Basic Science Grants

American Association for Cancer Research-Genentech BioOncology Career Development Award for Cancer Research on the HER Family Pathway

Two-year grant of $100,000. Applicants must have a medical degree (M.D., D.O., or international equivalent) or hold a combined M.D./Ph.D. and be affiliated with an institution in the U.S. One Career Development Award will be awarded this cycle.

Application Deadline: August 10, 2010, at 12 noon, Eastern Time

The AACR-Genentech BioOncology Career Development Award for Cancer Research on the HER Family Pathway is open to junior faculty in their first full-time faculty appointment. Proposed research projects must have direct applicability to the HER Family Pathway (basic, translational, clinical, or epidemiological cancer research).
The Award provides a 2-year grant of $100,000 ($50,000 per year) for direct research expenses; which may include the salary and benefits of the grant recipient, postdoctoral or clinical research fellows and/or research assistants, equipment and supplies. It is anticipated that one grant will be funded.

Inquiries

Hanna Hopfinger, Program Assistant
Telephone: (267) 646-0665
Fax: (215) 440-9372
E-mail: grants@aacr.org

Caring for Carcinoid Foundation-American Association for Cancer Research Grants for Carcinoid Tumor and Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Research

Application Deadline: September 15, 2010, at 12:00 noon Eastern Time

Decision Date: January 15, 2011

Start of Grant Term: February 1, 2011

Recognition Event for Grant Recipients at AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011: April 5, 2011

The Caring for Carcinoid Foundation-AACR Grants for Carcinoid Tumor and Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Research represent a joint effort to promote and support innovative cancer research. These grants are available to independent junior and senior investigators to develop and study new ideas and approaches that have direct application and relevance to carcinoid tumors or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Proposed research may be in any discipline of basic, translational, clinical, or epidemiological cancer research.

Applications are invited from researchers currently in the field as well as from investigators with experience in other areas of cancer research who have promising ideas or research approaches that can be applied to carcinoid tumor and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor research.

These two-year grants will provide $250,000 over the grant term ($125,000 per year). Grant funds support direct research expenses, which may include the salary and benefits of the grant recipient and any collaborators (limited to 25 percent of the total grant), postdoctoral or clinical research fellows and/or research assistants, equipment, travel and supplies (indirect costs not permitted).

Mentored researchers working in carcinoid tumor and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor research should consider applying for the Raymond and Beverly Sackler AACR Fellowships for Ileal Carcinoid Tumor Research.

It is anticipated that two grants will be funded.

Research Project Criteria

Proposals will be accepted for new ideas and innovative approaches that have direct application and relevance to carcinoid tumors and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Proposed research projects can be any in discipline including basic, translational, clinical, or epidemiological cancer research.

Applications are invited from researchers currently in the field as well as from investigators with experience in other areas of cancer research who have promising ideas or research approaches that they will directly apply to carcinoid tumors or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Investigators who have powerful experimental tools that will lead to a better understanding of neuroendocrine tumor biology, elucidate the mechanisms of currently available therapies in neuroendocrine tumors, and identify new treatment targets for carcinoid tumors or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are encouraged to apply. The applicability of the proposed project to carcinoid tumor or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor research must be fully described. A track record of research in this specific field is not a requirement for funding.

Genomic, RNA, and proteomic studies of carcinoid tumors and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors that may complement ongoing genome-wide sequencing efforts funded by Caring for Carcinoid Foundation will be considered but special emphasis will be placed on research that is not duplicative of projects currently funded by the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation (see www.caringforcarcinoid.org for listing of grants).
Applicant Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must have a doctoral degree (including Ph.D., M.D., D.O., D.C., N.D., D.D.S., D.V.M., Sc.D., D.N.S., Pharm.D., or equivalent doctoral degree, or a combined clinical and research doctoral degree) in a related field and not currently be a candidate for a further doctoral or professional degree.

Applications will be accepted from independent investigators at all levels who are affiliated with an academic, medical or research institution anywhere in the world. There are no citizenship or geographic requirements.

Employees or subcontractors of a government entity or for-profit private industry are not eligible. Exceptions may apply if an applicant holds a full-time position at a veterans' hospital or national laboratory in the United States. Employees or subcontractors of a government entity or for-profit private industry may serve as collaborators, but no grant funds may be directed towards these individuals or their respective institutions. Contact the AACR before submitting an application to determine your eligibility.

Applicants with a question about eligibility are encouraged to contact the AACR at grants@aacr.org, prior to submitting an application.

