Developmental Research Program

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Developmental Research Program (DRP) is an integral part of the UCSF SPORE and represents the best opportunity to explore new ideas as pilot projects, to develop new resources, to apply new technologies to translational research, and to promote collaborations among scientists at UCSF and outside institutions. The fundamental objective of the DRP is to identify and recruit exceptional investigators. The DRP will advance the SPORE's scientific mission by supporting feasibility studies with high translational potential. The SPORE DRP will provide short-term support (maximum of 2 years funding) for exploratory and innovative cancer research that studies cancer differences across populations with a focus on science that has translational potential to impact patient outcomes. We will identify new projects to replace those within SPORE that are ending, whether due to completion, securing additional peer-reviewed funding, or failing to meet their translational objectives. With a goal of high return on investment, DRP proposals may be higher risk. Successful SPORE DRP projects are expected to lead to additional funding, either as fully funded SPORE projects with a human endpoint, or other peer-reviewed funding. We will encourage DRP proposals to develop collaborations across the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Center, potentially with SPORE Project investigators, and across UCSF’s full range of health science disciplines and other participating SPORE sites. The objectives of the DRP will be met through the following aims: to identify and support pilot research projects with strong potential for translation (Aim 1); to assess the outcomes of DRP projects and facilitate their continuous advancement; to utilize external resources to the SPORE to enhance the DRP (Aim 3).