What types of research projects will be funded by Stand Up To Cancer?
70 percent of the monies raised through Stand Up To Cancer will support translational cancer research projects conducted by interdisciplinary, multi-institutional Dream Teams that will address critical problems in patient care and deliver near-term patient benefit. The AACR recently issued a Call for Ideas for Dream Team projects. Learn more.
20 percent of the funds will be designated for high-risk Innovative Research Grants from which ideas for new Dream Teams may arise. By supporting such high-risk, high-impact, innovative cancer research proposals that typically go unfunded, Stand Up To Cancer will accelerate the discovery of new therapies for patients. Learn more about Innovative Research Grants.
What is a "Dream Team"?
Dream Teams are multi-disciplinary and collaborative groups of scientists that will be responsible for conducting novel, groundbreaking cancer research projects that address critical problems in patient care and are designed to deliver near-term patient benefit. Each Dream Team will consist of one or two Dream Team Leaders, no more than about eight Dream Team Principals, and at least two advocates. All key personnel must be from different institutions.
What are the criteria for submitting ideas for Dream Team translational research projects?
Ideas must reflect innovation for advancing cancer research that will result in more rapid advances in the treatment of patients or the prevention of cancer in those individuals who are at risk. Ideas for research projects should be translational in nature and focus on particular organ sites or on specialized research areas and should be based on perceived opportunities for success as well as high-priority areas with a critical need for rapid progress beyond current medical care. Dream Teams should be multidisciplinary and multi-institutional to encourage and maximize collaboration.
Do I need to be an AACR member to submit an idea?
No, you do not need to be a member of AACR to submit an idea.
How can I submit my idea?
Ideas for Dream Team translational research projects must be submitted using the instructions and form. Submissions must be no longer than two pages and should be sent to SU2C@aacr.org by Wednesday, September 10, 2008. Paper submission will not be accepted.
How will Dream Teams be chosen?
The collective ideas for Dream Team translational research projects suggested by the cancer community will assist the SU2C Scientific Advisory Committee in its deliberations and selection of SU2C Dream Teams. The Scientific Advisory Committee will determine the research areas for Dream Teams based on both perceived opportunities for success as well as high-priority areas with critical need for rapid progress beyond current medical care and will select Dream Team Leaders for each project. Dream Team Leaders will recruit members to their Dream Teams with final approval by the Scientific Advisory Committee.
How much money will be awarded? For what length of time?
The number of Dream Teams to be formed will depend upon the total amount of funds raised through SU2C, and the total support for each Team will depend upon the scope of each Dream Team project. The funds are projected for a two- to four-year program.
When will Dream Team members be announced?
We hope to announce the Dream Teams by November 15, 2008.
When will the Call for Applications for Innovative Cancer Research Grants be issued?
The call will be issued in late Fall 2008.
How will Innovative Cancer Research Grant recipients be chosen?
The Innovative Cancer Research Grants Committee will be appointed by the Scientific Advisory Committee to review the innovative grant proposals, assess progress, and make recommendations to the Scientific Advisory Committee for funding meritorious applications that are most consistent with SU2C's goals and objectives for translational research and near-term patient benefit. It is hoped that ideas for new Dream teams will emerge from these innovative research projects.
How was the Scientific Advisory Committee formed?
Scientific Advisory Committee members were selected from among the most highly accomplished, world-class scientists representing several research disciplines in order to provide expert and comprehensive perspective. The patient advocates serving on the Committee will be elected by the Advocate Advisory Council. With a genuine interest in advancing translational cancer research, the committee members have generously devoted their time and expertise to seeking out the most innovative and promising cancer research projects for Stand Up To Cancer support.
How will findings from the winning projects be reported to donors and to the public?
Stand Up To Cancer is committed to accountability and transparency. Dream Teams and Innovative Research Grant recipients will be required to periodically report on their progress. Updates for the public will be made available on AACR's website, as well as on www.standup2cancer.org.