Movember Clinician Scientist Award (CSA)

Transcription

1 Movember Clinician Scientist Award (CSA) Part 1: Overview Information Participating Organisation(s) Funding Category Description The Movember Foundation and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia Movember Clinician Scientist Award (CSA) Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) is offering three awards to support outstanding, clinically qualified professionals who have gained a PhD in health research, to combine their clinical career with a research career in prostate cancer and establish themselves as independent researchers in the field. These awards are funded by the Movember Foundation. Important Dates Program Launch Date 30 th March 2015 Registration Deadline 13 th April 2015 Application Submission Deadline 15 th June 2015 Peer Review End September 2015 Invitation to attend an interview To be decided Interviews To be decided Panel Deliberation Meeting October 2015 Anticipated Award Notification Date November 2015 Funding Start Date 1 st January 2016 Page 1

2 Part 2. Section I. Full Text Announcement Funding Opportunity Description Description Successful translation into practice of accumulated basic research findings requires clinicians who are also scientists and who can move research findings from basic science to the bedside. The role of clinician scientists is paramount and lies in their capacity to bridge the gap between the clinic and the laboratory. A clinician scientist s expertise helps to identify the key clinical questions, understand the basic research that informs what the strategies should be and guides translation of basic research into clinical practice. Clinician-Scientists are essentially scientists who are clinically trained and may do a small amount of clinical work, but their core focus is research in their given discipline (e.g. medical oncology, radiation, urooncology etc.) The Clinician Scientist Award aims to support outstanding, clinically qualified professionals who have gained a PhD in health research, to combine their clinical career with a research career and establish themselves as independent researchers in the field of prostate cancer. The research proposed must be in the area of prostate cancer and may address any of the broad areas of prostate cancer research, including prostate cancer biology, treatment, diagnosis, survivorship and prevention. Basic, translational, clinical and/or population-based studies in any of these research areas are appropriate. Section II. Award Information The award will provide protected research time to ensure the best clinician scientists remain active in research. Funding Instrument Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards Award Budget Award Project Period Award Currently, the total amount budgeted for this funding opportunity is $1,350,000 Please note that the number of awards is contingent upon availability of funds and the submission of scientifically meritorious applications. The maximum amount of each award is $450,000, to provide a maximum of $120,000 for salary support and $30,000 for consumables per year. The funding period is 3 years. Page 2

3 Section III. Eligibility Information Eligibility to Apply Applicants must demonstrate a rigorous and insightful approach to research and the ability to relate their research to clinical medicine and to the improvement of health. They must have a clear sense of how they wish to develop their careers as clinicians and scientists and show the potential to become clinical research leaders in the future. In order to be eligible for a Clinician Scientist Award, applicants must, at the time of application: in addition to their medical qualifications, hold a PhD in health research have 1-3 years of working experience in research combine 50% of clinical loading with 50% of research effort for the life of the award provide evidence of working within a research group (i.e. must not be a solo researcher) be an Australian citizen or hold permanent residency in Australia and must be based in Australia for the duration of the grant demonstrate that they will have access to the facilities needed for the proposed research and will be in a research environment that will support their development in accordance with the aims of this award. Eligible Institution To be eligible to apply for a Clinician Scientist Award, applicants must be affiliated with an eligible institution. Eligible institutions must meet the following requirements: 1. The Institution type must fall under one of the following categories: Australian tertiary institutions and their affiliated institutions including hospitals and research institutes; Australian non-governmental, not-for-profit organisations (including community or charitable organisations) with an explicit research or knowledge translation mandate; 2. The institution must be a recognised legal entity. 3. The institution must have the necessary accounting systems and financial controls in place to manage PCFA Funds. 4. The institution must ensure that the student will have the time and infrastructure that will permit the pursuit of the planned research and the freedom to publish the results. Applications from for-profit organisations are not eligible. Non-domestic (non-australian) entities (foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply. Key Components Key components for the award, in addition to information about the applicant, include: Environment: The applicant s host institution must have a well-established record of research career development activities and qualified research faculty to serve as mentors. The institution must demonstrate a commitment to the development of the applicant. The applicant, along with the supervisor/mentor and institution, must lay out a clear career development program that maximises the use of relevant research and educational resources, and may propose additional qualified faculty as mentors in the specific area of prostate cancer research. Page 3

