DoD is offering the Melanoma Academy Scholar Award to support early-career researchers in melanoma.

Key aspects of the MASA:

Principal Investigator: The PI (i.e., Scholar) must be an early-career researcher or physician-scientist no more than 7 years from obtaining their first faculty-level appointment. Postdoctoral fellows (and equivalent) are not eligible for this award mechanism. The PI’s record of accomplishments and the proposed research will be evaluated regarding their potential for contributing to the FY24 MRP Focus Area(s) in Section II.A.1.  Not all of the PI’s accomplishments need to be in the field of melanoma. The PI’s organization must demonstrate a commitment to the PI through confirmation of independent laboratory space.

Impact:  The impact of the proposed research must relate to at least one of the FY24 MRP Focus Areas in Section II.A.1. Impactful research, including basic research, should expedite the advancement of promising ideas towards clinical and/or public utility.  The application must articulate the short- and long-term impact the proposed research will have on melanoma research and/or patient care. 

Career Development:  A Career Development and Sustainment Plan (Attachment 7) is required and should be prepared with appropriate guidance from the Career Guide. The Career Development and Sustainment Plan should include a clearly articulated strategy for establishing collaborations and acquiring the necessary skills, competencies, and expertise to advance and sustain an independent career at the forefront of the melanoma field. The Scholar must show milestones and career pathways toward achieving the milestones. The Scholar must articulate commitment to interactions with the MA.

Career Guide: The Scholar must designate a Career Guide. The Career Guide must be an experienced melanoma researcher, as demonstrated by a strong record of funding and publications in melanoma. In addition, the Career Guide must demonstrate a commitment to advancing the Scholar’s career in the melanoma field. The Career Guide must also be committed to fully participating in the MA throughout the award period of performance, including interacting with other MA Scholars and Career Guides and participating in MA activities (e.g., serving on the MA Advisory Board) as requested by MA Leadership.  The Career Guide must not be the named Career Guide on any previously funded (FY21-FY23) MASA applications, nor may a Career Guide be named on more than ONE FY24 MASA application.

Preliminary Data NOT Required:  Preliminary data are not required. However, any unpublished, preliminary data presented should originate from the laboratory of the PI or a member of the research team.