Department of Defense Peer-Reviewed Cancer Idea Grant

The FY23 PRCRP Idea Award supports innovative, untested, high-risk/potentially high-reward concepts, theories, paradigms, and/or basic cancer research that are relevant to active-duty Service Members, Veterans, other military beneficiaries, and the American public. The advancement of knowledge in cancer research, patient care, and/or treatment options in the MHS is critical to active-duty Service Members, Veterans, other military beneficiaries, and the American public.

The intention of the Idea Award is innovative basic research that may introduce a new paradigm, challenge existing paradigms, look at existing problems from new perspectives, or exhibit other highly creative qualities. The Idea Award is not intended to support a logical progression of an already established research project in a laboratory. Incremental advances, the next logical step, or switching a model system from one cancer to another cancer are not considered innovative. The proposed research project should include a well-formulated, testable hypothesis based on strong scientific rationale and study design. It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator (PI) to select the funding opportunity that is most appropriate for the research proposed. Advanced research with robust preliminary data is more appropriate for the FY23 PRCRP Impact Award (HT9425-23-PRCRP-IPA).

Inclusion of preliminary data is discouraged. This award is not intended to support ongoing research in the applicant’s laboratory; therefore, inclusion of preliminary data is not consistent with the exploratory nature of this award. Any preliminary data included in the application will be subjected to evaluated during review and may affect funding recommendations. Preliminary data demonstrating more mature research that is beyond early investigations is discouraged and, if included, may affect funding recommendations. The outcome of research supported by this award should be the generation of robust preliminary data that can be used as a foundation for future research projects to understand the mechanisms of initiation or progression

of cancer, the quality of life during and following cancer treatment, etc.