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2024 Aging & Cancer Research RFA from SWCRF & The Mark Foundation

General Information

Description

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) and The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research have issued a joint Request for Applications (RFA) for collaborative projects focusing on Aging and Cancer. This initiative aims to support innovative research that explores the intersection of aging and cancer, addressing the rising incidence of cancer due to aging.

Limitation

Schools may submit one (1) application(s) for Penn’s internal competition.

Eligibility

  • Collaborative Projects: Collaborative Projects: Proposals must involve teams of two principal investigators from different institutions, each bringing complementary expertise.
  • Justification of Partnership: The partnership must be justified through synergistic scientific aims
  • Research Focus: Potential research topics include senolytics, anti-inflammatory agents, the impact of the aged microenvironment on the immune system and tumor progression, biomarkers for aging and cancer risk, and approaches to limit therapy-associated cancer in older individuals
  • For any sponsored research projects, the applicant must be eligible to serve as Principal Investigator for the project, unless otherwise noted in the LSO. Please see Penn’s PI Eligibility requirements to ensure you are eligible. 

The application process involves a two-stage review, starting with a letter of intent followed by a full application for selected proposals.

Award Information

  • A total research award of $500,000 over three (3) years.
  • In years 1 & 2 $100,000 will be distributed to each principal investigator (PI). 
  • In year 3, $50,000 will be distributed to each principal investigator, which may include indirect costs up to 10% of direct costs).

Limited Submission Opportunities Protocol 

What is a Limited Submission Opportunity? When a funding agency or foundation limits the number of applications Penn can submit, the OVPR manages a two-part internal review process to select the proposal that advances to the funder. 

What is the Review Process for Limited Submissions? The selection process begins at the school level, where candidates are vetted to choose a finalist for the OVPR round. Applicants must follow their home school’s deadlines and submission instructions, and get approval from their research dean’s office before submitting proposals. A committee of reviewers then recommends candidates to the Senior Vice Provost, who selects the final nominee. 

Where do I find out about limited submission opportunities on the OVPR website? The newly designed website lists LSOs. Use the filters on the left to refine your search. Opportunities are listed in summary form. Click on the title of an opportunity to see the full details. 

How do I apply? When the full detail page for the opportunity is open, click the “APPLY HERE” button at the bottom right of the screen. This starts your application process using InfoReady. Log in with your PennKey credentials. After you submit your application, InfoReady processes it for the first round of review. If selected as the Penn nominee, you will be notified directly and will begin the submission process to the funder with the Office of Research Services and PennERA.