Deadline: 25-Mar-2026

The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance is accepting Letters of Intent for its 2027 Collaborative Research Development Grant, supporting interdisciplinary team-based projects focused on ovarian cancer and related gynecologic cancers.

The grant provides up to $300,000 USD annually for three years ($900,000 total) to accredited academic or non-profit research institutions. Projects are expected to generate high-impact research, publications, and build sustainable research teams.

Applications are reviewed by OCRA’s Scientific Advisory Committee, and only a subset of applicants will be invited to submit full proposals.

Overview

The OCRA Collaborative Research Development Grant is designed to advance ovarian cancer research through team-based, interdisciplinary projects.

Key objectives include:

• Promoting innovative and high-impact ovarian cancer research

• Strengthening research teams capable of long-term scientific contributions

• Supporting studies in early detection, therapeutics, cancer biology, genetics, and epidemiology

• Encouraging collaborations across multiple institutions and countries

The grant emphasizes translational potential, scientific rigor, and measurable outcomes that advance knowledge and improve patient care.

Research Focus Areas

Funded projects must focus on ovarian cancer or demonstrate direct relevance to ovarian cancer research, including related gynecologic cancers. Priority research areas include:

• Screening and Early Detection: Novel approaches to identify ovarian cancer at earlier stages

• Etiology and Prevention: Understanding risk factors and preventive strategies

• Therapeutics: Development of new treatments and combination therapies

• Cancer Biology and Genetics: Mechanisms driving ovarian cancer initiation and progression

• Health Services and Quality of Life: Patient-centered care, survivorship, and outcomes research

• Epidemiology: Population-level studies, disease incidence, and risk stratification

Team Requirements

The grant requires a collaborative research team led by a Principal Investigator (PI).

Team Composition Requirements:

• PI must hold a full-time faculty or equivalent appointment at an accredited academic or non-profit research institution

• Teams may include researchers from multiple institutions

• At least one key investigator must be a physician with expertise in ovarian or related gynecologic cancers

• Teams should demonstrate complementary skills and capacity to produce impactful research

There are no citizenship restrictions, and international collaborations are encouraged.

Funding Details

Grant Amount

• Up to $300,000 USD per year for three years

• Total funding: $900,000 USD

• Awarded to the Principal Investigator’s institution

Eligible Costs

• Research personnel salaries (aligned with institutional policies)

• Project-related supplies and equipment

• Travel and collaboration costs directly linked to the project

Reporting Requirements

• Activation deliverables at project start

• Annual narrative progress reports

• Annual financial reports

• All resulting publications or presentations must acknowledge OCRA support

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply

Eligible institutions:

• Accredited academic institutions

• Eligible non-profit research organizations conducting the research themselves

Individual PI requirements:

• Can serve as PI on only one Letter of Intent per grant cycle

• Can hold only one active OCRA grant at a time

• Existing OCRA grants must conclude before the new award begins

Ineligible Applicants

• For-profit organizations

• Consulting companies

• Non-research entities

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

1. Form a Research Team

   • Include investigators from single or multiple institutions

   • Ensure at least one physician with ovarian cancer expertise

2. Prepare a Letter of Intent (LOI)

   • Include project title, research objectives, significance, and team composition

   • Demonstrate relevance to ovarian cancer research and potential impact

3. Institutional Review

   • Submit LOI through the institution’s sponsored research office or grants office

4. Scientific Advisory Committee Review

   • LOIs are evaluated based on scientific merit, innovation, and relevance

   • Most LOIs will be triaged; only a subset invited to submit full proposals

5. Full Proposal Submission (if invited)

   • Prepare detailed methodology, milestones, budget justification, and collaborative agreements

Selection and Review Process

OCRA’s Scientific Advisory Committee evaluates applications on:

• Scientific merit and originality

• Innovation and potential impact on ovarian cancer research

• Relevance to ovarian and related gynecologic cancers

• Team capacity to perform high-quality research and secure future funding

Reviewers consider both the strength of the research team and the strategic potential of the project.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting LOIs without a clearly defined ovarian cancer focus

• PI holding more than one active OCRA grant

• Team lacking required physician expertise

• Weak demonstration of collaboration or interdisciplinarity

• Missing institutional approval or required documentation

Why This Grant Matters

The OCRA Collaborative Research Development Grant is critical for:

• Advancing high-impact ovarian cancer research

• Building sustainable research teams and collaborations

• Supporting translational research that can improve patient outcomes

• Encouraging interdisciplinary and international collaboration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to $300,000 USD per year for three years ($900,000 total).

2. Who can serve as Principal Investigator?

Full-time faculty or equivalent at accredited academic or non-profit research institutions.

3. Is international collaboration allowed?

Yes. There are no citizenship restrictions, and international collaborations are encouraged.

4. Can an individual hold multiple OCRA grants?

No. A PI can hold only one active OCRA grant at a time and submit only one LOI per cycle.

5. Are for-profit organizations eligible?

No. Only accredited academic institutions and eligible non-profit research entities may apply.

6. What research areas are prioritized?

Screening and early detection, etiology and prevention, therapeutics, cancer biology, genetics, health services, quality of life, and epidemiology.

7. What is the expected start date for funded projects?

January 1, 2027.

Conclusion

The OCRA 2027 Collaborative Research Development Grant provides a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary research teams to advance ovarian cancer knowledge and treatment.

With funding up to $900,000, structured team collaboration, and rigorous review, this grant fosters high-impact, innovative research that can improve clinical outcomes and strengthen global ovarian cancer research networks.

Eligible academic and non-profit research teams should prepare Letters of Intent early to maximize their chances of advancing to the full proposal stage.

For more information, visit OCRA.