in a postdoctoral research position (Ph.D.), clinical fellowship (M.D.), or equivalent at the time of full application submission are not eligible.
Designated Mentor
o Must be an independent, established clinical trialist and have a balanced portfolio of successful clinical trial experience.
o Must have an active clinical trial at the time of application.
o May be at the same institution as the ECI. If not at the same institution, another Mentor (“Other Mentor,” see below) at the ECI’s institution must also be included in the application submission.
o Must have experience in ovarian cancer research if the ECI’s experience is not in ovarian cancer research.
o Must demonstrate a commitment to develop and sustain the ECI’s independent career in ovarian cancer research (it is recommended that the Designated Mentor demonstrate a 5% effort for mentoring and participating in OCCTA activities such as offsite meetings and webinars). Mentor responsibilities include mentoring the ECI (i.e., the PI of this award) and an additional ECI within the OCCTA. Offsite OCCTA activities include annual in-person workshops and monthly web-based meetings.
The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) expects to allot approximately $1.4M to fund approximately one Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial Award – Early-Career Investigator Award applications with total cost caps of $1.4 million (M). The maximum period of performance is 4 years. It is anticipated that awards made from this fiscal year 2025 (FY25) funding opportunity will be funded with FY25 funds, which will expire for use on September 30, 2031. Awards supported with FY25 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2026.