Early-Career Faculty Scholars

The purpose of the individual ACS-IRG Pilot Awards is to support the development of exceptional cancer-related research projects for junior faculty members who are in the process of establishing independent cancer research programs. The goal of the individual award is to assist junior faculty in generating preliminary data to increase their likelihood of success in obtaining extramural peer-reviewed funding. A clear plan for how the pilot data will support development of the external funding proposal(s) is required. 

Priority Areas of Funding
Studies targeting breast and prostate cancer and sarcoma will be prioritized, though proposals involving all cancer types are eligible. All areas of cancer research – basic, preclinical, prevention and control, population, epidemiological and psychosocial cancer research (including quality of life research) – will be considered for funding. Applications for novel clinical projects (such as improvements of diagnostics and screening as well as genetic studies to improve prediction by identifying and understanding how genes and illnesses may be related) and for community-based projects are encouraged in addition to basic science projects. Note: This mechanism does not provide support for interventional treatment clinical trials.

View the ACS Institutional Research Grant RFA. (PDF)

Offered through MCW’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), this KL2 award provides training for junior faculty working in clinical and translational research to become independent investigators. The curriculum is based on individual needs and articulated goals and objectives, and scholars have 75% protected time to work on a mentored research project and the development of a major grant proposal.

Explore the Mentored Career Development Program

Early-career faculty have access to the Cancer Center’s Research Development Office which provides in-depth assistance with grant proposals and protocol development, including scientific and administrative components, budgeting, and application submission.

For questions, email the Research Development Office.

The Cancer Center provides investigators with training and standardized resources and processes to ensure cancer clinical trials are conducted in a methodologically sound, safe, compliant, expedient, and cost‐effective manner. This includes an IIT Steering Committee that provides support and mentorship to junior faculty to improve the clinical and scientific rigor of a proposed study. At times, the IIT Steering Committee may appoint a smaller IIT Mentorship Subcommittee that meets with an early-career physician over a 3-4 month period to help develop a polished protocol.

Complementary to this support, faculty have access to training modules including an Advanced Qualification Certificate in Human Subjects Protection and a Graduate Certificate in Clinical and Translational Science provided through a partnership with MCW’s Clinical & Translational Science Institute (CTSI).

Diverse perspectives can create innovative solutions to complex problems, such as cancer disparities. In this distinctive program, research and community scholars participate in a curriculum focused on cancer disparities, factors influencing disparities, communicating with diverse audiences, understanding different perspectives, and building equitable partnerships. The program is a collaboration with the Community & Cancer Science Network, a statewide community engagement program.

Discover the Research & Community Scholars Program

The Upper Midwest Emerging Scholars Exchange is a new, collaborative effort to support the career development of early career faculty (MCW members in their first five years) in the region. The goal is to create opportunities for MCW faculty to receive invitations to speak at peer Midwest cancer centers. Not only will faculty have a chance to hone their oral presentation skills and bolster their CVs in preparation for promotion, but they will also have an opportunity to develop relationships with potential research collaborators, mentors, and sponsors.

Program Details

• Each scholar exchange experience will include the following:
• A speaking presentation at a Seminar Series, Grand Rounds, or other similar speaking program as determined by the hosting institution
• One-on-one meetings with faculty in research areas relevant to the visiting scholar
• Dinner with host institution faculty members or leadership
• Lunch with host institution early career faculty member or trainees
• A campus/facility tour (Optional)
• Full travel expenses, including an overnight stay at a hotel near the host institution, transportation, and per diem
• $600 honorarium

Partnering Institutions

• Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA)
• University of Nebraska Medical Center, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (Omaha, NE)
• University of Minnesota, Masonic Cancer Center (Minneapolis, MN)
• University of Wisconsin, Carbone Cancer Center (Madison, WI)
• Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center (Rochester, MN) — Joining the program in 2025.

Application Requirement

The following materials are needed to complete the application:

• Responses to four open-ended questions about your interest in the program and ideas for talks
• Ranked preference of host institutions
• Up-to-date CV or NIH biosketchA letter of recommendation from an MCW member - either a Program Area Leader, mentor, or collaborator

For more information, please contact mcwcc-crtec@mcw.edu.