4 Supervisor/mentor(s): The applicant must name a supervisor/mentor who will advise in the planning, direction, and execution of the applicant s program. The supervisor/mentor should be recognised as an accomplished investigator in research and have a track record of success in mentoring trainees. Environment and Institutional Commitment to Applicant Applicants must provide a written reference from the Head of the Department at their host institution confirming their current academic appointment and including a commitment to permit at least 50% research effort if an award is made. Section IV. Guidelines and Review Process General PCFA Guidelines PCFA policies and guidelines as outlined on PCFA s website will apply to the applications submitted and awards made in response to this program announcement. PCFA reserves the right to amend the review process at any time. Any changes that are made to the process will not adversely affect the rigor and equity of the process. Every effort will be made to inform applicants of changes in a timely manner. Allowable Costs The following expenditures will be considered eligible for funding received through this funding opportunity: Applicant s salary based on time spent in direct research activities. Costs of laboratory consumables Cost of one national or international networking activity, including collaborations, planning, and knowledge exchange activities (i.e. attending and presenting at International and national scientific meetings.) The application must provide a detailed justification of all costs. Ineligible Costs Institutional overhead costs are ineligible for funding. Tuition and professional membership dues are not allowable expenses. The award will not support infrastructure. Conditions of Funding Successful applicants funded through this funding opportunity must fully comply with the following conditions: Successful candidates must accept their awards within 21 working days of notification. Failure to do so will result in a cancellation of the offer and the award may be given to the next fundable applicant. Acknowledgment of the funder s (PCFA and Movember Foundation) support in all publications and presentations that result from the funded research. Notification to PCFA of all publications resulting from this award prior to their publication Submit to PCFA interim and final written scientific progress reports that include a list of all presentations and publications resulting in whole or in part from this award. Page 4

5 It is expected that following the funding period, awardees will continue to contribute to the ongoing success of the program by participating in surveys and providing data or reports that will aid program evaluation. Performance Indicators Performance indicators for this category of funding have been developed and these will be communicated to successful applicants. Ultimately, success for this award must lead to the applicant establishing himself/herself as an independent clinician researcher with a clear research vision and research agenda in the prostate cancer field. Review Process and Evaluation Applications will be assessed via a two-tiered process as follows: Phase 1 - A Peer Review Committee will review the Clinical Scientist Award written applications for excellence using the review criteria as described under Evaluation Criteria. Phase 2 - Short listed applicants will be invited to participate in a telephone interview with the review panel. These applicants will be notified by in early-mid October 2015 with details regarding the process. Evaluation Criteria Clinician Scientist Award applications will be evaluated based on their excellence as judged against the following evaluation criteria: Applicant Track record (applicant s productivity both in prior publications and in the development of preliminary data for the grant). Potential to develop as an independent and productive researcher (i.e. provide a letter addressing: 1. Overall plans for research career development; 2.Specific impact of successful application (include information on the extent and nature of your clinical responsibilities with and without the CSA); 3. Listing of other existing, pending or planned research support (internal or external). Quality of the applicant's research, academic and (if relevant) clinical record (i.e. provide a letter of recommendation from the Main Supervisor/Mentor outlining the strengths of the applicants). Quality of the letters from the applicant, Supervisor/Mentor and Head of Department; Supervisor(s)/Mentor(s) Appropriateness of the supervisor/mentor s research qualifications; Quality and extent of the supervisor/mentor s proposed role in providing guidance and advice to the applicant; Previous experience in fostering the development of trainees; History of research productivity and peer-reviewed support; Strength of the supervisor/mentor s statement. Page 5

6 Research Project Significance of the proposed research on our understanding of prostate cancer. What impact will this study have on the health issue in question? Note the significance of the study is not to be measured in terms of the prevalence, morbidity or mortality associated with the health issue, but should be related to the likely impact of the anticipated research outcomes on our understanding of the field. Innovation will the research affect current practices within the field? Is the research concept a novel advance in approach to the health issue? Scientific and technical merit of the research question, feasibility, design and methodology. A fundamentally sound research plan must be provided. Knowledge Translation Plan The submitted project must have an inbuilt, comprehensive knowledge translation strategy and demonstrate that a meaningful collaborative research approach is being used. The knowledge translation strategy must include evidence that the prostate cancer patient is an active participant in the whole research process. The applicants are required to articulate their knowledge sharing/dissemination plan to demonstrate that the results achieved are relevant and useful to end users. Environment and Institutional Commitment to the Applicant Appropriateness of the training environment to the career development of the applicant (i. e. adequacy of research facilities and training opportunities, including faculty capable of productive collaboration with the applicant). Quality and relevance of the environment for the scientific and professional development of the applicant. Section V. Submission Information Please read all instructions before applying. Your application will be submitted via to research@pcfa.org.au Registration deadline: Submit registration form via to research@pcfa.org.au by 5:00 p.m. (AEST) on Monday 13 th of April, 2015 o The registration form requires the following information (no attachments): Applicant details, faculty of study and host institution Supervisor/mentor details Project title, area of research, keywords Full application deadline: the application and all reference documents must be submitted online by 5:00 PM (ET) on Monday 15 th June Please ensure that your application is complete (includes all required sections and attachments) and is submitted on time. Applications must be submitted via after completing the Clinician Scientist Award application which can be found online at: Separate documents required, including letters of reference, must be attached to the by the deadline. Page 6

