Developmental Research Program

ABSTRACT – DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH PROGRAM The Cancer Health Disparities SPORE in Endometrial Cancer Developmental Research Program (DRP) supports innovative, early-phase projects that will provide key insights into critical areas of health disparities in endometrial cancer research. The proposed DRP leverages an existing peer-reviewed, multi-institutional annual RFA and review process and will institute SPORE-specific criteria for eligible applications and investigators. Each year the DRP will fund 2 projects from a total of $100,000 in SPORE and matched Institutional funds. Oneyear projects will be eligible for up to $50,000; 2-year projects may request up to $100,000. DRP projects with compelling evidence of potential to develop into full SPORE or other NIH-, industry-, or foundation-funded projects will be prioritized. We will recruit projects from early stage, mid-career, and senior researchers who are newly applying a health disparities research lens to existing endometrial cancer science; or have existing health disparities research expertise that is newly being applied to the endometrial cancer context to expand the field. To fully realize the full potential of each DRP project, the SPORE commitment extends beyond funding. The SPORE and DRP additionally provide fiscal administration, biostatistics and bioinformatics input, biospecimens, genomics and pathology expertise; patient perspective and integration with community outreach activities; mentorship and critical analysis and constructive feedback on progress via advisory board meetings. The extensive organization and infrastructure, and collaborative nature across the UNC Campus and its partner institutions, provides a multitude of opportunities for both solicitation and development