Proposals Being Accepted in Four Key Research Areas: DCIS, Model Systems, Biomarkers and Environment
DALLAS - September 25, 2006 - The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, recognized as the global leader in the fight against breast cancer, has announced the availability of at least $13 million in funding for the launch of its new Focused Areas of Study Grant Program, designed to attract high-caliber, innovative research proposals addressing key questions in four specific areas of breast cancer: Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), Experimental Model Systems, Biomarker Identification and Validation, and Environmental Research Methods.
At least $13 million will be awarded this year for qualified, non-traditional proposals of merit that have the potential to make a large impact in the four designated research areas. Additional grants in these focused areas of study may be awarded if the Foundation receives additional funding.
$13 million supplements Foundation's annual investment in research
The $13 million designated for the new Focused Area of Study Grant Program is supplemental to the Foundation's annual investment in research through its Award and Research Grant Program. In fiscal 2006, the Komen Foundation's Award and Research Grant Program distributed more than $54.8 million to fund a total of 247 investigator-initiated scientific research grants. Since the Komen Foundation's inception in 1982, it has invested more than $630 million in breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs.
"The Komen Foundation is launching this new focused funding direction, in addition to maintaining its investigator-initiated research grant program, to stimulate deeper inquiry into four specific areas that have been identified as having great potential to move breast cancer research forward in significant ways," said Rebecca Garcia, Ph.D., vice president health sciences for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)
The Foundation is currently accepting applications for basic, clinical and translational research initiatives that examine Ductal Carcinoma in Situ initiation, progression and invasion as well as underlying biological processes for each. Proposals ranging from $300,000 to $1.5 million for a funding period of two to three years will be considered.
Experimental Model Systems
Proposals are also being accepted for research focused on Experimental Model Systems that faithfully mimic human biology. Proposals in this category should catalyze the development and refinement of laboratory methods that are surrogates of human biology. Funding may be granted to proposals of merit for the development of tools that facilitate the testing and generation of hypotheses that advance the understanding of breast cancer initiation, growth, progression or metastasis. Proposals ranging from $300,000 to $1.5 million for a funding period of two to three years will be considered. Proposals involving mouse models will not be considered for funding through the Focused Area Program, but should be directed to the Komen Foundation's Research Grant Program.
Biomarker Identification and Validation
The Foundation seeks proposals in the area of Biomarker Identification and Validation that demonstrate the potential to catalyze the next generation of breakthroughs in the understanding of breast cancer causation, progression, metastatic and recurrent disease. A biomarker is defined by the Foundation as any measurable biological characteristic having high fidelity relevance to breast biology and/or physiology as it applies to normal or cancer biology. Priority will be given to those applicants addressing key challenges or barriers pertaining to the validation of breast cancer biomarkers. Proposals will be accepted ranging from $300,000 to $3 million for a funding period of two to three years.
Environmental Research Methods
The Foundation will accept proposals in Environmental Research Methods beginning October 2006. Proposals in this category should address current environmental research challenges in laboratory or clinical settings relevant to breast cancer. Preference may be given to proposals that address specific challenges pertaining to research methodology, measurement standards and assessment instruments, research focusing on mammary-specific models, or projects demonstrating potential to enhance clinical application or utility. Proposals will be accepted ranging from $300,000 to $5 million for a two- to five- year period.
For more information on the Komen Foundation's Focused Areas of Study grants, contact Chandini Portteus at 972-855-4393. To apply for a grant, visit www.komen.org/focusedgrants.
