DoD Melanoma Mid-Career Accelerator Award

The MRP MCAA supports independent, mid-career investigators conducting impactful research in the field of melanoma. The MCAA presents an opportunity for mid-career investigators with prior experience in melanoma research and/or patient care to obtain funding to continue performing impactful research that will also accelerate their career and establish them as leaders in the melanoma field. Preliminary data relevant to melanoma are required.

Key aspects of the MCAA:

Principal Investigator: The Principal Investigator (PI) must be a mid-career researcher or physician-scientist at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor (or equivalent). The PI must be at least 7 years from obtaining their first faculty-level appointment. Instructors and full professors (or equivalents) are not eligible. The PI must demonstrate previous receipt of at least one peer-reviewed source of extramural funding. The PI’s record of accomplishments (publications, presentations, patents, etc.) and the proposed research will be evaluated regarding the PI’s potential for contributing to the melanoma field.

Impact: The impact of the proposed research must relate to at least one of the FY23 MRP Focus Areas in Section II.A.1. Impactful research, including basic research, should expedite the advancement of promising ideas towards clinical utility. The application must articulate the short- and long-term impact the proposed work will have on melanoma research and/or patient care.

Continuity Plan: The goal of the MCAA is to support investigators who have laid the foundation for becoming leaders in the melanoma field and who intend to advance the state of the science in melanoma. The Continuity Plan (Attachment 7) should explain how the PI has the potential to establish themselves as a leader in the melanoma field, beyond their own laboratory or institution. Additionally, it should describe the PI’s plan for the continued development of their research program to benefit melanoma research and/or patient care.

Synergy with the MRP Melanoma Academy: To enhance networking and collaboration options for both the MCAA PI and MRP Melanoma Academy Scholars, MCAA PIs will be encouraged to participate in Melanoma Academy activities (e.g., networking events, seminars hosted by the MRP Melanoma Academy Leadership) as appropriate. MCAA PIs will be required to attend one meeting hosted by the MRP Melanoma Academy Leadership during the second year of the MCAA to present project information or disseminate project results. Additional information about the Melanoma Academy can be found on the MRP website.