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BBRB Newsletter: Spring 2001Cancer Research Training and Career Development Opportunities: Focus on the NCI Cancer Prevention, Control and Population Sciences Career Development Award (K07) The K07 award or the Cancer Prevention, Control, Behavioral and Population Sciences Career Development Award supports postdoctoral career development of investigators who are committed to academic research careers in cancer prevention, control, behavioral, epidemiological and/or the population sciences. The award supports up to five years of combined didactic and mentored research experiences to acquire the methodological and theoretical research skills needed to become an independent scientist. Detailed information about the K07 award and application process can be found at http://cancertraining.nci.nih.gov/research/prevention/k07full.html.Below are some commonly asked questions about the K07 award. Q: What prompted the shift from a primarily preventive oncology framework to a mechanism that encompasses more behavioral science research? A: This shift reflected NCI's recognition of the importance of behavioral science research in cancer control. Q: Has there been a change in the number and types of applications received since this shift in emphasis? A: There has been a doubling in the number of K07 applications received (approximately 80 applications were received in FY 2001). Recent applications reflect a broader scientific base. Q: How is the K07 award related to the K22 Transition Career Development award? A: While the K07 awardee is guided by a mentor and not yet a fully independent investigator, the K22 awardee is an independent investigator. The K22 candidate must have a minimum of two years of mentored postdoctoral cancer research experience or less than one year in an independent position with previous, continuous postdoctoral cancer research experience at the time of the application. The purpose of the K22 award is to provide protected time for newly independent investigators to develop and receive support for their initial cancer research programs. The unique feature of the K22 award is that individuals can apply while in a postdoctoral position without institutional representation and receive funding based on their potential for independent research. Q: Can an applicant have a mentor outside of the applicant's home institution? Is it possible to have more than one mentor on an application? A: Yes, an applicant can have a mentor outside of his or her home institution. Some K07 awardees have had a mentor at their home institution and a second mentor at another institution. Regardless of where the mentor is located, the applicant and the mentor must convince the reviewers that the applicant-mentor relationship is a true mentoring relationship. Q: Is there a way to meet K07 awardees and hear about their work? A: There is a K07 awardee meeting at the annual American Society of Preventive Oncology (ASPO) conference. Q: How do K07 resubmissions generally fare? A: Applicants are encouraged to resubmit. Approximately one-third of funded K07 applications every year are resubmissions. Q: Are there any special words of advice for mentors? A: One of the most important things that a mentor should do is carefully review the applicant's proposal so that the applicant can submit the strongest possible proposal. The mentor's letter should be as detailed as possible. It should carefully spell out the logistics of the applicant-mentor arrangement (e.g., the time commitment of the mentor, the frequency of meetings or telephone communication). Above all, the letter should demonstrate real knowledge of the applicant and the applicant's research. Q: Are there any changes to the K07 award in the foreseeable future? A: No changes to the K07 award are planned for the immediate future. Funding over the next couple of years appears to be pretty stable. Back to Top |
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