SPORE Pilot Projects
The GI SPORE Developmental Research Program and the Career Enhancement Program solicit applications yearly for investigators seeking gastrointestinal cancer research pilot funding.
Developmental Research Program
The GI SPORE Developmental Research Program solicits applications once a year from investigators at Vanderbilt, Meharry Medical College, or Tennessee State University. Proposals are reviewed for scientific merit and the likelihood of leading to extramural funding. Special emphasis is placed on attracting young investigators into GI cancer research, high risk/high gain projects, and emerging technologies and their application to GI cancer research. Award amounts of up to $50,000 per project per year are available.
Call for Applications
We are pleased to announce the availability of pilot project grants to support basic, translational, or clinical research on the cause, prevention, detection, control, or treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. High-risk, high-reward projects with a clear focus on GI cancers and strong potential to develop into independent R01- funded studies will be considered for review.
Funds are available to qualified faculty from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, Meharry Medical College, and Tennessee State University. Investigators are not required to be a member of the VICC at the time of application. Up to $50,000 will be awarded with the opportunity for a one-year renewal based on measurable progress of impact. Current GI SPORE pilot project recipients who are considering a renewal application are encouraged to contact Bob Coffey, MD to discuss the likelihood of success of an additional year of funding before applying. All eligible applications will undergo peer review. In 2026, at least two grants of $50,000 each are expected to be awarded to support 12-month projects.
Application Dates for 2027 are forthcoming.
If you have questions or comments, please contact Meghan O’Loughlin by email.
GI SPORE Career Enhancement Program
The GI SPORE Career Enhancement Program solicits applications yearly from investigators at Vanderbilt, Meharry Medical College, or Tennessee State University. Proposals are reviewed for scientific merit and the likelihood of leading to extramural funding. Special emphasis is placed on attracting young investigators into GI cancer research, high risk/high gain projects, and emerging technologies and their application to GI cancer research. Award amounts of up to $50,000 per project per year are available.
Call for Applications
The overall goal of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) SPORE in Gastrointestinal Cancer Career Enhancement Program (CEP) is to provide scientists with the training, mentorship, and collaborative interactions necessary for them to have successful and independent careers in translational gastrointestinal cancer research. The VICC GI SPORE CEP announces a funding opportunity which aims to provide outstanding translational research mentorship, training, and opportunities for investigators to develop sufficient knowledge, skills and expertise to successfully pursue independent, translationally oriented investigative careers focused on GI neoplasia. The goal of this funding is to support junior and established investigators who wish to enhance or refocus their research in GI cancer for the generation of preliminary data required for the submission of external, GI cancer-relevant grant applications (e.g. R type, DOD).
Funds are available to qualified faculty from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, Meharry Medical College, and Tennessee State University. Junior faculty are defined as investigators at the rank of assistant professor or equivalent who are eligible to apply as a principal investigator for grant support from national agencies (e.g., NIH, ACS, NSF). The investigator must be within six (6) years of their first independent research or faculty appointment and have a commitment from the institution for salary and space. In 2026, up to two grants up to $50,000 will be awarded for 12-month projects beginning July 1. The possibility of renewal for a second year is based on measurable progress of impact.
Ranking will be by peer review, based on novelty and scientific merit with consideration given to the projects with relevance to GI cancer. A major criterion will be the perceived probability that the research project will lead to the submission of a competitive research grant application to the NCI or similar major source of extramural funding. The purpose of this program is not to serve as the sole source of funding for small projects, but rather to catalyze the generation of relevant preliminary data needed for a larger study. Other factors to be considered in the review will be the areas of expertise of the investigator(s), and the value of the project to the cancer research priorities of the VICC.
Dates to Apply for 2027 funding are forthcoming.
If you have further questions or comments, please contact Meghan O’Loughlin by email.