Seed grants for cancer health system research in C/Can cities
Seed funding to support researchers in C/Can’s network
The City Cancer Challenge Foundation (C/Can) is providing seed funding to support researchers in C/Can’s network of cities, who are investigating health system research projects through an implementation science lens.
The Seed Grants form a part of C/Can’s new research initiative and commitment to fostering research capacity building, in efforts to accelerate improvements in cancer care for our cities in LMICs.
Five funded grants of a maximum of $5,000 each are available to nurture research projects that respond to local cancer care needs in the cities of Asuncion (Paraguay), Cali (Colombia), Greater Petaling (Malaysia), Kigali (Rwanda), Kumasi (Ghana), Leon (Mexico), Porto Alegre (Brazil), and Tbilisi (Georgia).
The aim for the grants is to generate exploratory studies or early-stage research, collect preliminary data, and to eventually leverage larger funding. Preference will be given to applications that are related to the implementation of city and cross-city projects as part of the C/Can city process.
The submission deadline is Monday 13 November, 17:00 Central European Time.
C/Can advocates for Seed Grants as an avenue to empower local healthcare stakeholders and to promote multidisciplinary collaborations to advance the understanding of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship within health systems.
We look forward to receiving innovative and impactful research proposals that respond to local cancer care needs and contribute to strengthening the quality of health systems.
Candidates will be notified of their application status in December 2023.
Areas of interest
We are particularly interested in research proposals that address the following domains within health systems:
- Access to Cancer Care:
Investigating the barriers to accessing cancer care and interventions to reduce disparities in underserved populations or remote areas. - Health Information Technology:
Exploring the use of digital health technologies, artificial intelligence, or machine learning to improve cancer care delivery, patient monitoring, and decision-making. - Quality of Cancer Care:
Examining the strategies to enhance the quality and safety of cancer care through evidence-based guidelines, performance metrics, and best practices. - Survivorship and Supportive Care:
Studying the interventions and programmes that promote better quality of life for cancer survivors and addressing their psychosocial and supportive care needs. - Health Economics and Policy:
Analysing the economic impact of cancer care on health systems and identifying policy implications to optimise resource allocation.
Eligibility criteria
To be considered for a C/Can Seed Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Curriculum Vitae of all key investigators, including peer-reviewed publications.
- A letter of support from a supervisor with answers to the following questions (max 500 words)
- How long and in what capacity does the supervisor know the applicant?
- A statement regarding the candidate’s research experience and interests
- How is the seed grant likely to benefit the participant / institution?
- An assurance that the supervisor/institution will support the applicant to complete his/her research project
- A statement that there is no objection to being contacted by the C/Can’s team regarding the participant
- Title, abstract, and a detailed research plan that does not exceed five pages.
- Budget and budget justification including only direct costs arising from the design and execution of the research project.
- Description of the expected impact and dissemination plan.
Principal Investigators (PIs) must hold a faculty or equivalent position at an accredited institution or healthcare organisation.
Applicants must hold a position in the following C/Can cities: Asuncion (Paraguay), Cali (Colombia), Greater Petaling (Malaysia), Kigali (Rwanda), Kumasi (Ghana), Leon (Mexico), Porto Alegre (Brazil), and Tbilisi (Georgia). Note that C/Can cities who are currently at a pre-project implementation phase of the initiative will not be invited to submit applications in 2023, but will be considered for subsequent editions of the programme.
Collaborative teams comprising members from different disciplines are encouraged.
Projects should have a clear relevance to cancer health systems research and apply an implementation science methodology. Preference will be given to applications that are related to the implementation of C/Can city and cross-city projects. For more information on existing projects, visit citycancerchallenge.org/projects/
Grant recipients will be required to provide regular progress reports and a final report at the end of the project. Additionally, they will be expected to present their findings at C/Can’s first research symposium (2024 date to be announced).