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research Funding the right research The American Cancer Society has funded 40 researchers who have gone on to win Nobel prizes, with the 39th and 40th researchers receiving honors this year. Craig C. Mello, PhD, along with another researcher, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine and Roger D. Kornberg, PhD, received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.  The Society's research program has also been involved in many of the major cancer research breakthroughs of the past century including:
The focus of our research Within its research program, the Society recognizes the importance of funding junior investigators who have fresh ideas, but often face stiff competition for funding. The decreasing federal budget for National Institutes of Health research grants results in senior investigators receiving most of the available government funding. Recognizing the need for funding of newly established researchers, the Society places an emphasis on training and supporting the next generation of cancer researchers. Without Society support, these researchers' ideas would most likely go unfunded, even though history has shown that these types of projects can be the keys to unlocking cancer. The funding process Every year cancer researchers submit approximately 1,600 grant applications to the Society. The applications are evaluated by 18-20 Peer Review Committees, which are made up of 12-25 scientists and one stakeholder. Stakeholders are individuals, like cancer survivors or caregivers, who have personal interests in cancer but do not necessarily have scientific backgrounds. By including stakeholders, the American Cancer Society allows people with personal cancer experiences to help decide which projects are funded. The committees review and rank the grant applications based on their scientific or training merit and relevancy to cancer control. The highest rated applications are then reviewed by the Council for Extramural Grants, which is comprised of mid-level and senior scientists, as well as several stakeholders. The council recommends funding based on the committees' evaluations, the mission to eradicate cancer, and the available funds. As of July 2006, the Society is funding 40 grants totaling $23,714,000 in Michigan and Indiana. If you would like to support our research program, you can donate to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org/donate. | |
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