Claudia Adams Barr Program in Cancer Research:

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Barr Awards are designed to support hypothesis-driven research projects that are innovative and address fundamental basic science questions that may be relevant to cancer. The request for funds should be limited to support for the initiation of the study and generation of preliminary data needed to submit grant applications for external funding. Translational research in theoretical and model systems, both animal and human, which reveal fundamental biological aspects of cancer qualifies for support. 

Application due date: May 30, 2025

ELIGIBILITY

Established DFCI junior and senior independent investigators are encouraged to apply if the proposed project is in a completely new area of research for the laboratory. Postdoctoral fellows and Instructors who are on a clear trajectory toward independence within 1-2 years, as evidenced by 1st author publication(s), and are conducting independent research on a project that is not yet supported by external funding in that laboratory may also apply. Only one application for a Barr Award per lab may be submitted for consideration. No previous Barr investigator shall be allowed to have a consecutive Barr Award unless there is clear and compelling justification for moving into a new and different area of research that has not yet been supported by external grant funding. Labs with existing Barr Awards/Awardees are not eligible to apply for concurrent support; applications should be deferred to a future round.

Barr Awards are made for a period of up to two years. Very focused, preliminary studies that could be accomplished in less than 2 years may be proposed for one year only.  Only under exceptional circumstances will a project be considered for a one-year funded extension.

 Award Budget Guidelines: 

Annual budgets must be fully justified and may include direct costs up to $260,000 per year plus 20% indirect costs.