OCRA Health Equity Research Grant to Advance Ovarian Cancer Equity

The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) invites Letters of Intent for the 2027 Health Equity Research Grant, providing up to USD 100,000 per year for two years to support research addressing disparities in ovarian and related gynecologic cancers. The grant prioritizes projects that examine social, economic, and cultural barriers, improve access to care, and investigate genetic or molecular factors contributing to inequities. Principal Investigators from accredited institutions worldwide are eligible.

The Health Equity Research Grant is designed to support innovative scientific initiatives that reduce disparities in ovarian and related gynecologic cancers.

The program targets projects that address inequities in diagnosis, treatment, survival outcomes, and access to care for underserved communities.

Programme Objectives

The grant aims to:

• Identify social, cultural, and economic factors contributing to ovarian cancer health disparities

• Improve access to quality care, diagnostic tools, and treatment options for underserved populations

• Examine racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, or geographic disparities in disease progression and survival

• Investigate genetic, molecular, or therapeutic factors underlying disparities

• Promote equity, inclusivity, and evidence-based interventions for historically marginalized groups

Funding Details

• Grant amount: Up to USD 100,000 per year

• Duration: 2 years (total USD 200,000)

• Funding period: Begins February 1, 2027

• Awarded to the Principal Investigator’s institution

• Reporting requirements: Activation deliverables, annual narrative, and financial progress reports

• Publications: All resulting publications or presentations must acknowledge OCRA support

Eligibility Criteria

Principal Investigators

• Open to all career stages

• Must hold a PhD, ScD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree at the time of application

• No citizenship restrictions; international applicants welcome

• Each PI may submit only one Letter of Intent per OCRA grant cycle

• Only one active OCRA grant per PI at a time; active grants must conclude before starting a new one

Institutions

Eligible institutions include:

• Accredited academic institutions

• Nonprofit research entities, including research hospitals, institutes, or recognized scientific facilities

Ineligible applicants:

• For-profit organizations

• Consulting companies or non-research organizations

• Nonprofits not directly conducting the proposed research

Scope of Funded Research

Funded projects may focus on:

• Social, cultural, and economic determinants of health disparities

• Access to diagnostic and treatment resources for underserved communities

• Racial, ethnic, and geographic differences in ovarian cancer outcomes

• Genetic, molecular, or therapeutic factors contributing to inequities

• New or existing research initiatives that align with health equity objectives

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare Letter of Intent

• Clearly define research aims and equity-focused objectives

• Explain how the project addresses disparities in ovarian and related gynecologic cancers

• Include preliminary study design, methodology, and expected outcomes

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

• PI meets degree and institutional affiliation requirements

• Institution is accredited and eligible to receive research funding

• Ensure no active conflicting OCRA grants

Step 3: Submission

• Submit Letter of Intent per OCRA guidelines

• Include all required documentation, including PI CV and institutional verification

Step 4: Post-Selection

• Upon approval, submit activation deliverables

• Submit annual narrative and financial progress reports

• Ensure all resulting publications or presentations acknowledge OCRA support

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Scientific merit: Clarity, methodology, and feasibility

• Originality: Innovative approaches to addressing health disparities

• Impact potential: Ability to reduce inequities and improve outcomes

• Data generation: Produces meaningful, high-quality evidence

• Career advancement: Strengthens PI’s position for future funding and publications

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Submitting Letters of Intent from ineligible institutions or PIs

2. Proposing projects without a clear focus on health equity in ovarian cancer

3. Failing to include a detailed methodology or measurable outcomes

4. Overlooking the requirement to acknowledge OCRA support in publications

5. Applying while holding an active OCRA grant

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply as a Principal Investigator?

Any researcher at all career stages holding a PhD, ScD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree.

2. Are international applicants eligible?

Yes, there are no citizenship restrictions.

3. What is the maximum funding amount?

USD 100,000 per year for two years, totaling USD 200,000.

4. Can PIs hold multiple OCRA grants?

No. Only one active OCRA grant is allowed per PI at a time, and only one Letter of Intent per grant cycle.

5. Which institutions are eligible?

Accredited academic institutions and nonprofit research organizations such as research hospitals or recognized scientific research facilities.

6. What types of projects are supported?

Projects addressing social, cultural, economic, racial, ethnic, geographic, or genetic disparities in ovarian and related gynecologic cancers, including access to care, diagnostics, treatments, and outcomes.

7. Are publications required?

Yes, funded projects are expected to result in peer-reviewed publications or presentations, acknowledging OCRA support.

Conclusion

The OCRA 2027 Health Equity Research Grant empowers researchers to advance equity in ovarian and related gynecologic cancer care.

By supporting innovative projects targeting underserved populations and reducing disparities in outcomes, the grant fosters inclusive, evidence-based solutions with meaningful scientific and societal impact.