DoW, Ovarian Cancer, Ovarian Cancer Academy – Early-Career Investigator Award

Background
The Ovarian Cancer Academy (OCA) was established in FY09 by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) under the Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP). Its mission is to foster innovative and impactful research in ovarian cancer while nurturing early-career researchers through mentoring, networking, and collaborative opportunities.

The OCA-ECI Award is designed for Early-Career Investigators (ECIs) to engage in ovarian cancer research and develop their careers in a supportive environment.

Grant Details
The OCA-ECI Award provides funding for ECIs to conduct research that may involve basic, translational, or clinical studies related to ovarian cancer. Key requirements include participation in monthly webinars and annual workshops, collaboration with mentors, and a commitment to developing a career in ovarian cancer research.

The award supports up to $1.125 million over a maximum period of four years. Direct costs can cover mentor salary support, travel for collaborations, and costs associated with virtual participation in the OCA.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S. Department of War organizations, both domestic and foreign, as well as for-profit and nonprofit entities. Principal Investigators must be within five years of their last postdoctoral position or clinical fellowship and cannot hold concurrent career development awards.

They must commit approximately 50% protected time for research activities related to ovarian cancer.

Period of Performance
The maximum period of performance for the award is four years, with funding anticipated from FY26 funds that will expire on September 30, 2032.

Grant Value
The total funding available for this opportunity is approximately $4.5 million, with individual awards capped at $1.125 million.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed at eligible organizations across the United States and potentially internationally.