We are pleased to launch another round of funding applications tosupport gynecologic cancer research. The Carraresi, Sumiko Kobayashi Marks Memorial and Division of Gynaecologic Oncology Research Awards have been combined and launched as one competition.

The suggested application budget for each grant is $20,000; application budget requests beyond $20,000 will be accepted but must reflect the actual needs of the proposed project. These grants are designed to support early to mid-career researchers, provide constructive feedback on projects with rapid turn-around, and provide funding support for proposals that may not be eligible to receive funding at the national level.

Examples of research projects eligible for funding in this competition include but are not limited to:-

• Clinical projects without a basic science component
• Projects for which there is a hypothesis but no preliminary data
• Smaller circumscribed projects that are self-limited and cannot be expanded into a 3+ year CIHR-type proposal

Preference will be given to projects that have the potential to become larger externally-funded projects; however, funding is also intended to support those projects that will provide a definitive answer, without the potential to directly lead to larger follow-up studies.

Preference for the Sumiko Kobayashi Marks Memorial award will be given to proposals focused on the lower genital tract.

The total amount available for this funding opportunity is $100,000, enough to fund approximately five (5) grants. The grant term is up to 2 years and is not renewable.

This small grant is open to all OVCARE, Division of Gynaecologic Oncology, Provincial Gyne-Tumour Group and Gynecologic Cancer Initiative members. Preference will be given to new faculty members (<5 years from first appointment). Research associates, staff scientists, fellows (post-doctoral or clinical), and residents are also encouraged to apply with an appropriate, designated faculty supervisor who is eligible to hold research funds. Investigators who have received peer-reviewed,operating grant-like funding at the national level or manage core facilities will not be eligible to apply for these funds, except as a designated faculty supervisor (wherein funds are intended to support a designated trainee’s research activities) as the goal of this grant competition is to expand the participation in research and support the research aspirations of all members of the gynecologic cancer research community.

A peer review committee will evaluate proposals based on: 1) Alignment with program priorities, 2) Significance, 3) Experimental Approach, 4) Feasibility, and 5) Research Team and Environment as outlined below:

Alignment with Program Priorities (20 points)

The proposed study either: 1) has the potential to evolve into a larger externally-funded project OR 2) will itself provide a definitive answer to am important question related to gynecologic cancers.

Project is led by and early or mid-career researcher. Preference is given to faculty members within 5 years of their first appointment, as well as research associates, staff scientists, fellows (post-doctoral or clinical), and residents.

Proposed work will foster the growth and career development of early-career researchers and/or other trainees through mentorship provided, research environment, etc.

Significance (15 points)

Extent to which anticipated outcomes from the proposed study, either in short-term or long-term, will advance the field of gynecologic cancer research and/pr patient care/outcomes.

Experimental Approach (40 points)

The rationale for the proposed study is clearly described and based on a logical integration of concepts.

The proposed methods and analysis are appropriate to address the research question(s).

Anticipated results and/or deliverables are clearly described and align with the stated aims.

Feasibility (15 points)

The proposed study identifies potential challenges and describes appropriate mitigation strategies

Budget and timelines are appropriate, feasible and clearly laid out.

Research Team and Environment (10 points)

The research team demonstrated the combined expertise and experience needed to execute the project.

The relevant facilities, infrastructure, and resources are available to carry out the proposed work.

Successful applicants will provide an update after 12 months of receiving the funding and at the end of the project. Funding recipients are asked to acknowledge the support provided by the Carraresi Foundation or Sumiko Kobayashi Marks Memorial Fund through the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, or the Division of Gynaecologic Oncology, in any communication or publication related to the project. Any funds left unspent after 2 years from the start of the grant are to be returned.

The application process for this funding opportunity is comprised of two steps: Registration and Full Application. Registration is a non-competitive but mandatory step that will help identify reviewers with appropriate expertise to evaluate your application.