Program Guidelines & Application Instructions

Letters of Intent are now being accepted via the proposalCENTRAL website. Please download the Program Guidelines and Application Instructions document for more information.

Generously Supported By
Caring for Carcinoid Foundation

Inquiries
Ms. Julia Laurence, Program Associate
Telephone: (267) 646-0655
Fax: (215) 440-9372
Email: julia.laurence@aacr.org

Raymond and Beverly Sackler American Association for Cancer Research Fellowships for Ileal Carcinoid Tumor Research

Two-year grant of $100,000. Two grants will be awarded this cycle. The Fellowships are open to postdoctoral and clinical research fellows. Applications are invited from researchers currently in the field as well as from investigators with experience in other areas of cancer research who have promising ideas or research approaches that can be applied to ileal carcinoid tumor research. Proposed research may be basic, translational, clinical, or epidemiological in nature and must have direct application and relevance to ileal carcinoid tumors.

Applicants must have a doctoral degree (including Ph.D., M.D., D.O., D.C., N.D., D.D.S., D.V.M., Sc.D.,
D.N.S., Pharm.D., or equivalent doctoral degree, or a combined clinical and research doctoral degree) in a related field and not currently be a candidate for a further doctoral or professional degree.

Applicants must be in the first 5 years of a postdoctoral or clinical research fellowship at an academic, medical, or research institution anywhere in the world at the start of the grant term on February 1, 2011. Applicants must have started their fellowship no earlier than February 2, 2006 and no later than February 1, 2011. There are no citizenship or geographic requirements.

Application Deadline: September 15, 2010, at 12:00 noon, Eastern Time

Inquiries
Hanna Hopfinger, Grants Program Assistant
Telephone: (267) 646-0665
Fax: (215) 440-9372
E-mail: grants@aacr.org

2012 American College of Surgeons Traveling Fellowship to Australia and New Zealand

The International Relations Committee of the American College of Surgeons announces the availability of a traveling fellowship to Australia and New Zealand.

Purpose

The purpose of this fellowship is to encourage international exchange of information concerning surgical science, practice, and education and to establish professional and academic collaborations and friendships.

The ACS Traveling Fellow will visit Australia and New Zealand, and a Traveling Fellow from Australia or New Zealand will visit North America.

Basic Requirements

The scholarship is available to a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons in most of the surgical specialties who meets the following requirements:

Has a major interest and accomplishment in basic sciences related to surgery
Holds a current full-time academic appointment in Canada or the United States
Is under 45 years of age on the date the application is filed
Is enthusiastic, personable, and possesses good communication skills

Activities

The Fellow is required to spend a minimum of two or three weeks in Australia and New Zealand.

To attend and participate in the Annual Scientific Congress of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (7–11 May 2012)
To participate in the formal convocation ceremony of that congress
To attend and address the ANZ Chapter meeting during that congress
To visit at least two medical centers in Australia and New Zealand before or after the Annual Scientific Congress of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons to lecture and to share clinical and scientific expertise with the local surgeons
In the event that the selected applicant is from a surgical specialty which is not participating in the RACS Congress, specific negotiations will be necessary to ensure the Traveling Fellow’s participation in a national meeting of that specialty.

The academic and geographic aspects of the itinerary will be finalized in consultation and mutual agreement between the Fellow and the President or designated representative of the Australia and New Zealand Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. The surgical centers to be visited depend to some extent on the special interests and expertise of the Fellow and his or her previously established professional contacts with surgeons in Australia and New Zealand.

His or her spouse is welcome to accompany the successful applicant. There will be many opportunities for social interaction, as well as these professional activities.

Financial Support

The College will provide the sum of $8,000 U.S. to the successful applicant, who will also be exempted from registration fees for the Annual Scientific Congress. He/she must meet all travel and living expenses. Senior Chapter representatives will consult with the Fellow about the centres to be visited in Australia and New Zealand, the local arrangements for each centre, and other advice and recommendations about travel schedules. The Fellow is to make his/her own travel arrangements in North America, as this makes available to him/her reduced fares and travel packages for travel in Australia and New Zealand.

The American College of Surgeons’ International Relations Committee will select the Fellow after review and evaluation of the final applications. A personal interview may be requested prior to the final selection.

Applications for this traveling fellowship may be obtained from the College’s website or by writing to the International Liaison Section, American College of Surgeons, 633 N. Saint Clair St., Chicago, IL 60611-3211.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 15 November 2010. The successful applicant and an alternate will be selected and notified by March 2011.

