INTRODUCTION

The New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research, whose members are appointed by the Governor, was established on January 17, 1983, with the passage of the "Cancer Research Act" by the New Jersey State Legislature.

The Commission's primary mission is to ensure that the people of New Jersey receive the fullest benefit of our nation's fight against cancer through its promotion of research into the causes, prevention and treatment of this disease.

The Commission was created to promote significant, original research in New Jersey and to fund talented researchers exploring the causes of cancer.

By means of this promotion and funding, the Commission expects to establish the foundations for the kind of cancer research that will place New Jersey at the cutting edge in the fight against cancer.

GRANT AWARDS

The purpose of this program is to stimulate research in identified areas of unique or significant opportunity for New Jersey, encourage collaborative and cooperative research and provide seed money for pilot studies which have been identified as priorities for future spending by national agencies.

Topics are chosen by the Commissioners and announced annually through a published Request for Applications (RFA) process.

Grants are awarded to non-profit institutions located in the State of New Jersey and not individual investigators. Applications must be signed by the official head of the applicant's institution or an official designee.

RESOURCES AND SUPPORT

Applicants should contact the NJCCR offices about availability of RFAs for this program. Funds are limited and contingent on appropriation to the Cancer Research Fund, established by Chapter 6, PL 1983, Title 52:9U-1, et al, to effectuate the purpose of the Commission.  A portion of sales of the Conquer Cancer License Plate is also directed to the Cancer Research Fund.  In addition, the Commission may accept gifts, grants and bequests of funds from individuals, foundations, corporations, government agencies and other organizations.

REVIEW PROCESS

All proposals are reviewed by a panel of scientific experts who are appointed by the Commission. The panel evaluates the scientific merit and feasibility of each proposal. Cancer advocates/patient consumers are included as members of all NJCCR review panels. It is expected that the advocate's role would be to help evaluate the relevancy of applications to cancer. Therefore, serious consideration should be given to the lay abstract and relevancy section of proposals. The reviews and recommendations of the scientific panel are provided to the Commissioners who make the final decision on all awards.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

The following outline describes the policies, which govern research awards made by the Commission.

Application forms may be obtained by logging on to our web site at http://www.state.nj.us/health/ccr/ccrhome.htm, e-mailing njccr@doh.state.nj.us, or writing to:

Executive Director
New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research
225 East State Street, Suite 2
PO Box 360
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0360

DEADLINES

Receipt of Applications Activation Date

Date specific to RFA Date specific to RFA

Applications must be received in Commission Offices no later than 4:00 p.m. on the application due date.

DURATION OF GRANTS

Development Grant’s are for one year. Grants greater than $25,000 may be extended without additional funds for up to one year upon written request of the principal investigator and approval by the Commission. Request must be made prior to the termination date. Mini-grant awards less than $25,000 may not be extended.

PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECT, ANIMAL WELFARE AND RECOMBINANT DNA

ompliance with US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations for the protection of human subjects, animal welfare, recombinant DNA, and inclusion of women and minorities in clinical research is required for all NJCCR grants.