Career Development Program and Developmental Research Program in the Ovarian SPORE

Novel and important themes and observations both from clinical practice that requires laboratory investigation and from laboratory knowledge that requires clinical research are brought to the attention of the SPORE investigators and others at this institution. Critical review of SPORE projects, cores, developmental projects and mentorship of young investigators, both laboratory and clinical, also facilitate translational research at the Mayo Clinic.

Awardees for both developmental programs are anticipated in Fall 2009.

The purpose of the Career Development Program (led by Fergus Couch, Ph.D., and co-director William Cliby, M.D.) is to identify and mentor new and developing investigators in ovarian cancer who demonstrate clear potential to become independent translational researchers. These individuals are likely to be junior faculty but may also be experienced researchers who wish to re-focus their research trajectory in ovarian cancer. Eligible candidates will have primary appointments at any of the three Mayo Clinic campuses in Scottsdale, Ariz., Jacksonville, Fla., or Rochester, Minn. Career Development awardees will have priority access to Ovarian SPORE core resources.

Career Development awards are $100,000 for one year, with a second year possible with exceptional progress, continued translational trajectory, and a compelling reason for further support. Funds may be used for salary support, consumable supplies, attendance at one meeting annually, or laboratory technical assistants.

Awardees will be chosen based on the:

• Qualifications of the applicant with emphasis on prior productivity and potential for success as an independent translational researcher in ovarian cancer
• Significance, scientific merit and translational potential of the proposed research
• Value added to the Ovarian SPORE
• Qualifications and track record of the primary mentor

Successful applicants will be considered members of the Ovarian SPORE and attend Ovarian SPORE meetings. Their work will be reviewed through a written progress report and as a presentation at Mayo's Ovarian Annual Retreat.

The Developmental Research Program is an effort to encourage novel translational pilot projects in ovarian cancer research with potential to mature into full projects. Under the direction of Scott Kaufmann, M.D., Ph.D., the program provides awards to develop projects towards the goal of independent extramural funding or conversion to full SPORE project. Eligible candidates are those with staff positions at Mayo Clinic or the NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota. Senior fellows who will join the staff at their institution after their fellowship ends are eligible with the additional requirement of a mentor.

Developmental Research awards are $50,000 for one year, with a second year possible with exceptional progress, continued translational trajectory, and a compelling reason for further support. Four projects will be supported each year, with priority given to the most innovative pilot projects that can be applied to ovarian cancer. Projects are evaluated on their likelihood to have a significant impact on reducing ovarian cancer incidence and mortality or increasing and improving survival. Projects will be scored in the following categories:

• Significance of the problem being addressed
• Scientific merit
• Innovation and translational relevance
• Potential for advancement into a full project or external funding
• Qualifications of key personnel
• Evidence of interaction across disciplines (e.g. basic, population, and/or clinical investigators)
• Potential interactions with Cores or other Ovarian (or other disease site) SPORE projects

Successful applicants will be considered members of the Ovarian SPORE and will attend regularly scheduled Ovarian SPORE meetings. A progress report and a presentation at the Ovarian Annual Retreat will be required.