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

Background
The Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial Academy (OCCTA) was created in FY23 to support Early-Career Investigators (ECIs) in clinical trial research aimed at developing effective treatments and cures for ovarian cancer. The OCCTA provides professional and leadership development, intensive mentoring, national networking, collaborations, and a peer group for junior clinical trialists. The program is managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) under the Defense Health Agency, which aims to enhance the well-being of Service Members, Veterans, retirees, their family members, and all women impacted by ovarian cancer.

Grant Details
The OCCTA-ECI Award supports translational research and small-scale early-phase clinical trials in ovarian cancer. Preliminary data are required but do not need to be from the ovarian cancer field. ECIs must commit at least 25% effort to the award for the first two years. The Designated Mentor must be an established clinical trialist with a strong mentoring record. The funding opportunity expects to allocate approximately $4.2 million to fund about three applications with a total cost cap of $1.4 million per award over a maximum performance period of four years.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include extramural and intramural U.S. Department of War organizations, including foreign and domestic entities, for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Principal Investigators must be within 12 years of their last postdoctoral position or clinical fellowship at the time of application submission. A Statement of Eligibility is required with the full application.

Period of Performance
The maximum period of performance for this grant is four years.

Grant Value
The total value allocated for this grant opportunity is approximately $4.2 million, with individual awards capped at $1.4 million.