November 2, 2021

VUMC Limited Submission Opportunity: 2022 SebastianStrong Foundation Discovery Science Award; deadline is Nov. 8

These instructions are for VUMC investigators. VU investigators should apply through InfoReady and address any questions to VU-LSO@vanderbilt.edu.

VUMC can select two candidates for the 2022 SebastianStrong Foundation Discovery Science Award. The SebastianStrong Foundation is committed to raising awareness about and finding less toxic cures for pediatric cancers. SebastianStrong funds cutting-edge, peer-reviewed pediatric research projects in early stages. The Foundation believes in supporting bold ideas that use innovative methodologies and out-of-the-box approaches in the quest for less toxic cures.

The 2022 Discovery Science Award will be awarded to an individual or team of researchers whose proposal is focused primarily on pediatric cancers in general, or a specific pediatric cancer without a high survival rate or one with a low survival rate upon relapse. Budgets are flexible but awards are typically between $100,000 and $300,000. The foundation has historically limited overhead costs to a maximum of 15%.

Research Proposal Criteria:

  • Proposal should be focused on pediatric cancer.
  • Research will lead to “less toxic” cures.
  • Proposal can be understood by the foundation’s Board of Directors and donors (e.g. use examples and spell out acronyms).
  • Research may lead to a clinical trial in 1-3 years.
  • Peer-reviewed new, ongoing, and/or updated research is appropriate.
  • Trials in progress or ongoing clinical trials are not eligible.

See descriptions of previous award winners here.

Internal Application Process:

Anyone interested in being one of VUMC’s nominees must submit the following (in a single PDF) to LSO@vanderbilt.edu by 5 p.m. on November 8. Submissions should reference “SebastianStrong Discovery Science Award” in the subject line of the email.

  1. Brief lay-summary of the research including a summary budget (2-page maximum)
    1. A clear explanation, understandable by donors and the Board of Directors is a key component of consideration
  2. Letter of support from department chair/center director
  3. NIH Biosketch or brief CV (5-page maximum)

Any questions about this opportunity or the LSO process can be directed to LSO@vanderbilt.edu