Hip Society Awards 2011

The Hip Society announces three awards for papers submitted from the various training programs or from practicing orthopaedic surgeons for presentation at the annual Hip Society open meeting. These awards are named after men who have made outstanding contributions to reconstructive surgery of the hip and will be based on the criteria that follow:

The Otto Aufranc and John Charnley Awards: Papers submitted in these categories are to be based on innovative research, either clinical or basic, encompassing important advances in the management of hip disorders.
The Frank Stinchfield Award: This prize is given to a resident or fellow in training who submits an outstanding contribution concerning hip problems.
Any or all of these awards will be granted annually at the discretion of the Awards Committee of The Hip Society. The author(s) of each winning Award Paper will receive a $2,000 honorarium.

The Hip Society is soliciting papers, which are offered in competition for these awards. All submissions should represent original work that has not been previously published nor submitted for publication. Please indicate if your submission is a resident or fellow paper for the Frank Stinchfield Award. Submitted papers must be in publishable form. These papers are evaluated "blind" so we ask that the author not have his name or the name of his institution anywhere, but on the title page. Papers should be submitted electronically and must be submitted by December 1, 2010.

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMITTING HIP SOCIETY AWARD PAPERS TO CLINICAL
ORTHOPAEDICS AND RELATED RESEARCH

All Award submissions must meet the published guidelines for Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research (https://www.editorialmanager.com/corr/). All manuscripts must be electronically submitted at the same Web site. When authors submit and upload material they must select “Society Awards” when asked for “Article Type.” Authors will then be required to selection a “Section/Category,” and should select, “2011 Hip Society Awards.” (Failure to properly select the proper article type and section/category may result in improper processing and not being considered for the intended award.) Submissions winning an award of The Society will be published in CORR with the annual Proceedings of The Society. Please call the CORR office (215-392-0270) if you have problems with the submission. All submissions must include a cover letter signed by the corresponding author
(1) documenting appropriate participation of all authors,
(2) stating all coauthors have seen and agree with the contents of the manuscript, and
(3) indicating the work has not been submitted or published elsewhere.

Please contact the CORR office (215-392-0270) for further information. Awards will be reviewed by The Society. You will be notified by The Society (not by Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research) regarding all decisions.

American Society for Microbiology International Fellowship Program

The ASM International Fellowship Program encourages research and training collaborations in the microbiological sciences internationally. The Program requires a joint application from two partners - the investigator and the hosting scientist.

* A minimum of six weeks is required for participation in the program. The applicant is allowed to extend his/her stay with the host scientist for up to a maximum of 6 months if other sources of support are available. Applicants who are seeking support to extend an already extended stay, or who are unwilling to return to their home country after 6 months sojourn, are discouraged.
* Preference will be given, in order of importance to

- Investigators who have not had the opportunity to travel outside of their own country.

- Investigators who can demonstrate three years of membership in ASM or any other national microbiology society.

- Applications that have additional sources of funding which would enable the applicants to maximize their collaborations.

The Fellowships

ASM International Fellowship for Asia
Funded by ASM this award offers a maximum of one fellowship to a promising young investigator in Asia who is within five years of obtaining, or in the process of obtaining, his/her Masters, PhD, or other equivalent academic degree, and who is working in any of the microbiology disciplines, to visit a host scientist in the US. The International Fellowship for Asia will award a maximum grant of $5,500. The award is not intended to provide travel to obtain a degree at the host institution.

ASM International Fellowship for Africa
Funded by ASM this award offers a maximum of one fellowship to a promising young investigator in Africa who is within five years of obtaining, or in the process of obtaining, his/her Masters, PhD, or other equivalent academic degree, and who is working in any of the microbiology disciplines, to visit a host scientist in the US. The International Fellowship for Africa will award a maximum grant of $5,500. The award is not intended to provide travel to obtain a degree at the host institution.

ASM International Fellowship for Latin America and the Caribbean
Funded by ASM this award offers fellowships to promising young investigators in South and Central America and the Caribbean who are within five years of obtaining, or are in the process of obtaining, their Masters, PhD, or other equivalent academic degree, and who are working in any of the microbiology disciplines, to visit a host scientist in the US. The international Fellowship for Latin Ameriica will award a maximum grant of $4,000. The award is not intended to provide travel to obtain a degree at the host institution.

