Outrun the Sun 2022 Melanoma Research Scholar Program
The Organization
Founded in 2004 as an Indiana nonprofit corporation, Outrun the Sun, Inc. exists to increase awareness of the risk factors for melanoma and other skin cancers and to raise funds for melanoma research. It carries out its mission through a variety of education and research initiatives.
EIN # 35-2237364
Mission
Outrun the Sun, Inc. is dedicated to building national awareness of melanoma and other skin cancers, educating communities about preventive measures that reduce melanoma’s incidence rate, and to raising funds for melanoma research, leading to effective treatments and a cure.
Support
Each year, Outrun the Sun, Inc. designates funding to support melanoma research of young investigators whose careers in science show great promise and who also demonstrate potential to make substantial contributions to the field. The Outrun the Sun, Inc. National Melanoma Research Scholar Program is intended to permit these individuals to remain at their own institutions while undertaking their work.
Research refers to a wide range of activities, from those designed to produce knowledge (basic research), to applied clinical and translational studies.
Awards may be made to individuals or entities whose proposals:
- Focus on new or emerging problems in the prevention or treatment of melanoma for which research is urgently needed;
- Can be substantially undertaken within a one-year period; and
- Make clear that funds will be used to directly support the investigator’s current research initiatives.
Please note that awards range from $10,000 to $20,000. Funds are not to be used to support indirect costs, salaries, or to support other personnel. Proposals may or may not be funded in total.
Recipient Responsibilities
The successful applicant(s) will be designated Outrun the Sun, Inc. 2022 Melanoma Research Scholar(s). This designation, along with the award, carries with it certain responsibilities:
- Scholars must indicate on all publications that arise from research conducted during the year that their research “is supported by an Outrun the Sun, Inc. 2022 National Melanoma Research Scholar Award;”
- Scholars will be provided with a media release announcing their award and may share that with the media relations departments within their institutions;
- Scholars will be required to travel to Indianapolis to present an overview of their work during an Outrun the Sun, Inc. Melanoma Research and Education Forum (date TBD) OR participate in an OTS On-Demand Melanoma Forum. The format of the program (i.e., in person or virtual) is determined by the Outrun the Sun board of directors;
- Scholars must submit a final written report at the end of the year (or 12 months from the date of the award) to OTS.
Note: separate funds are set aside to help scholars offset travel costs for in-person events
Application Criteria
1. Applications are sought from individuals at academic institutions in the United States. While applications are especially sought from applicants at medical schools and biomedical research institutions, applications from other health science schools also are welcome.
2. Applicants must have an advanced degree (e.g., M.D., Ph.D.) and be in a tenure track (or post-doctoral) position. Applications from tenured faculty will not be accepted.
Application Procedures
1. Proposals should be no more than five pages (single spaced). A separate (additional) one-page budget must be included, detailing the use of the funds. Funds should not be used for salary or to support other personnel. No indirect funds will be provided.
2. Proposals must be accompanied by a cover letter and a current curriculum vita for all individuals who will use OTS funds.
3. Proposals must be accompanied by two letters of support. At least one of these letters should be from the applicant’s supervisor/mentor/lab director, etc.
4. The proposal and accompanying materials must be received by midnight (EDT) June 30, 2022. Proposals should be emailed to Anita Day, Executive Director, at [email protected]. Questions may be directed to Ms. Day at the email provided.
Review
All applications will be reviewed by the Outrun the Sun, Inc. Scientific Review Board and will be assessed on the basis of the scientific merit of the project, originality, and the extent to which the proposed project reflects the goals of the OTS National Melanoma Research Scholar Program. If no applications are deemed worthy of financial support, the review panel has the discretion of making a recommendation to the Outrun the Sun Board of Directors to not make an award during any given award year.