The scientific objective of the Basser Center for BRCA includes the funding of cutting-edge cancer research projects related to BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations ranging from basic science to clinical and translational research with an emphasis on collaborative projects shared between groups of scientists including those focused on cancer interception.
2025 External Research Grant Program Request for Applications
The Basser Center for BRCA at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center announces the Basser External Research Grant Program, which focuses on projects that have the potential to advance the care of individuals living with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Research grant applications in basic science, prevention, disease interception, and early detection and relevant to the study of BRCA1 or BRCA2 will be considered. The Basser Cancer Interception Institute focuses on funding new endeavors in emerging, orthogonal fields beyond DNA damage (e.g. mechanisms of haploinsufficiency, cancer evolution and tissue tropism). Submission by early stage investigators is encouraged. This funding mechanism is not intended for Faculty at the University of Pennsylvania.
The current RFA welcomes submissions that are applicable to any of the topics listed above but grants focusing on cancer interception will receive priority. Grants that demonstrate a potential for translation into clinical practice will be prioritized for funding.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 11:00 PM ET ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2025.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION PORTAL
Funding
Basser Innovation Award:
- One-year projects, up to $100,000 will be awarded. Six-month progress updates are required. A three-month notice of termination will be given if lack of progress is demonstrated. Final reports are required.
Principal Investigator Eligibility
- All full-time faculty are eligible to apply to the Basser External Research Grant Program. The proposed research cannot be funded through an existing or prior peer-reviewed national research grant (e.g., NIH, ACS, DOD or other equivalent funding sources).
- Non-faculty (e.g., residents, fellows) are not eligible. Faculty at the University of Pennsylvania are not eligible.
- International applications are welcomed.
Application Submission Guidelines
Instructions:
- Applications must be prepared using standard word processing software, following the instructions below, and combining all sections into one single PDF for upload/submission.
- Only one application will be accepted per investigator. Investigators may not be Co-PI on more than one application.
- Applications must be submitted through the online portal.
- Under the “Basic Info” tab, please provide the information requested. Standard NIH formatted Biosketches are sufficient.
- Please provide the name of your Co-PI(s), if applicable.
- EACH PI NEEDS TO BE REGISTERED IN THE ONLINE SUBMISSION SYSTEM, OR YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ENTER THEM INTO THE DATA FIELD.
- Under the “Documents” tab, please upload your Research Proposal as one single PDF file.
- Applications must include:
- Required authorized signatures (instructions provided below)
- Cover Page; include the following information:
- Full name(s) and full contact information of PI(s)
- Project title
- Research category of proposal (e.g., Basic/Lab Science; Interception; Early Detection; Translational; Clinical)
- Abstract of ~300 words
- Specific aims, not to exceed one page
- Significance*
- Background*
- Research Plan*
- References
- Budget with justification (no specific format required)
- Facilities/Resources, not to exceed one page
- Data sharing plan
- Formatting requirements: Arial 11 font, single spaced, no less than ½ inch margins all around.
- Page numbering is recommended, and should use sequential numbers, e.g., do not use 2a and 2b, etc.
- Supplemental/Appendix material is limited to letters of support/collaboration and PDFs of papers in press and not yet publicly available. Any other additional material will be discarded.
*Note: Significance, Background and Research Plan must not exceed five total pages for the Basser Innovation Award.
The deadline for applications is by 11:00 pm ET on Monday, February 10, 2025.
Preparation of Budgets
No specific budget format is required, but be sure to include adequate details and corresponding justification.
Administration of Awards
Awards will be administered through the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania. Total award amounts listed above may include up to 10% indirect costs.
Grant contract agreements will require sharing of any income resulting from the licensing of any invention(s) resulting from the work supported by these grants. The sharing of income will be proportional to the level of financial support provided by the Basser Center to the work that resulted in the licensed invention(s), and any income received will be re-invested in the Basser Center and related cancer research at Penn.
Application Review and Notification
Applications are required to be submitted by 11:00 pm ET on February 10, 2025.
All applications will be reviewed by a Scientific Review Committee and successful applicants will be announced in May 2025. Funding will have a start date of July 1, 2025.
Contact
For questions relating to this RFA, please contact Cecilia Scavelli, Associate Director for Research Administration of the University of Pennsylvania's Abramson Cancer Center by filling out the information below.