Senior Scholar Consultancies: Guidelines for Application

Our Mission
The American-Italian Cancer Foundation's mission is to access the unique human and financial resources of the United States and Italy to address unmet needs in the war on cancer by communicating path-breaking research, funding fellowships, developing model service programs and providing recognition to those who make this mission possible.

Purpose and Eligibility:
The Senior Scholar Consultancies are intended to provide a source of additional funds to motivated scientists who are already conducting significant research and would benefit from cross training and/or research collaboration with other senior faculty at leading cancer institutions in the US or Italy.

Applicants will be distinguished by their research productivity and should be working on an area where short-term direct contact with a senior colleague in a host institution will make a significant difference in project outcomes. Applicants are required to have a minimum of five years and preferably ten or more years of experience, an advanced degree, PhD, MD, DSc or DVM, evidence of sustained work at a senior faculty level, and full-time employment at a US or Italian cancer center. Faculty planning for a sabbatical from their parent institution may find this mechanism of support most useful in supplementing the sabbatical support for a productive extended visit to another institution.

Review of Applications:
Each application is reviewed and evaluated based on the scientific merit, importance of the proposed international collaboration to advancing the project at one or both institutions, and stature of the investigators. The applications are reviewed in chronological order of the receipt of email. Although applications will be reviewed throughout the year, the preferred application dates are February 1 for projects beginning in July and May 1 for projects beginning in January. The Senior Scholar Consultancy award timeframe is variable and the Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board reviews all requests for support.

Application Guidelines:
The first stage of the application process is to send an email summary to ascertain the interest of the Foundation in reviewing a full application. If an invitation to apply is extended, additional information is required.

1. The preliminary request should include a one-page summary of the proposal, information about the host institution, how much and why funding is being sought from the American-Italian Cancer Foundation, other funding sources, expected outcomes and an NIH biosketch or similar. This must be submitted via email to aicf@aicfonline.org with the subject name as "Senior Scholar Consultancy." Send a confirmation copy of the submission via fax to 212.517.6089.

2. If an invitation to apply is approved, the following six items are required:

• Short proposal (not more than 5 typed pages, 12 point, Times New Roman)
• Abstract (on a separate page)
• Cover letter, including a statement that indicates why the project is appropriate for the American-Italian Cancer Foundation and the Senior Scholar Consultancy program, timeframe, host institution, expected outcome.
• Budget, including other sources of funding and timeline for all funding.
• NIH biosketch and full curriculum vitae
• Letters of recommendation:
  • 1. Host institution, certifying support for the project and timeframe
  • 2. Applicant's institution, certifying support and employment status
  • 3. Recognized authority in the field who can attest to the validity of the proposal and the projected outcomes

One hard copy of the application should be sent to the Foundation's office, together with a disk or re-writable CD-ROM with all information. Letters of recommendation may be sent separately. An email confirming submission of the application should be sent to aicf@aicfonline.org.

Review Criteria and Process:
Applications are initially screened by Foundation staff to determine eligibility and then by a panel of the Scientific Advisory Board for evaluation based on candidates' qualifications, experience and productivity, appropriateness of the collaboration, the research environment, and the projected outcomes. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that all materials are received in appropriate format by the Foundation. In no instance will incomplete applications be reviewed.

Funds Available:
Up to $25,000 may be requested and the amount awarded is based on the project budget, need, and availability of other funds. Funding may be provided for all or part of the proposed project. The award may cover travel, living expenses, and a stipend. It is expected that two to three Senior Scholar Consultancies will be awarded annually.

Notification:
Applicants will be notified of the receipt of their preliminary request within 10 days. Applicants will be notified of whether they are invited to submit a full proposal within 30 days. The results of the proposal review should be communicated to the applicant within 90 days together with a timeframe for funding. The applicant should allow for a minimum of three months, and preferably six months, for the review and notification process. Early submission is encouraged.

Contact Information:
American-Italian Cancer Foundation
112 E. 71st Street, 2B New York, NY 10021
Phone: 212.628.9090 Fax: 212-517-6089
Email: aicf@aicfonline.org