Deadline: 25-Mar-2026
The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) 2027 Mentored Investigator Grant supports early-career researchers advancing ovarian cancer and related gynecologic cancer research. Grants provide up to $100,000 USD over one or two years to support laboratory, clinical, epidemiologic, or health services research, with strong mentorship provided. Eligible applicants include postdoctoral or clinical fellows with protected research time, and funding is limited to accredited academic and nonprofit research institutions.
The OCRA Mentored Investigator Grant provides early-career researchers with funding, mentorship, and institutional support to pursue high-impact projects in ovarian and related gynecologic cancers. The programme aims to develop the next generation of independent investigators by combining financial resources with structured mentorship and oversight.
Focus Areas
Funded projects must:
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Focus on ovarian cancer or related gynecologic cancers
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Include research in:
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Laboratory research
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Clinical research
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Epidemiologic research
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Health services research
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Encourage projects in Cancer Control and Population Sciences, including risk/outcome studies, survivorship, and health services research
Funding Details
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Grant Amount: Up to $100,000 USD
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Duration: One or two years, at the applicant’s discretion
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Start Date: March 1, 2027
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Awarded to the institution of the Principal Investigator
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Reporting: Recipients must submit activation deliverables, and annual narrative and financial progress reports
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Publications: Any outputs must acknowledge OCRA support
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants Must:
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Be a clinical fellow or postdoctoral fellow with protected research time
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Hold an MD, DO, and/or PhD at the time of application
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PhD applicants: within five years of degree completion (2021 or later)
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MD/DO or MD/PhD applicants: currently enrolled in a fellowship program
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Devote at least 80% effort to research activities during the grant tenure (limited non-research duties allowed)
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Align proposed projects with the mentor’s research objectives
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Choose one mentor at the same institution with significant independent cancer research funding
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Ensure only one active OCRA grant at a time
Mentorship Requirements
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Mentors must have independent cancer research funding from recognized sources (e.g., NIH, Department of Defense, OCRA)
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Mentors may support only one applicant per year
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Applicants invited for full proposals must provide at least one letter of recommendation from a qualified mentor
Institutional Eligibility
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Accredited academic and nonprofit research institutions, including:
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Universities and colleges
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Research hospitals and institutes
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Recognized scientific research facilities
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Ineligible institutions: for-profit entities, consulting firms, non-research organizations, and nonprofits not directly conducting research
Additional Restrictions
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Principal Investigators may submit only one Letter of Intent per grant cycle
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Previous Mentored Investigator Grant recipients are not eligible
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
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Strength of the research environment and institutional support
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Quality and originality of the proposed project
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Applicant’s academic track record and potential for sustained research
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Likelihood the applicant will pursue a career focused on ovarian and related gynecologic cancers
How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare Letter of Intent
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Confirm eligibility criteria for the applicant and mentor
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Define research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes
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Align project with mentor’s research program
Step 2: Select a Mentor
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Choose one qualified mentor at the same institution
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Verify mentor meets independent funding and mentorship requirements
Step 3: Submit Letter of Intent
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Submit LOI according to OCRA deadlines
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Only one LOI per applicant per cycle is permitted
Step 4: Full Proposal (if invited)
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Provide at least one letter of recommendation from the mentor
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Include detailed project plan, timeline, and budget
Step 5: Grant Administration
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Recipient institution receives funds and ensures timely activation deliverables and annual reports
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Publications and presentations must acknowledge OCRA funding
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Selecting a mentor who does not meet funding or mentorship criteria
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Submitting more than one Letter of Intent per cycle
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Proposing a project unrelated to ovarian or gynecologic cancers
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Exceeding allowed non-research responsibilities during grant tenure
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Applying from an ineligible institution
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the Mentored Investigator Grant?
Postdoctoral fellows or clinical fellows with protected research time holding an MD, DO, or PhD.
2. Can international applicants apply?
Yes, there are no citizenship restrictions.
3. How much funding is provided?
Up to $100,000 USD to the applicant’s institution for one or two years.
4. How many mentors can an applicant list?
Only one mentor at the same institution.
5. Are previous recipients eligible?
No, previous Mentored Investigator Grant recipients cannot reapply.
6. What types of research are supported?
Laboratory, clinical, epidemiologic, health services research, and cancer control/population science projects related to ovarian or gynecologic cancers.
7. What are the reporting requirements?
Activation deliverables, annual narrative and financial progress reports, and acknowledgement in publications/presentations.
Conclusion
The 2027 Mentored Investigator Grant empowers early-career researchers to advance ovarian and related gynecologic cancer research through structured mentorship, institutional support, and targeted funding.
By combining financial resources with high-quality mentorship, the programme aims to develop the next generation of independent investigators dedicated to impactful, long-term contributions in ovarian cancer research.
For more information, visit OCRA.
