Developmental Research Program

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT – Developmental Research Program (DRP) The goal of the UCLA SPORE in Brain Cancer Developmental Research Program (DRP) is to foster the exploration of innovative research ideas through the funding of pilot developmental research projects in the field of brain cancer. This program identifies new, innovative projects for funding that will constantly renew the vigor of our Brain SPORE research portfolio and add to, augment, or replace current major research projects. The DRP serves as a source of pilot funding and a timely mechanism to expand discovery within the SPORE. Each year, 2 – 3 highly innovative proposals are selected for funding at $50,000 - $75,000 each. Prospective developmental research projects are solicited through a request for applications (RFA) sent throughout the UCLA main campus and affiliated institutions via institution-wide and region-wide channels through the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSOM), the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), and the Brain Research Institute (BRI). Faculty at all levels are encouraged to apply, both those beginning a research career and established investigators who wish to re-direct their research into the field of brain cancer. This provides a broad base of applicants and new ideas, and allows funding opportunities for investigators from a variety of local and regional institutions. The DRP Selection Committee meets and selects the most meritorious translational brain cancer research applications, with input from outside ad hoc reviewers as necessary. Funding is made primarily for new and innovative ideas/projects, but also to initiate intra- and inter-SPORE collaborations. We anticipate funding of at least one underrepresented minority (URM) investigator's project per year in the next funding cycle, and have identified a pipeline of potential URM candidates. The DRP will receive supplemental funds from the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSOM) Dean's Office and the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), which will allow for rapid and nimble funding of important new initiatives within the scope of our overall SPORE research goals. The priority for funding will be those initiatives/projects considered of highest scientific merit and with translational potential and relevance to the overall mission of the UCLA Brain SPORE. Successful translational research projects may receive further funding in the SPORE and replace unproductive funded major projects. The anticipated outcome of the DRP is to enlarge the overall pool of brain cancer SPORE investigators at UCLA and to increase the diversity of our Brain Cancer SPORE research portfolio.