The ASM-PAHO Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Surveillance Fellowship
Funded by the Pan American Health Organization and ASM, this award offers fellowships to young scientists from Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, or Peru, who have obtained their Masters, PhD, or other equivalent academic degree, and who have at least five years of laboratory experience in the area of antimicrobial resistance, to visit a host scientist in the US. The ASM-PAHO Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Surveillance Fellowship will award a maximum grant of $4,000. The award is not intended to provide travel to obtain a degree at the host institution. Funding
The International Fellowship Program provides funding to meet the costs of a visit to one institution for between 6 weeks to 6 months.

ASM International Fellowship for Africa ONLY:

Each award provides up to $5,500.

ASM International Fellowship for Asia ONLY:
Each award provides up to $5,500.

ASM International Fellowship for Latin America and ASM-PAHO Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Surveillance Fellowship ONLY: Each award provides up to $4,000.

Eligibility
The application must be made jointly between a host institution and the visiting fellow.
The Investigator must be:

* A member of ASM or any other national microbiological society
* Actively involved in research in the microbiological sciences
* Have obtained, or be in the process of obtaining, their masters, PhD, or other equivalent academic degree within the last five years
* A national of a resource-limited Africa, Asian or Latin American country submitting the application from an institution in their home region. Investigators from developed nations, as defined by BOTH the UN high HDI group and the World Bank high income economy group, are ineligible. Investigators submitting an application from the US where they are spending a training period are ineligible.
* Sufficiently proficient in the use of the English language.

The Host Scientist must be:

* An ASM member
* Actively involved in research in the microbiological sciences in the U.S.
* Actively involved in teaching in the microbiological sciences in the U.S.
* Interested in sustaining international collaborations

Preference will be given to:

* Applicants who can prove three years of membership in ASM or any other national microbiological society, and
* Applicants who have not previously had the opportunity to travel to a facility in another country.

Application
The application should demonstrate to the Review Committee:

*Academic excellence of the applicant - Honors & Awards, CV, and Letters of Recommendation
* Depth of the applicant's research experience - Statement of prior Research Experience
*Quality and originality of work proposed during the Fellowship - Potential Collaboration and Proposed Research Plan
* Relevance of the work proposed to the applicant's locale - Potential Collaboration and Proposed Research Plan
* Excellence of the host, and the research and training environment

Application Deadlines for all Fellowship programs are:

* April 15 (for projects taking place between July and December)
* October 15 (for projects taking place between January and June

Application Submission
The application and all attachments and letters should be e-mailed to the ASM Office of International Affairs at international@asmusa.org on or before the appropriate deadline. Applications that arrive late, or remain incomplete by the application deadline will not be forwarded for review.

Originals of all signed forms and letters should be mailed to

Office of International Affairs
International Fellowship Program
American Society for Microbiology
1752 N Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20036-2804
USA

For more information about the ASM International Fellowship Program, contact the ASM Office of International Affairs at international@asmusa.org.

American Society for Microbiology International Fellowship Program

The ASM International Fellowship Program encourages research and training collaborations in the microbiological sciences internationally. The Program requires a joint application from two partners - the investigator and the hosting scientist.

* A minimum of six weeks is required for participation in the program. The applicant is allowed to extend his/her stay with the host scientist for up to a maximum of 6 months if other sources of support are available. Applicants who are seeking support to extend an already extended stay, or who are unwilling to return to their home country after 6 months sojourn, are discouraged.
* Preference will be given, in order of importance to

- Investigators who have not had the opportunity to travel outside of their own country.

- Investigators who can demonstrate three years of membership in ASM or any other national microbiology society.

- Applications that have additional sources of funding which would enable the applicants to maximize their collaborations.

The Fellowships

ASM International Fellowship for Asia
Funded by ASM this award offers a maximum of one fellowship to a promising young investigator in Asia who is within five years of obtaining, or in the process of obtaining, his/her Masters, PhD, or other equivalent academic degree, and who is working in any of the microbiology disciplines, to visit a host scientist in the US. The International Fellowship for Asia will award a maximum grant of $5,500. The award is not intended to provide travel to obtain a degree at the host institution.

ASM International Fellowship for Africa
Funded by ASM this award offers a maximum of one fellowship to a promising young investigator in Africa who is within five years of obtaining, or in the process of obtaining, his/her Masters, PhD, or other equivalent academic degree, and who is working in any of the microbiology disciplines, to visit a host scientist in the US. The International Fellowship for Africa will award a maximum grant of $5,500. The award is not intended to provide travel to obtain a degree at the host institution.

