Program

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)/Novocure Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) Research Grants Program is a joint effort to promote and support innovative research on the use of TTFields in the treatment of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies.

Application Focus

Applications submitted should focus on the following:

• Studies  of TTFields immunological aspects in thoracic malignancies and the potential combination with IOs
• Studies that link preclinical and clinical data
• Key cancer-related signaling and cellular pathways
• Studies that include Omics data (genomics, transcriptomic, proteomics)
• Combinational studies: with approved agents. Preferably to include mechanistic aspects
• Inovivo studies: Projects relying on in vitro data already established
• Ability to translate into the clinic for the treatment of thoracic malignancies
• Metabolic effects of TTFields

Applicant Eligibility: Education and Experience

IASLC/Novocure Research Grants are open to candidates worldwide. At the time of application, the applicant must meet these requirements:

1. The applicant must be a member of the IASLC, and if selected for grant funding, must maintain IASLC membership for the duration of the grant. Please visit https://www.iaslc.org/membership to join IASLC.
2. The applicant must have completed their most recent doctoral degree (MD, DO, PhD, PharmD, or equivalent) within the past 11 years.
3. Postdoctoral researchers from non-profit institutions (including academic and governmental institutions) are eligible to apply. Researchers from for-profit institutions will not be considered.
4. Applicants must have independent laboratory space as confirmed by their Institution.

Grant Structure and Allocation

IASLC/Novocure Research Grants are in the amount of USD 100,000 and are intended to fund projects that can be completed in a two-year timeframe. The funds are paid in two equal annual installments directly to the institution for the benefit of the individual grant recipient. The payment of the second annual installment is contingent upon IASLC and Novocure's approval of the Grantee's first year progress report. 

Grant funds may be used at the discretion of the recipient for salary, fringe benefits, conference registration, travel, consumables, and other necessary expenses to facilitate his or her research. No more than 10% of the grant funds may be used for institutional overhead. Funds may not be used for indirect costs or for the purchase of permanent equipment.

In addition to the monetary award described above, Novocure will provide the necessary equipment, generally described in Exhibit A hereto (the quantities and types of equipment may vary according to the research program) to each recipient’s institution for the duration of the grant. Applicants and their institutions are required to complete a Materials Transfer Agreement as detailed in the Application Structure section below.

Grant Timeline

The planned timeline for our July 2023 Grant cycle is noted below. These dates are subject to change. 

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted through the IASLC’s online application portal only. To access the application:

1. Go to the IASLC's online application portal.
2. Login using your IASLC Member Portal Credentials.
   • If you do not know your IASLC Member Portal credentials, first try resetting your password using the "Forgot your password?" link. If that does not work, email membership@iaslc.org for assistance.
3. Once you have successfully logged in, you will be directed to begin your application.
4. After initiating an application, the applicant may return to the portal as needed to continue work on their application until it is submitted. Applications that have been submitted remain editable until the application deadline.

Application Structure

The online application requires the items listed below. Application sections denoted with ^± will be scored by the review team. 

• Layman’s Summary (250 words): Explain your project in a way that makes it easy for anyone to understand it.
• Statement of Significance^± (250 words): Describe the significance of your proposed research project with respect to lung cancer.
• Applicant Statement^± (250 words): A description of the training and expected educational benefits to be provided by the proposed project.
• Project Background^± (one page): Describe the following:
  • problem (or need) that will be addressed by the proposed project
  • the project's goals and objectives, with hypotheses that are strong and testable
• Specific Aims^± (one page): Specific aims should be clear and describe how the hypotheses will be tested. Specific aims can be related but should not be dependent upon each other.
• Methods^± (maximum length = 3 pages): Upload a document (PDF preferred) detailing the methods to be used in achieving the project's aims. Tables, figures, or graphs may be included in this field. No appendix or attachments will be allowed.
• Reference List: Upload the list of publications referenced.
• Timetable^± (250 words): Provide a detailed timetable for implementing your proposal. Reviewers will weigh heavily the feasibility of carrying out the project in the projected time span.
• Budget: Provide the planned budget for your project, including any current research support, as detailed below.
• Current Research Support: List funding source, grant number, duration of funding amount for all current funding and pending applications for this project.
• Evaluation (250 words): How will the results of this study be communicated? (Research publications, presentations, etc.)
• Biosketch/CV: Upload biosketch or CV.
• Recommendation Letters: Through the online application system, the applicant provides the contact name and email address for the person providing the letter of reference. That individual then receives an email asking him/her to upload the letter directly into the application. Reference letters must be uploaded prior to the application close date. Applications are not considered complete, and will not be considered, until all required references have been uploaded. Three letters of recommendation are required, as noted below.

1. A letter from the applicant’s supervisor or mentor detailing their support of the applicant and the proposed research activities.
2. A letter of commitment from the institution detailing the institution’s support for the applicant and the proposed research activities.
3. A letter from one professional reference providing a recommendation and ensuring the applicant is qualified to fulfill the duties of the proposed project.

• Materials Transfer Agreement: To ensure that the Applicant is informed of the Materials Transfer Agreement terms of the grant should they be selected as a grantee, a copy of the Materials Transfer Agreement Statement must be downloaded from the IASLC's online application portal. Applicants and the institution’s designated Technology Transfer Office official must sign and date the Statement, indicating that they are aware of the requirement of executing a timely Materials Transfer Agreement between the Institution with Novocure before confirmation of the grant should they be selected. Any collaborators (if applicable) will be required to confirm in writing that they are subject to all applicable provisions and obligations applicable to the applicant under the Materials Transfer Agreement.

Application Review and Scoring

Applications will be reviewed by a sub-committee of the IASLC’s Career Development and Fellowship Committee. Applications are scored using a nine-point rating scale, adapted from the NIH grant scoring rubric.

Additional review and scoring information may be found HERE.

Questions

Questions regarding this RFA may be emailed to foundation@iaslc.org.