Accelerator Awards

Purpose

The Accelerator Awards represent NETRF’s largest and most prestigious grant category, designed to fund groundbreaking projects with the potential for transformative advancements in neuroendocrine cancer research and treatment. We seek proposals that push the boundaries of innovation, fostering synergistic collaboration across diverse scientific disciplines. Each proposal must include substantial aims that necessitate a four-year timeframe for completion. Given their scope and impact, Accelerator Awards are often multi-disciplinary and comparable to an NIH R01 grant.

Amount

These awards provide $800,000 over four years ($200,000/year) to support ambitious research efforts.

Eligibility

We strongly encourage applications that bring together investigators from diverse scientific backgrounds to drive cutting-edge discoveries and accelerate progress in the field.

Requirements

• Applicants must have a faculty appointment (assistant professor and above). Applicants must have the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research.
• Applicants must have an MD, PhD, MD/PhD or equivalent degree.
• Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to continue with NET research and the potential for further development in this area.
• Prior research in this field is not a prerequisite; in fact, the Foundation wishes to encourage expert scientists to enter the field. Applicants must, however, demonstrate a plan for continuing their research in NETs beyond the award period.
• Eligible organizations include public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, and laboratories, both domestic and international. Grants will be paid in US dollars.

Conditions

• Projects that bring together investigators from diverse scientific disciplines are highly encouraged. For team applications, one recipient principal investigator and recipient institution must be selected. International applications are welcome.
• Awardees, as a condition of acceptance, will be required to attend the annual NETRF Research Symposium. Funds from the awarded grant can be allocated to attend the Annual NETRF Symposium.

Selection process

NETRF will recruit for Accelerator Award applications as part of our annual Request for Applications (RFA). Letters of Intent (LOI) are reviewed by the NETRF Board of Scientific Advisors, with applicants invited to submit full applications based on the quality of the project, support from the applicant’s institution, budget, and potential of the research to advance the field.

Grant monitoring

Grant recipients are required to submit biannual reports detailing scientific progress, research milestones achieved, and financial expenditures related to the project. The reports disclose updates on publications, patents and clinical trial advances when applicable. These reports are reviewed by NETRF’s Scientific Review and Grants Administration team to ensure that funds are being properly spent and that sufficient progress is made throughout the grant term. Continued funding is contingent upon review of progress and achievement of relevant milestones. Post-award reports at one, three and five years are required to measure longer-term outcomes of the funded research.