ASM International Fellowship for Latin America and the Caribbean
Funded by ASM this award offers fellowships to promising young investigators in South and Central America and the Caribbean who are within five years of obtaining, or are in the process of obtaining, their Masters, PhD, or other equivalent academic degree, and who are working in any of the microbiology disciplines, to visit a host scientist in the US. The international Fellowship for Latin Ameriica will award a maximum grant of $4,000. The award is not intended to provide travel to obtain a degree at the host institution.

The ASM-PAHO Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Surveillance Fellowship
Funded by the Pan American Health Organization and ASM, this award offers fellowships to young scientists from Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, or Peru, who have obtained their Masters, PhD, or other equivalent academic degree, and who have at least five years of laboratory experience in the area of antimicrobial resistance, to visit a host scientist in the US. The ASM-PAHO Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Surveillance Fellowship will award a maximum grant of $4,000. The award is not intended to provide travel to obtain a degree at the host institution. Funding
The International Fellowship Program provides funding to meet the costs of a visit to one institution for between 6 weeks to 6 months.

ASM International Fellowship for Africa ONLY:

Each award provides up to $5,500.

ASM International Fellowship for Asia ONLY:
Each award provides up to $5,500.

ASM International Fellowship for Latin America and ASM-PAHO Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Surveillance Fellowship ONLY: Each award provides up to $4,000.

Eligibility
The application must be made jointly between a host institution and the visiting fellow.
The Investigator must be:

* A member of ASM or any other national microbiological society
* Actively involved in research in the microbiological sciences
* Have obtained, or be in the process of obtaining, their masters, PhD, or other equivalent academic degree within the last five years
* A national of a resource-limited Africa, Asian or Latin American country submitting the application from an institution in their home region. Investigators from developed nations, as defined by BOTH the UN high HDI group and the World Bank high income economy group, are ineligible. Investigators submitting an application from the US where they are spending a training period are ineligible.
* Sufficiently proficient in the use of the English language.

The Host Scientist must be:

* An ASM member
* Actively involved in research in the microbiological sciences in the U.S.
* Actively involved in teaching in the microbiological sciences in the U.S.
* Interested in sustaining international collaborations

Preference will be given to:

* Applicants who can prove three years of membership in ASM or any other national microbiological society, and
* Applicants who have not previously had the opportunity to travel to a facility in another country.

Application
The application should demonstrate to the Review Committee:

*Academic excellence of the applicant - Honors & Awards, CV, and Letters of Recommendation
* Depth of the applicant's research experience - Statement of prior Research Experience
*Quality and originality of work proposed during the Fellowship - Potential Collaboration and Proposed Research Plan
* Relevance of the work proposed to the applicant's locale - Potential Collaboration and Proposed Research Plan
* Excellence of the host, and the research and training environment

Application Deadlines for all Fellowship programs are:

* April 15 (for projects taking place between July and December)
* October 15 (for projects taking place between January and June

Application Submission
The application and all attachments and letters should be e-mailed to the ASM Office of International Affairs at international@asmusa.org on or before the appropriate deadline. Applications that arrive late, or remain incomplete by the application deadline will not be forwarded for review.

Originals of all signed forms and letters should be mailed to

Office of International Affairs
International Fellowship Program
American Society for Microbiology
1752 N Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20036-2804
USA

For more information about the ASM International Fellowship Program, contact the ASM Office of International Affairs at international@asmusa.org.

American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Section on Tumors/BrainLAB International Research Fellowship

The AANS/CNS Section on Tumors is pleased to announce the establishment of a new international research fellowship program called Section on Tumors /BrainLAB International Research Fellowship.

This name recognizes the partnering of the Tumor Section with BrainLAB AG, who has generously provided the funding for this new fellowship program.

Purpose of Fellowship: To provide a program for neurosurgeons from outside the United States or Canada to perform clinical, translational or basic research in the field of neurosurgical oncology in a clinical and/or laboratory setting within the United States.

Eligibility: The fellowship is open to foreign neurosurgeons or graduating residents from outside the United States or Canada.

Stipend: $50,000 salary support & travel expenses for a period of one year

Important Dates:

* Annual application submission is November 17th
* The fellowship will be awarded on January 15th
* Commencement of the fellowship is July 1 of each year.

Application: The application includes a formal proposal (not to exceed 5 pages) that outlines the aims of the project, the background/rationale for the work, any preliminary results or supporting data for the project, and a detailed study design. The applicant must also submit a personal biographical sketch, a description of future academic plans, and a statement of why studying in the U.S.A. will be important for the completion of the work.

