close

Innovation

About the Innovation Pilot Award

The Innovation Pilot Award supports the early development of high-quality, innovative cancer research projects from all areas, including basic science, laboratory-based translation, clinical investigation and population science. Funded through an annual request for applications, the Innovation Pilot Awards aim to support new scientific directions and is open to all Massey research members. One to two projects per Massey research program will be selected annually.

Award details

  • Funds should be used to support a discrete, specified hypothesis-driven research project from a Massey research member. Other team members may include non-members.
  • The awards can range in size, but cannot exceed $75,000 for a single principal investigator (PI). Applicants may request up to the full amount and there is no minimum amount required.
  • Multi-PI submissions are highly encouraged but not required.
  • The proposed project period should not exceed 1-year.
  • A Massey investigator may only hold one active pilot research award at a time

Research program project considerations

  • Cancer Biology: Projects should be focused on the development of new insights across the hallmarks of cancer biology.
  • Developmental Therapeutics: Projects should address the development of innovative strategies for cancer treatment.
  • Cancer Prevention and Control: Projects should be focused on addressing cancer prevention and control.

Learn more about Massey's research programs

Upcoming deadlines and award dates

Now accepting submissions for the 2024 cycle:

  • Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) release: February 23, 2024
  • Letter of Intent due by 5:00 pm EST: March 15, 2024
  • Selected applicants invited to submit full application: March 25, 2024
  • Full applications due by 5:00 pm EST: April 29, 2024
  • Earliest start date: June 1, 2024

If you have questions about the Innovation award, please contact Alex Haynes at haynesa4@vcu.edu or (305) 915-4200.

Previous awardees

Awardees Project
M. Imad Damaj, Ph.D.
Professor,
Pharmacology & Toxicology

Understanding the Role of Vitamin D in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

View abstract

Wook Jin (Eddie) Chae, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Microbiology & Immunology
Hisashi Harada, Ph.D.
Professor, Oral & Craniofacial Molecular Biology

Tumor-promoting Immune Mechanisms via DKK1 in Head and Neck Cancer (HNSCC)

View abstract

Yuesheng Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor, Pharmacology & Toxicology
Hamid Akbarali, Ph.D.
Professor, Pharmacology & Toxicology

Mechanism and Prevention of the Late Onset Irinotecan-Induced Gastrointestinal Toxicity

View abstract

Awardees Project
Larisa Litovchick, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor,
Internal Medicine

Role of DREAM Complex in Lung Cancer

View abstract

Ashlee Loughan, Ph.D.
Associate Professor,
Neurology

FearLess in Cognitively Intact Patients with Glioma

View abstract

Alexander Neuwelt, M.D.
Assistant Professor,
Internal Medicine

High Dose Acetaminophen Re-invigorates Exhausted T-Cells for the Treatment of NSCLC

View abstract

Kristoffer Valerie, Ph.D.
Professor,
Radiation Oncology

Combined Immune Checkpoint Blockade and ATMi Radiosensitization of Glioma

View abstract