Complete the registration form on the GCI/OVCARE electronic portal by 11:59pm on April 30, 2025 including the following:

1. Name and contact information. If a trainee is applying with a designated faculty supervisor, please provide the name and contact information of both the trainee and supervisor.
2. Names of all other co-applicants, if applicable
3. Title of Project
4. A 3-5 sentence summary of proposal
5. Up to 10 keywords (optional)

No signature package is required at the registration stage. Applicants will receive an email on May 1, 2025 confirming receipt of their registration.

Only those who registered are eligible to submit a full application. Full applications must be submitted as a single PDF document to the electronic portal. The deadline for full application submission is 11:59pm on June 10, 2024, and must include the following details:

1. Title of project

2. List of Investigators: Provide contact details (title, affiliation, email, phone) for the principle applicant and co-applicants. Note: If a trainee is applying with a designated faculty supervisor, please list the supervisor as “Designated Supervisor/Principle Applicant” and list the trainee as “Trainee/Co-Applicant”.

3. Lay Summary: A public (non-scientific) summary which can be easily understood by individuals without biomedical research expertise. Max 250 words4. Scientific Proposal: Describe the proposed research project in a maximum of 4 pages including data figures/tables/charts. Use Times New Roman 12-point font, single line spacing, and normal/standard character spacing. Page size no larger than 8.5 inches x 11.0 inches. Margins at least 0.5 inches in all directions. The following elements should be included:

• Background
• Hypothesis
• Objectives/specific aims
• Preliminary data, if available
• Methods
• Anticipated results and outcomes
• Significance of the research

5. References: References may be submitted in any format. No page limit.

6. Detailed Budget: Salary support for applicant is not an eligible expense.

7. Curriculum Vitae: CVs of principal and co-applicants; Canadian Common CV (CCV) or UBC format or NIH biosketch

8. Publications: Up to 2 publications from the past five years relevant to this proposal

Step 2 – Full Application 

Only those who registered are eligible to submit a full application. Full applications must be submitted as a single PDF document to the electronic portal. The deadline for full application submission is 11:59pm on June 1, 2025 and must include the following details:

1. Title of project
2. List of Investigators: Provide contact details (title, affiliation, email, phone) for the principal applicant and co-applicants. Note: If a trainee is applying with a designated faculty supervisor, please list the supervisor as “Designated Supervisor/Principal Applicant” and list the trainee as “Trainee/Co-Applicant”.
3. Lay Summary: A public (non-scientific) summary which can be easily understood by individuals without biomedical research expertise. Max 250 words
4. Scientific Proposal: Describe the proposed research project in a maximum of 4 pages including data figures/tables/charts. Use Times New Roman 12-point font, single line spacing, and normal/standard character spacing. Page size no larger than 8.5 inches x 11.0 inches. Margins at least 0.5 inches in all directions. The following elements should be included:
5. Background
6. Hypothesis
7. Objectives/specific aims
8. Preliminary data, if available
9. Methods
10. Anticipated results and outcomes
11. Significance of the research
12. Supplementary Materials (Optional): Up to 3 pages of supplemental, non-data schematics/flow diagrams, surveys, or questionnaires. Additional pages may not be used to include extra data or extend the length of the proposal beyond the 4-page limit.
13. References: References may be submitted in any format. No page limit.
14. Budget Justification: A budget justification related to the direct cost of supplies and salary expenses associated with study. Indirect costs such as rent of office premises and other related overhead, capital expenses including computer and office equipment, and salary support for principal investigator or co-investigators (aside from trainees) are ineligible expenses. The budget requested should not overlap with any existing funding support. Max 1 page
15. Letter(s) of support (if applicable)
16. Curriculum Vitae: CVs of principal investigators and co-investigators; any format
17. Publications: Up to 2 publications from the past five years relevant to this proposal

IMPORTANT: All applications for this competition will require a signature package to be submitted through the appropriate institutional body prior to the submission deadline. Please review the  FAQ section for signature package submission guidelines.

For questions about this funding opportunity or the application process, contact Vivian Lac ( vlac@bccrc.ca). Applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of their application on June 2, 2025 .