Developmental Research Program and Career Development Program in the Breast SPORE

Novel research is imperative in a field where the cure is yet to be found. Not only do new ideas emerge from the laboratory that need to be tested in a clinical setting, but in many instances, clinical practice results in findings that need to be further developed in the laboratory.

To facilitate this continuing circle of research activity, the Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer SPORE makes every effort to maximize the number of innovative and high-quality projects in the Developmental Research Program. The goal of this Program is to support innovative, scientifically sound research projects from which findings can be translated into clinically relevant applications that will impact diagnosis and management of breast cancer. Developmental Research awards are given for innovative translational laboratory, population, and clinical study proposals; that include interdisciplinary collaboration in translational research in breast cancer; and demonstrate the potential to generate new hypotheses that can be tested in larger-scale research projects or clinical trials that can impact breast cancer.

The availability of this support provides a stimulus for creativity in the research community, a vehicle for encouraging the interaction of basic scientists and translational investigators, and an opportunity for expanding the research spectrum of the SPORE by pursuing new leads based on discoveries and/or opportunities that arise.

Further opportunities are available for newer investigators or those considering career transition or expansion. The Career Development Program of the Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer SPORE is committed to identifying and mentoring junior faculty with the greatest potential of developing independent programs in translational breast cancer research.

To facilitate the career expansion of these investigators, the SPORE conducts a rigorous review process aimed at identifying the most talented and promising candidate followed by an intensive, rigorous and effective mentoring program. This mentoring is provided by a Multidisciplinary Mentoring Committee including all the expertise necessary to provide effective mentoring of the awardees.

The recipients of a Breast SPORE Career Development Award become active members of all appropriate activities of the Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer SPORE. The ultimate expectation is that they, through their research, develop sufficient preliminary data and a research plan to develop a competitive grant proposal and obtain extramural funding via a National Institutes of Health-level grant in breast cancer.

Developmental Awards