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Research Funding and Grant Opportunities in Palliative Care

The American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is the nation's largest private, not-for-profit source of funds for scientists studying cancer, and focuses its funding on investigator-initiated, peer-reviewed proposals. This site includes links to cancer prevention studies, a behavioral research center, funding opportunities and currently funded projects, and the International Cancer Research Portfolio database.

The American Institute for Cancer Research

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) has been a pioneer in supporting and encouraging research into the role of diet and nutrition in the prevention and treatment of cancer. AICR's efforts have funded hundreds of highly-respected research projects, stimulated exciting related research and attracted talented scientists to this promising field.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world's leading professional organization representing physicians who treat people with cancer. ASCO's members set the standard for patient care worldwide and lead the way in carrying out clinical research aimed at improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. ASCO's efforts are also directed toward advocating for policies that provide access to high-quality care for all patients with cancer and at supporting the increased funding for clinical and translational research. This site includes links to funding offered by ASCO including Career Development grants, the ASCO Foundation, and various professional oncology associations and foundations.

The National Cancer Institute

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), one of eight agencies that compose the Public Health Service (PHS) in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The NCI, is the Federal Government's principal agency for cancer research and training. The NCI coordinates the National Cancer Program, which conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer patients and the families of cancer patients.

The National Institute on Aging

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of National Institutes of Health, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. Research programs supported by NIA, include studies on the mechanisms of aging, the processes of aging, aging and the nervous system, and aging in relation to health and disease. NIA supports four extramural research programs, including: Biology of Aging, Behavioral and Social Research, Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging, and Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology.

The National Palliative Care Research Center

The National Palliative Care Research Center (NPCRC) is a national organization committed to stimulating, developing, and funding palliative care research directed at improving care for patients with serious illness and their families.

Palliative Care Research Cooperative Group (PCRC)

The Palliative Care Research Cooperative Group (PCRC) develops scientifically-based methods that lead to meaningful evidence for improving the quality of life of patients with advanced and/or potentially life-limiting illnesses, and their caregivers including family members and providers of care.

The Society of General Internal Medicine

The Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) is an international organization of physicians and others who combine caring for patients with educating and/or doing research. Their mission is to improve patient care, education, and research in primary care and general internal medicine. This resource provides a current, centralized pool of information on grants and programs, and a portal to organizations offering financial support, including Career Development, Mentored Training and Mid-Career awards, private and foundation grant opportunities, and other funding sources.

Paul B. Beeson Career Development Awards in Aging Research Program

The Beeson program fosters the independent research careers of clinically trained investigators whose research and leadership are enhancing the health and quality of life of Americans, particularly older people. The program offers three- to five-year faculty development awards to outstanding junior and mid-career faculty committed to academic careers in aging related research, training and practice.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Career Development (K) Awards

NIH Career Development (K) awards provide support in two career tracks:

  • Individuals with a research doctorate can pursue the following Awards
    • Career Transition Awards (K22)
    • Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01)
    • Independent Scientist Award (K02)
    • Senior Scientist Award (K05)
    • Academic Award (K07).
  • Individuals with a health professional doctorate and who have completed clinical training and have accepted a faculty position can pursue the following Awards:
    • Mentored Clinical Scientist Developmental Program Award (K12)
    • Mentored Clinical Scientist Award (K08)
    • Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) 
    • MidCareer Investigator in Patient-Oriented Research Award (K24)
    • Career Enhancement Award in Stem Cell Research (K18)
    • Academic Career Award (K07)
    • Mentored Quantitative Research Career Development Award (K25)
    • Midcareer Investigator Award in Mouse Pathobiology Research (K26).

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

The VA Office of Research and Development offers various opportunities for professional development. The Career Development Program is designed to build and maintain capacity for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinicians to conduct research in areas of high relevance to the health care of veterans. Four levels of awards are available: entry level career development program (CDA-1), mid-level career development program (CDA-2), the transition award (CDTA), and career development enhancement award (CDEA). These awards are open to applicants with clinical doctoral degrees, including physicians, dentists, psychologists, social workers, clinical engineers, audiologists, speech pathologist, and others.