Applications for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and AACR 2010 Research Grants Program invited

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, in partnership with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), is now accepting applications for the 2010 Research Grants Program. This year's grants program will be administered through the AACR's rigorous peer-review system to ensure the highest quality science is supported. The grant terms will begin on July 1, 2010.

Nine grants through four grant mechanisms will be awarded in 2010, with a total funding level of nearly $2.3 million. This represents the largest annual dollar amount disbursed since the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network introduced the program in 2003, and reflects nearly a 90% increase in funding since last year. The goals of the grants program are to emphasize the urgent need to expedite scientific and medical breakthroughs that benefit patients, build a cadre of researchers dedicated to the field of pancreatic cancer research and encourage collaborations, information-sharing and innovation.

"Our research portfolio continues to grow strategically to meet the scientific needs and emerging developments in the pancreatic cancer community," stated Julie Fleshman, president and CEO. "Not only do we provide financial support for research, we offer a mentorship program to connect grantees with leading scientists in the field of pancreatic cancer research, and provide ongoing educational and informational resources, opportunities to strengthen professional involvements, and linkages with pancreatic cancer survivors and caregivers."

"Although we have made enormous advances in cancer research and treatment over the last three decades, we have not yet stemmed the tide of pancreatic cancer," said Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.), chief executive officer of the American Association for Cancer Research. "That is why these grants are so critical. The work of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has had an enormous impact on this field not only by funding high-quality research, but also by drawing attention to the importance of addressing this insidious disease that is on the rise in cancer incidence. The AACR is very proud of its scientific partnership with Pancreatic Cancer Action Network because our work together is advancing research that holds promise for successes in the clinic and for saving lives from pancreatic cancer."

The newly introduced Pathway to Leadership Grant is designed to build future leaders in the pancreatic cancer research community supporting highly promising early career scientists beginning in their postdoctoral positions and continuing through their transition to independence. Applicants must be in the first five years of their postdoctoral or clinical research fellowships. One Pathway to Leadership Grant will be awarded in 2010 providing up to five years of support, totaling $600,000.

The Fellowship Award supports early career scientists during their mentored research phase. Applicants must be in the first three years of their postdoctoral or clinical research fellowships. The Fellowship Award is a one year grant totaling $45,000 and one will be awarded in 2010.

The Career Development Award is a two year grant totaling $200,000 to support newly independent investigators develop or strengthen their research program in pancreatic cancer. In 2010, three Career Development Awards will be provided. Applicants must be in the first four years of a faculty appointment.

The Innovative Grant (formerly Pilot Grant) supports the development of new and innovative ideas and approaches, including those successful in other areas of cancer that have promise for pancreatic cancer. The two-year grant totaling $200,000 will be awarded to four Independent junior or senior investigators.

Applications for the Pathway to Leadership Grant, Fellowship Award and Career Development Award are due by October 28, 2009, Noon ET. A Letter of Intent for the Innovative Grant is due by October 5, 2009, Noon ET. Submissions must be completed online using the proposalCentral website athttps://proposalcentral.altum.com.

Since the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's Grants Program was introduced in 2003, the organization has awarded 47 grants totaling nearly $5 million to scientists across the country. To learn more about the 2010 Grants Program, visit http://www.pancan.org/Research/grants2010.html or http://www.aacr.org/home/scientists/research-funding--fellowships.aspx.