The Sponsoring Investigator of the accepting laboratory/program will be required to submit a letter in support of the applicant, verifying the investigator’s willingness to mentor the applicant and provide necessary space and supplies for the applicant during the project/study period. Two letters of recommendation are also required. Sponsor must be a member of the AANS/CNS Tumor Section.

Host institutions: The Tumor Section has established a list of investigators in the U.S.A. who are interested in sponsoring a foreign neurosurgeon:

Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Cleveland Clinic/Brain Tumor Institute-Center for Translational Therapeutics
Johns Hopkins
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Ohio State University
Penn State University
Stanford University Medical Center
UCLA Medical Center, David Gaffen School of Medicine
UCLA School of Medicine
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Chicago
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Foundation
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
University of Toronto

Review Process: Fellows will be chosen through a competitive application process open to all foreign neurosurgeons or graduating residents from outside the United States or Canada. A review committee, consisting of the chairman of the AANS/CNS Tumor Section and five others appointed by the chairman, will examine all submissions. Applications will be judged based on the novelty and scientific merit of the proposed study, the credentials of the applicant, and the support provided by the accepting program/laboratory.

Investigative Categories: Although the focus must be on neurosurgical oncology, all categories of investigative studies will be considered eligible for this fellowship, including (but not limited to) basic science, epidemiology, anatomic studies, preclinical or translational studies, and clinical trials. Areas of study may be within any subspecialty of neurosurgical oncology, including (but not limited to) primary brain tumors, metastatic brain tumors, spine and spinal cord tumors, peripheral nerve tumors, and skull base tumors. Preference will be given to proposals undertaking hypothesis-driven research.

Awarded Fellows: The winning fellow will be required to submit a written Mid-Year Progress Report and, at the completion of the project, a written Summary Report describing the results of the study. The applicant may also present an oral summary of the project at the AANS or CNS Annual Meeting upon completion of the fellowship.

It is hoped that this fellowship will become a source of education and collaboration between centers in the US and foreign countries. The Section on Tumors thanks all those who have worked so hard to make this fellowship possible. The Section is particularly grateful to BrainLAB AG who have provide the financial support for this program through an educational grant.

For more information please contact the Development Department of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) at 847-378-0500 or jaq@aans.org.

Systems Biology Approaches to Brain Tumor Research Research Grant

Deadline: December 17, 2010

Grant awards will range from $40k to $100k for the year depending upon the needs presented in the application. Funds may be used for travel, meetings and other appropriate expenses associated with non-laboratory planning requirements and collaborations, as well as for traditional (e.g. salary, etc.) appropriations.

National Brain Tumor Society seeks grant applications that embrace a systems biology approach for scientific research to benefit brain tumor patients.

Beyond the complication of the existence of a large number of types of brain tumors lies the dynamic biological complexity of tumors at a number of levels ranging from genomic, biochemical, cellular and micro-environmental. These levels of complexity characterize both differences between individual tumors of the same histopathological type as well as within and between the different cells that make up individual tumors. Much laboratory and clinical research, as well as standard of care therapy experience (surgery, radio- and chemotherapy), has demonstrated the enormous resilience of brain tumors such as glioblastoma (GBM) and their capacity to adapt to and overcome a variety of standard and experimental therapeutic approaches. Targeted therapies that hold the promise of being more effective than standard therapies have thus far been largely ineffective in trials that focus on single targets.

While it is generally accepted that combination therapies may be required, which combinations will be most effective is not known. Furthermore, the complexity of tumor signal transduction circuitry and adaptive alterations, heterogeneity of cells within tumors, and their enhanced mutational rate coupled with extreme cellular phenotypic plasticity makes these types of tumors dynamic moving targets even for combination therapies.

The tenet of modern approaches to cancer research involves the identification and validation of new targets, and the subsequent identification of therapeutic agents directed against those targets. For tumors such as GBM, a number of targets have been identified presenting a sizeable number of therapeutic combinations to be evaluated in clinical trials. While the identification of more new targets may be valuable, and the “rational” evaluation of therapeutics directed against targets based on current knowledge is valuable, the field has reached a tipping point. In thinking of future therapies, it will be necessary to move away from treatment modalities intended to alter a target(s) without taking into account the adaptive response of targeted cells or other nontargeted cells. Research needs to go beyond looking at targets in isolation and needs to addresses a higher-level biological order presented by tumor complexity, adaptability and the emergence of a complex adaptive system. National Brain Tumor Society seeks to do just that, to encourage systems biology research approaches through this RFA.

