The goal of the HCC Prostate SPORE Developmental Research Program (DRP) is to identify and support innovative and exciting prostate cancer research, in order to maximize the chance that new and cutting-edge concepts supported by promising pilot data have the capability to ultimately impact the field. Support from the DRP will allow projects to develop the foundations needed for mature, hypothesis-driven proposals with high translational potential that will be competitive for additional funding as future full SPORE projects and/or national peer reviewed grants. The DRP will also create opportunities for junior faculty or senior investigators from other fields to transition into prostate cancer research.
The DRP will work in concert with the Career Enhancement Program (CEP) to support emerging and established investigators from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as projects that address the disparate prostate cancer outcomes of patients seen in these groups. The objective is to stimulate interest from diverse disciplines and backgrounds to bring fresh ideas and new approaches to prostate cancer. As such, researchers from diverse backgrounds, including women and investigators from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, will be encouraged to apply. DRP Award recipients will receive two years of funding as well as access to SPORE resources. A standing committee made up of diverse disciplines and backgrounds, highly qualified, and engaged SPORE and HCC investigators will solicit projects broadly, review applications, select meritorious awards, and review progress. DRP recipients will become part of the SPORE community with continued active engagement, feedback, and exposure.
