Developmental Research Program

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DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH PROGRAM (DRP) SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The objective of the Developmental Research Program (DRP) of this SPORE planning study is to support the development and successful completion of innovative, high-risk/high-reward pilot projects that aim to understand or reduce outcome ethnicity-based disparities in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This program will be co-led by Dr. Maria Monica Gramatges, a physician scientist, and Dr. Philip Lupo, a molecular epidemiologist. Drs. Gramatges and Lupo each have strong track records in translational research investigating genetic and molecular predictors of treatment-related toxicities in childhood cancer. Their complementary disciplines and history of collaboration evidence a strong commitment of the DRP to supporting multidisciplinary research. DRP-supported projects may be clinical or translational, but must address ethnic disparities in ALL treatment-related toxicities (acute or late onset). Eligibility to apply for a DRP Pilot Grant will extend to any faculty member of an institution participating in this application. Proposals will be scored using the NIH 9 point system, and selection for funding will be jointly determined by the DRP Committee. Membership to the DRP Committee will be distributed equally across all participating sites to ensure equity and transparency in award distribution, and will include faculty with expertise in clinical and translational research and who have a strong track record of participation in grant peer review. Criteria for funding will be work with strong scientific merit that is perceived as high-risk/high-impact in the above listed areas of concentration. Proposals representing collaborations between participating institutions will also be prioritized, as will proposals from junior faculty and new investigators (those with no prior independent federal funding) and those considered likely to result in future independent funding. All Pilot Grants will be awarded for one year, with an opportunity for a one-time, one-year renewal at the end of the first year. In addition to grant review and selection, the DRP Committee will be responsible for monitoring and oversight of funded projects via regular review of progress and final reports. The DRP's core mission is to provide grant awardees with 1) funding support, 2) access to core facilities, and 3) mentorship during the award period. A total of $75,000 will be budgeted to support funding of three Pilot Awards in Year 1 at $25,000 per award, and $90,000 per year in each subsequent year to support funding two Pilot Awards per year plus two renewals at $20,000 per renewal. All Pilot Grant PI's will be provided with access to the designated Cores with no associated cost, and will be required to use at least one Core. The DRP Committee will assign each funded project an Advisory Committee with relevant expertise, who will provide mentorship and guidance that is specific to each project. A key role of the Advisory Committee, together with the DRP Committee, will be to facilitate the transition/development of Pilot Grant data to work that is independently funded, with potential inclusion in a future P50 application.