DOD Breast Cancer Distinguished Investigator Award | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the DOD Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) Distinguished Investigator Award?

The Distinguished Investigator Award is a funding opportunity intended to support well-established, highly respected scientific leaders who can bring bold, unconventional thinking to breast cancer research. It is positioned for principal investigators (PIs) with a strong record of high-impact discovery, high productivity, and the ability to build and lead effective collaborations, with the goal of making unusually significant advances toward ending breast cancer.

Who is this award intended for?

This award is intended for widely recognized scientific leaders (PIs) with a demonstrated track record of groundbreaking contributions in their own fields, strong productivity, and proven leadership in collaborative research. The focus is on investigators with the stature and vision to pursue high-risk, high-reward ideas that could meaningfully change the breast cancer landscape.

Does the proposed project need to be different from the PI's previous research?

Yes. A defining requirement is that the project must represent a fundamental departure from the PI's prior published research trajectory. The intent is to fund a genuine shift in direction rather than a continuation of existing work or an incremental next step.

Are incremental or continuation projects allowed?

No. The opportunity is specifically intended to avoid funding incremental extensions of prior work. The application should propose a clear, substantive change in research direction that is distinct from the PI's previous published trajectory.

What kinds of research concepts does this award encourage?

The award is designed to encourage high-risk, high-reward concepts and bold, unconventional approaches. While limited preliminary data are allowed, the proposed work must still be scientifically grounded and testable.

Is preliminary data required?

The program allows for limited preliminary data. Even with limited preliminary data, the application must present a well-constructed, testable hypothesis supported by a strong scientific rationale.

How speculative can the proposed research be?

The research can be ambitious and high-risk, but it should not be speculative to the point of being untestable. Applicants must still provide a testable hypothesis and strong scientific rationale.

Does the project have to address specific program goals?

Yes. The project must tackle at least one of the BCRP overarching challenges (as referenced in the opportunity description). The proposed shift in direction should clearly connect to those broader program challenges.

Do applicants need prior experience in breast cancer research?

No. Prior breast cancer research experience is not required. Investigators from other disciplines are explicitly encouraged to apply if they can bring novel tools, concepts, or perspectives that could change the breast cancer landscape.

If the PI is not a breast cancer researcher, are collaborators required?

Yes. If the PI is not already a breast cancer researcher, the research team must include at least one collaborator with breast cancer expertise to ensure the work is scientifically and clinically grounded in the realities of the disease.

Does the proposed work still have to be focused on breast cancer?

Yes. Even if the PI comes from another field, the project itself must be clearly focused on breast cancer.

Is consumer advocacy participation required?

Yes. Meaningful engagement with the breast cancer community is a required element of this opportunity through consumer advocacy participation.

How many consumer advocates are required in the application?

Each application must include two or more breast cancer consumer advocates.

Who qualifies as a consumer advocate for this award?

Consumer advocates must have personally been diagnosed with breast cancer and be actively involved in a breast cancer advocacy organization. They are expected to serve as independent, lay representatives who can provide informed feedback based on knowledge of current breast cancer issues and sufficient training or background in research.

Can consumer advocates be employees of participating organizations?

No. The consumer advocates cannot be employees of any organization participating in the application.

What is the role of consumer advocates on the project?

They provide objective, lay input on the project, particularly around relevance, patient-centered impact, and potential significance for individuals living with breast cancer or those at risk.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this award?

The Funding Opportunity Number (FON) is W81XWH-16-BCRP-DIA.

Which agency issued this opportunity?

This opportunity was issued by DOD-AMRAA.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity falls under CFDA 12.420, categorized as science and technology research and development.

What type of funding instrument is used (grant or cooperative agreement)?

The opportunity allows for either a grant or a cooperative agreement. This indicates awards may involve varying levels of government involvement depending on the project structure.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to many entity types, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications in the full announcement.

What was the application closing date listed for this cycle?

The original and current closing date listed for this cycle was August 11, 2016.

How many awards were expected for this cycle?

The opportunity listed an expectation of two awards.

What is the award ceiling (maximum funding amount)?

The award ceiling was not specified in the provided details.