DOD Peer Reviewed Cancer, Career Development Award – Scholar Option

The Department of Defense (DoD) announces the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) Career Development Award – Scholar Option (CDA-SO) for fiscal year 2025, aimed at supporting independent, early-career investigators in significant cancer research. The program allocates approximately $9.9 million, funding about nine award applications with a cap of $1.1 million for each. Eligible applicants include both extramural and intramural organizations, focusing on specific cancer types that are relevant to military health. The application process comprises a pre-application due by June 19, 2025, followed by a full application by July 3, 2025. Key elements of the application include designation of a Career Guide for mentorship, a career development plan, and the need to demonstrate relevance to military health issues. The proposed research must address one of the designated FY25 PRCRP topic areas, which exclude melanoma and certain breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers. Unique to this award is the requirement for scholarship participation in a Virtual Cancer Center aimed at collaboration and enhanced research outcomes for cancer treatment and patient care. This funding opportunity underscores the DoD’s commitment to advancing cancer research while addressing critical needs within the military community.