7 Full Application Requirements: A. Applicant Training and Experience (maximum 400 words) Discuss prior activities and academic training, and how they relate to your objectives and career plans. Discuss your research efforts to date, including any publications, prior research interests and experience. CV (maximum 3 pages) Attach a free-form CV. The CV must include academic, work and volunteer experiences*, and where applicable, information on grants and awards held (sources, type, title, amount/year, duration) and a list of relevant publications. B. Supervisor(s)/Mentor(s) The applicant must name one, or more, supervisor/mentor (when multiple supervisor/mentors are named, one must be nominated as the main supervisor/mentor) who will advise on the planning, direction and execution of the applicant s research project. The supervisor/mentor should be recognised as an accomplished investigator in research and have a track record of success in training post-health professional degree students. The application must include a letter of reference from the main supervisor/mentor. CVs must be attached for each named supervisor/mentor. Attach a brief free-form CV (maximum 3 pages); include training and education, degrees, positions and honours, a list of relevant publications (past 5 years) and information on grants and awards held (source, type, title, amount/year, duration) (past 5 years). C. Research Project Information (Lay summary: maximum 250 words, Scientific Summary: maximum 250 words, Research Proposal: maximum 4 pages not including References, Tables and Figures) The Research Project Information section must include an overall description of the research project and must clearly outline the following elements: Central hypothesis or research question; Specific objectives of the research project to be undertaken; Background and rationale; Description of the importance/significance of the central hypothesis or research question on our understanding of prostate cancer and expected findings; Description of methods and proposed analysis, including timelines; Relevant experience and skills of the applicant to carry out the research proposed; The research environment where the project will be conducted, including supporting personnel and any specialised equipment or resources available D. Letters of Reference (2 total required) Applications must arrange for a total of two letters of reference to be submitted directly to the Research Office at PCFA from referees in support of the applicant and providing evidence that the applicant has a high potential for becoming an independent investigator. The referees must include the applicant s main supervisor/mentor and the Dean of Faculty or Head of Department. E. Signature pages (Applicant, Supervisor/mentor(s) and Host Institution) Each application must be accompanied by a document with required signatures attached with the application by the deadline. This form is available in the Resources section of the online application. Page 7

8 The attached documents must adhere to the following instructions for presentation and content: PDF format A4, (21 cm X 29 cm) Calibri font (regular), minimum 11-point Single-spaced text 2.54 cm margin on all sides of each page Terms and Conditions 1) PCFA does not make any representation that it will, and disclaims any obligation to, proceed with or to commit to any particular future actions in relation to the subject matter of program call, including without limitation: a) accepting any application or shortlist any applicant; and b) considering, not considering, accepting or rejecting any application. 2) PCFA reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to initiate another selection process, enter into negotiations with a person or persons who have not be invited to respond to this call for programs or to cancel the program. 3) Applicants must pay their own costs and expenses incurred in preparing and submitting an application. 4) To the extent permitted by law, PCFA excludes all liability for any loss, costs (including legal expenses) or damages, suffered or incurred by an applicant or any person, arising out the applicant's participation in the application process. 5) The Applicant warrants that it has no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to its participation in the application process or its delivery of the Project other than that is has disclosed in the application. 6) No legal or other obligation arises between an Applicant and PCFA in relation to the outcome of the application process, unless and until PCFA executes a contract with the applicants. 7) PCFA is not obliged to a) accept any notice of intent to apply and full application or b) enter into any contract with any applicant or c) give reasons for not considering or accepting or rejecting all or any part of any full application, or for cancelling the full application process. PCFA may, at its sole discretion, consider for acceptance a response that does not comply with the requirements of this request for applications. 8) The Applicants grants PCFA, a non-exclusive license to use for the purpose of this application process, any information, processes, sketches, calculations, drawings, or other data or information submitted with or included in, the response submitted by the Applicant. 9) Each Applicant agrees to indemnify PCFA against third party claims arising out of any use of any proprietary information submitting with or included in, the full application. 10) Should the Applicant find any material discrepancy, error or omission in this call for applications, the applicant must immediately notify PCFA in writing of the nature of the discrepancy, error or omission. Page 8

9 11) The Applicant and team members of the program acknowledge that their details, including any personal details may be disclosed to third parties including peer reviewers, for the purposes of this application process and any related purposes. 12) PCFA reserves the right to fund lower rated projects based on specific areas of interest in the requested themes. Variations PCFA may vary the requirements set out in this call for full applications and seek further information from the Applicants. Applicants shall supply this information on reasonable request. PCFA s Rights PCFA reserves the right to subject the Applicant to a "due diligence" enquiry, which may comprise of: A) Verifying whether the represented resources and skills are actually available; and B) Assessing experience and integrity. PCFA, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to depart from any method of evaluation set out in this call for proposals. Reliance on Information PCFA will rely on information provided by, or on behalf of the Applicants at all stages of the application process. In providing information, Applicants represent to PCFA that the information is complete and accurate in all material respects, that it is not misleading and that in preparing the information, reasonable skill and care has been exercised by the Applicant and its personnel and acknowledges that PCFA may rely on that information. Publicity Applicants are not to make any public statement in relation to, the notice of intent to apply or full application process, their response, or their participation in the application process, or contract negotiation process without PCFA s prior written consent. Contact Information For questions relating to the Clinician Scientist Award program, please contact: MS ANNE MAERZ Senior Research Program Coordinator T F E Anne.Maerz@pcfa.org.au Page 9