For more information on this viewpoint on the support of systems biology brain tumor please read the NBTS perspective paper at: www.braintumor.org/Perspectives.

SYSTEM BIOLOGY AND BRAIN TUMOR RESEARCH:
Systems biology research involves the evaluation of complex biological systems as a whole, comprised of interconnecting networks of multiple layers of component systems.

Understanding the higher-level properties of brain tumors as interactive complex biological systems rather than collections of individual component parts (e.g. genes, proteins, etc.) or immediate interactive component partners offers the promise of finding therapeutic approaches that include effective ways to prevent compensatory and adaptive tumor mechanisms that allow for their development of resistance and for their recurrence.

Systems biology is frequently described as a field at the intersection of biology, applied mathematics, engineering and the physical sciences. A brain tumor systems biology research program that incorporates all of these components might be considered a “top down” program due to the nature of its inclusive approach. These are exemplified by programs in the comprehensive genomic/molecular profiling of GBMs, and the characterization of individual cells of single brain tumors using nanotechnology and microfluidics. These types of typically large research programs are important for the progression of the field and need to be encouraged.

It is the goal of NBTS to encourage research programs that although they may be less expansive, they incorporate the essence of a systems biology perspective. The essential core of this perspective is that to understand the biological complexity of brain tumors in order to find approaches that tumors cannot survive or adapt to, it is critical to know the broader biological consequences, interconnections and interactions that result from the inhibition of any particular target or targets. The broader therapeutic consequences of targeting a particular pathway cannot be understood by only studying the effect that has occurred on the intended target, but rather the effect on the entire system and how it seeks homeostasis has to be evaluated. Such a strategy that emanates from the study of even a single target might be thought of as a “bottom up” systems biology research approach.

NBTS RESEARCH GRANTS IN BRAIN TUMOR SYSTEMS BIOLOGY:
National Brain Tumor Society believes in the potential positive impact of brain tumor research that embraces a systems biology perspective at all levels, from a bottom up approach to a top down approach. NBTS looks to encourage a systems biology perspective in any area of brain tumor research ranging from signal transduction to immunotherapeutics to mathematical algorithms for high throughput testing of therapeutic hypotheses.

NBTS recognizes the challenges in developing creative and innovative research programs from this perspective, particularly for the bottom up approach. As such, NBTS will employ a two-stage grant process.

The ultimate goal at the end of the two-stage process is the development of testable therapeutic approaches in brain tumor patients that takes into account the various levels of tumor complexity and that has the potential to eradicate or manage brain tumors in a way that prevents them from utilizing adaptive mechanisms that enable them to survive and/or recur.

The purpose of large multi-year Stage 2 Advanced grants is to support the research required to understand areas of research from a systems biology perspective and to apply that understanding into the development of an actionable translational plan.

The purpose of the smaller one-year Stage 1 Standard grants is to provide the time and support required to effectively develop a comprehensive strategy and team for Stage 2 research. Stage 1 grants are intended to support the feasibility/planning studies needed to develop that strategy. As such, Stage 1 applications should envision and describe an overview of what Stage 2 research would look like and articulate the roadmap and plans for getting there.

Proposed studies that would result in the accumulation of larger sets of data (e.g. –omic analyses) without  etermining an understanding of biological context and effects will not be considered for support.

Eligibility for applying for a Stage 2 grant is contingent on going through the Stage 1 process. NBTS looks to award from seven to ten Stage 1 grants to high quality applications and about three Stage 2 grants.

Stage 1:
NBTS seeks creative systems biology feasibility/planning study grant applications. These Standard Grants will be awarded for 1 year of study/planning.

During this stage support will be provided for either (1) laboratory research that establishes the basis of a larger systems biology brain tumor research program (potentially funded in stage two); and/or (2) the development of a research plan that transforms your particular area of research into a systems biology research approach that incorporates a broader biological context and that will serve as the basis of a larger research program (potentially funded in stage two). Laboratory research is not required for the planning studies. It is the goal of NBTS to fund both types of feasibility/planning studies in this stage. The expected deliverable of both feasibility/planning types of study is a detailed research proposal for the stage two grant applications.

For either type of project, applications should clearly describe the plans and timeline for accomplishing the goals of year one studies. Collaboration in creative and innovative ways and/or with partners not traditionally considered is highly encouraged. Plans for creating integrated teams of collaborators should be described.

Keeping in mind that the intent of Stage 2 research is translational application, specific plans for incorporating that translational goal should be built into Stage 1 studies and application, such as the inclusion of clinical scientist(s) into the research team.

