2012
Aflac / COG AYA
Tumor Biology and
Host Physiology
Research Grant Awards
COG AYA
Committee
Application Deadline: May 1, 2012
The COG Adolescent and Young Adult Committee is soliciting research proposals to advance the
science of AYA oncology. Proposals will be peer-reviewed and funding will be rewarded based
on merit, feasibility, and use of COG patients and resources. Aflac Insurance Co. has provided
funding for this award, as it has for Young Investigators awards in AYA oncology. Projects that
develop preliminary data, which will lead to subsequent funding from additional sources are
particularly encouraged.
The proposal for the current round of funding should address tumor biology or host physiology
(pharmacology) that contributes to AYAs’ susceptibility to cancer, their response to
treatment, and/or their disease outcomes. Examples would include a study of the effect of
hormonal milieu on tumor initiation or progression during adolescence or a study of the variation
in a biologic profile of a tumor by age.
Future RFAs, planned to be released several times per year, will focus on other areas of AYA
oncology.
APPLICATION
1. Research Plan: hypothesis, rationale/background, specific aims, methods, statistical issues,
timeline (1-3 pages excluding references/bibliography, tables/figures, essential appendices)
2. CV in NIH biosketch format (1-2 pages)
3. Budget and justification in NIH format (1-2 pages for budget, 1 page for justification)
BUDGET INFORMATION
Proposals may request 1 or 2 years of funding with a yearly budget not to exceed $30,000,
beginning before the end of 2012 academic year (start date optional until then).
Continued support after the first year is contingent upon a non-competitive review and
demonstration of satisfactory completion of proposed research objectives and appropriate
budget expenditures.
Acceptable expenditures, with appropriate justification
 1- or 2-year support
 Salary support for the PI, laboratory technicians, post-doctoral fellows, graduate
students, research nurse, clinical research associate
 Travel to 1 COG or adult Cooperative Group meeting, with $1,000 limit
 Funds for travel integral to the proposed research (e.g., to establish new techniques)
 Equipment items over $1,000, categories of consumable supplies over $2,000
 Publication expenses, with $1,000 limit
 Indirect costs: recommended to be waived, limited to 20% if waiver not acceptable
Not Acceptable
 Secretarial salary support
 Funds for travel to non-COG meetings
DEADLINE: The application must electronically transmittable and emailed by May 1, 2012. The
selection committee will review the applications and announce decisions by June 30, 2012.
REPORTS



First Year Report if 2nd year of funds awarded/requested, by the end of the 10th month
Final Report
Publications should be included and reference support of the Aflac Foundation and the
Children’s Oncology Group.
AWARD MANAGEMENT: The funding cycle can start as early July 1, 2012 and will run for a
continuous 24 months. Funds for the second year are contingent upon receipt and approval of an
interim progress report, which is due from the investigator and the mentor ten months after the
start of the first year of funding. A summary progress report will be expected within 3 months after
completion of the Investigator Award. At the end of the two years, the investigator and the
sponsoring institution may retain unused funds, if justified in a written request at least 60 days
prior to the end of the award. Aflac has the right to unilaterally cancel any award for noncompliance or non-performance; the award amount will be prorated for the number of months that
it was in effect. If an investigator changes institutions, the new institution must submit a letter
outlining its commitment and capability to support the training and research for the remaining term
of the award, and the selection committee will have to re-approve the award.
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS: Published or presented material based on research
supported by Aflac Biology Research / Host Physiology Award funds must acknowledge the support
of Aflac.
INQUIRIES: Direct inquiries to: Archie Bleyer, MD, via 541-610-4782 or ableyer@gmail.com or
David Freyer, DO, MS, COG AYA Committee Chair via dfreyer@chla.usc.edu.
SUBMISSION: Email completed application materials by May 1, 2012 to ableyer@gmail.com.
2012 Aflac / COG AYA Tumor Biology and Host Physiology Research Grant Awards
Award Application
Cover Page
1. Name:
First
Middle
Last
Degree
2. Institution: ___________________________________________________________
Department: __________________________________________________________
Position: _____________________________________________________________
3. Address: _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
City
State
Zip Code
Country
4. Telephone: ____-___________
5. Fax:
______-______________
6. Email:
_________________________________________
7. Certification: I certify that to the best of my knowledge, the information contained in
this application is true and that the research proposed to be conducted will take place at
the sponsoring institution and comply with its standards.
Applicant Signature: __________________________________ Date: