Programs and Funding
The purpose of GMaP programming is to strengthen our regional network by supporting the next generation of cancer and cancer health disparities researchers. We offer a variety of programs and funding to help students and scientists develop the skills they need to tackle a broad range of cancer and cancer health disparities research.
Below you find find additional information about the activites we offer.
Research Stimulus Awards
The purpose of the GMaP Region 5 Research Stimulus Awards is to support a range of cancer research activities. Applications are strongly encouraged from cancer investigators who are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences according to NIH guidelines for underrepresented populations or cancer disparities researchers (graduate students through junior faculty).
How to apply
This opportunity is open to graduate students, Ph.D. candidates, post-docs or early stage investigators at an institution within GMaP Region 5.
To be considered, you must complete a GMaP Research Stimulus Award application.
Funding is available up to $1,500.
Applications will be reviewed by GMaP leadership. Because this is a highly competitive award, please allow a minimum of two weeks for application review.
You’re required complete a one page summary report regarding your experience (i.e data collection, grant development, meeting, conference connections, professional development and training) with the activity/event.
Reimbursement
The scholarship reimburses students and researchers for qualified expenses. To receive reimbursement, you must:
- Complete the appropriate forms as soon as you are notified of your award. Additional paperwork may be necessary.
- Submit the reimbursement request within 30 days from event dates.
- Include all original receipts.
Career Development Workshop
Region 5 is home to numerous seasoned cancer health disparities researchers with a wealth of experience in writing and conducting grants. Feedback from these experts can be invaluable to early stage and new investigators submitting a competitive grant application, and we offer them a chance to have their career development proposals reviewed.
Our 2020 workshop took place August 3-4th, 2020 via Zoom.
View agenda here.
Recordings now available!
Day 1: https://youtu.be/yNDrRhcoylw
Day 2: https://youtu.be/zcmGFoILjdc
Want to share with your network? Feel free to disseminate ourGMaP Workshop Flyer.
Who should attend?
The workshops are designed for investigators who plan to submit a grant application within a year of attending. Sessions focus on strengthening applications, one-on-one mentoring, and small group mentoring.
Typically, two weeks before the workshop attendees will be asked to submit specific aims and/or a research question they would like to explore. Submitted aims and research questions will be reviewed by senior investigators and feedback will be provided.
*The following is not applicable to the 2020 virtual workshop*
The workshop takes place on the Fred Hutch campus in Seattle, WA. Up to 20 participants from GMaP Region 5 will be invited to attend.
GMaP will cover the following travel costs:
- Roundtrip airfare
- One-night hotel stay
- Lunch during the workshop
The attendee will be responsible for all additional expenses.
How will I get there?
Please direct any questions to Sara Cole, the GMaP Region 5 Coordinator. We will notify applicants of our decision within two weeks of the deadline.
Mentorship Program: Expert Grant Review
Region 5 is home to numerous seasoned cancer health disparities researchers with a wealth of experience in writing and conducting grants. Feedback from these experts can be invaluable to early stage and new investigators submitting a competitive grant application. We encourage all those interested in having their career development proposals reviewed by a senior investigator to submit the required documents.
You can download a PDF of the following mentorship program review guidelines. For additional questions or to begin the mentorship process, please email Sara Cole or call (206) 667-2150.
Eligibility
To apply for review, investigators must meet all of the following criteria:
- New or early stage investigator at an institution in GMaP Region 5
- New investigators are those who have not yet successfully competed for a substantial NIH independent research award
- Early stage investigators are those within 10 years of completing their terminal research degree or medical residency (or equivalent)
- Applying for one of the following grant mechanisms: K01/K02/K07/K08/K23/K24/K25/K99 or R01/R03/R15/R21/R34
- Addressing a relevant cancer health disparity problem within Region 5
- Ready to submit a final draft of the application (except budget), including biosketches and an abstract to be circulated to potential reviewers
Review Process
Eligible applicants can contact Sara Cole to submit an abstract and specific aims with a request to participate in the program. From there:
- Sara Cole will review the submitted documents and circulate them to the GMaP coordinating committee to identify individuals who have expertise in the specific research area.
- Once a reviewer is determined, both parties will sign a confidentiality agreement to ensure that the applicant’s intellectual property is protected.
- The applicant will submit a final draft of their application and the reviewer will have 3 weeks to provide written feedback.
- The applicant and reviewer will have a conference call to discuss feedback and provide any clarification necessary.
- Upon completion, the applicant and reviewer will both be asked to complete a short evaluation of the mentorship program.
Timeline
Applicants should expect the review process to take up to 6 weeks.
We recommend applicants allow at least two weeks between receiving feedback from the reviewer and the submission deadline for the funding agency, in order to have ample time to carefully address the reviewer’s comments.
Pilot Funding
GMaP identifies successful strategies to bring important scientific advances to diverse communities. We also increase competitiveness of our trainees for future research funding opportunities. Through pilot funding awards, prospective applicants can demonstrate their ability to carry out sustainable future research projects. Our goal is to boost GMaP trainees from pilot funding to NIH funding mechanisms, specifically in the realm of cancer health disparities.
Eligibility
Pilot funding awards are available to post-doctoral students or early stage investigators with an existing mentor in their field of study.
Applicants cannot be the recipients of an NIH independent research grant; however, they may be working toward an NIH funding mechanism to advance the science of cancer health disparity research.
Submit an Application
Download the application form. Submit a PDF of your completed form with an NIH biosketch OR a resume to Sara Cole.
CURE Program Information and Resources
CURE
The Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) Continuing Umbrella Research Experience (CURE) program offers unique training and career development opportunities to enhance and increase diversity in the cancer and cancer health disparities workforce. The CURE program identifies promising candidates from high school through junior investigator levels, and provides them with a continuum of competitive funding opportunities.
- At each level of the educational process, CURE provides substantive career building experiences to investigators, including role models who can bridge the gap between cultural perspectives and demonstrate success.
- Career development workshops bring trainees together to discuss mutual problems, develop potential solutions and promote networking.
- Program staff members serve as career navigator for their trainees, helping them understand NIH grant mechanisms and processes, assisting them in evaluating when they are ready to move to the next level of training or career development, and providing suggestions on how to strengthen their technical and research skills.
- In professional development workshops trainees learn grant-writing techniques, and participate in peer-review sessions, during which they learn how to improve their own grant applications through evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of other applications.
- CURE ensures protected time (the trainee has time that can be devoted strictly to research).
- Consistent monitoring and evaluation keep the program flexible and creative, so it can evolve where needed.
Learn more about the CURE Program:
National Cancer Institute's CURE page
CURE Infographic
The CURE Paradigm: Enhancing Workforce Diversity
iCURE
The iCURE program provides opportunities in the NCI Intramural Research Program (IRP), including the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) and the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG).
The iCURE program offers:
- One-year research experience awards for post-baccalaureate (including post-master’s) individuals
- Two-year research experience awards for graduate students
- Three-year research experience awards for postdoctoral fellows (with less than five years of relevant research experience)
iCURE scholars receive the following professional support:
- Working closely with world-class biomedical research scientists in the NCI IRP
- Support from NCI program staff and information and resources on intramural and extramural funding opportunities
- Professional development activities, such as workshops, webinars and networking events
- An extensive mentoring network
Learn more about the iCURE Program:
National Cancer Institute’s iCURE page
iCURE fact sheet
You can send questions about the program or application process to iCURE@nih.gov.