A description for your plan for bioinformatics analyses (e.g. the right analytical tools and bioinformatics experts) should be included as needed.

Grant awards will range from $40k to $100k for the year depending upon the needs presented in the application. Funds may be used for travel, meetings and other appropriate expenses associated with non-laboratory planning requirements and collaborations, as well as for traditional (e.g. salary, etc.) appropriations.

Stage 2:
This research grant application stage will be built upon the first year Stage 1 grants. These grants will be awarded for 3 years at a level of $500k/year or greater. Only projects supported in Stage 1 will be considered for funding in Stage 2.

Both “top down” and “bottom up” brain tumor systems biology research will be considered for funding. This applies to any area of brain tumor research. The goal is the identification and development of effective interventional approaches based upon an understanding of the broader biological interconnections and complexities that characterize brain tumors.

The expected deliverable at the end of the 3 years is the elucidation and description of an implementable plan for translation of research into a therapeutic approach and clinical trial. Details about the application for Stage 2 grants will be issued at a later date.

National Brain Tumor Society

East Coast Office
124 Watertown Street, Suite 2D
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617 924 9997
Fax: 617 924 9998

West Coast Office
22 Battery Street, Suite 612
San Francisco, CA 94111-5520
Phone: 415 834 9970
Fax: 415 834 9980

Society for Neuro-Oncology International Outreach Research Fellowship

Supported by the American Brain Tumor Association and EMD Serono

Purpose
With generous support from the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) and EMD Serono, the Society for Neuro-Oncology has established a $50,000 International Outreach Research Fellowship. The purpose of this one-year fellowship is to provide a program for professionals from outside North America to perform clinical, translational or basic research in the area of pediatric or adult neuro-oncology in a clinical and/or laboratory setting in the United States or Canada. One fellowship award was made in 2009, and SNO is now accepting applications for the 2010 Fellowship.

Eligibility
The fellowship is open to post graduate medical professionals working in the following areas: neurosurgery, neurology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, pathology, radiology, neuropsychology, allied health or basic science at the post-doctoral level. The applicant must be living outside of North America when the application is submitted and must not be a citizen of the United States or Canada. The applicant must be from an emerging or developing nation as classified by the International Monetary Fund.

Investigative Categories
All categories of investigative studies will be considered eligible for this fellowship, including (but not limited to) basic science, epidemiology, anatomic studies, preclinical or translational studies, and clinical trials. Areas of study may be within any subspecialty of neuro-oncology, including (but not limited to) primary brain tumors, metastatic brain tumors, spine and spinal cord tumors, peripheral nerve tumors, and skull base tumors. The awarded Fellow will not provide any direct patient care, and contact with patients will be limited to an observational basis only.

Award
SNO will provide the host institution with $50,000 in salary support and travel expenses for a one-year period. Institutional overhead and indirect costs are not provided with the award.

Host Institutions
The Society for Neuro-Oncology has established a list of host institutions in North America who are interested in hosting the SNO International Outreach Research Fellow. This list is posted on the SNO website.

Application Process and Review
The application process consists of the following elements:

1. Fellowship Application & Biographical Data
The application includes a formal proposal that outlines the aims of the project, the background/rationale for the work, any preliminary results or supporting data for the project, and a detailed study design. The applicant must also submit a personal biographical sketch, a description of future academic plans, and a statement of why studying in North America will be important for the completion of the work.

2. Letters from Home Institutions

* Letter of reference from your current department chair (or institutional supervisor) outlining what skills are lacking in the area, and how the knowledge gained from the Fellowship will make a positive impact in the department and the region upon your return home.
* Letter of reference from a mentor or independent professional who is familiar with your work in the field of neuro-oncology.

3. Host Letter of Support
The applicant must also include a letter of support from one of the participating host institutions.

4. Review Process
A SNO review committee will examine all submissions. The fellowship will be awarded based on the novelty and scientific merit of the proposed study and the credentials of the applicant.

Awarded Fellows
At the completion of the project, the winning fellow will be required to submit a written Summary Report describing the results of the study. The applicant may also present an oral summary of the project at the Society for Neuro-Oncology Annual Meeting.

Important Dates
Call for Applications: June 23, 2010
Application Deadline: October 18, 2010
Application Awarded: December 1, 2010
Fellowship Commencement: July 1, 2011

Society for Neuro-Oncology
4617 Birch Street
Bellaire, TX 77401-5509