Pilot Awards For Cancer and Population Health

The MetroHealth Center of Cancer Research and the MetroHealth Population Health and Equity Research Institute seek innovative pilot projects to enhance cancer population health and equity research.

Funding Opportunity Purpose

This pilot project aims to fund investigators with a high capacity to study cancer population health strategies. Topics of cancer population health research include but are not limited to the following:

• Understanding cancer epidemiology	• Identifying factors contributing to cancer prevention and control
• Developing and testing interventions tailored to subpopulations	• Implementation and dissemination of evidence-based best practices
• Advancing cancer health equity

For a list of possible project areas, please see page 3 of this RFA.

The pilot funding grant seeks to advance our understanding of the intersection between cancer care and population health, paving the way for informed strategies that can enhance both cancer outcomes and the overall well-being of communities. Priority will be given to applications which partner with community organizations, align with MetroHealth priorities, and collaborate across centers or departments.

Expectations

Presentations at two seminars, including either RIPS (Research in Progress Seminars, Tuesdays) or PHERI (Fridays); once for early feedback of the project proposal and once to disseminate findings
Progress reporting at 6 (midpoint) and 12 months (final) – addressing progress relative to planned milestones, any challenges or barriers that have/need addressed
Evaluation of the program (final)
We expect that all pilot awardees will publish in a peer reviewed journal and that there will be future submission of grants related to the pilot work

Eligibility

This award is available to MetroHealth faculty and postdocs.
Fellows may apply if they are planning to stay at MetroHealth over the next two years and are pursuing a research career.

All applicants are highly encouraged to meet with one of the program leads within the cancer center & PHERI prior to submitting an application.

Updated information can be found on the Cancer Institute or the PHERI web pages.

Funding

Requests may be made for up to $50,000 in total costs paid over 1 year.	The budget may include up to 10% salary support for the investigator.
We anticipate funding one pilot project in Year 1 and will reassess each year.	All submissions will be reviewed and scored by a scientific review committee.

Key Dates

RFA Release	September 25, 2023
Technical Assistance	TBA – Early October
Application Due Date	December 29, 2023
Scientific Merit Review Date	Early February, 2024
Earliest Project Start Date	April 1, 2024

Submission of Application

All applications should be submitted and received by 11:59PM EST by December 29, 2023 via the InfoReady System: https://cwru.infoready4.com “Pilot Awards for Cancer and Population Health”

Applicants must show proof of submission to their local IRB for their application to be considered. IRB approval is not required at the time of pilot application submission.

Applications

Applications should include the following:

Abstract (no more than 400 words)	Specific aims (not more than 1 page)
Background, significance, innovation, and methods (3-6 pages)	Plans to use for future grants and publications (not more than 1 page)
References	Biosketch of investigator(s)
Budget and budget justification for funding not to exceed $50,000 (total)	Letters of support must include a letter from department chair allowing for 10% effort
Additional funding for the proposed project, if available	Proof of submission to local IRB

For additional information contact:

Email: Brian Kovach or Angela Tagliaferri

We will host one technical assistance sessions this fall to review the pilot project details and allow for questions about the process, InfoReady system, and scope of the pilot. Please look for announcements on the Cancer Institute or the PHERI websites.

Possible Pilot Project Objectives

1. Identify Disparities: Analyze the disparities in cancer incidence, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes across different demographic groups within a specific population.

2. Assess Risk Factors: Examine the key environmental, social, and lifestyle factors that contribute to the prevalence of cancer within the chosen population.

3. Evaluate Interventions: Investigate the effectiveness of various interventions, including early detection programs, access to healthcare services, and community education, in improving cancer care and population health.

4. Data Integration: Develop a framework to integrate data from healthcare systems, population health databases, and cancer registries to gain a comprehensive understanding of the connections between cancer care and broader health indicators.

5. Health Economics: Assess the economic impact of cancer care on the population, considering direct medical costs, indirect costs due to lost productivity, and the potential financial burden on families.

6. Patient-Centered Approaches: Explore patient experiences and preferences related to cancer care, focusing on how these factors intersect with population health dynamics.

7. Policy Recommendations: Formulate evidence-based policy recommendations that address gaps in cancer care, enhance access to treatment, and promote healthier lifestyles to prevent cancer within the target population.

8. Collaboration: Foster collaboration between healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, and community stakeholders to ensure the findings are practical and applicable to real-world scenarios.

9. Long-Term Impact: Gauge the long-term impact of improved cancer care on population health indicators, such as disease prevalence, mortality rates, and overall quality of life.

10. Dissemination: Disseminate research findings through publications, conferences, and community engagement initiatives to raise awareness and encourage further research and action in the field.

***Please note, projects are not limited to those listed above