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Innovative, Developmental, and Exploratory Awards (IDEA)

California Breast Cancer Research Program

Purpose/Requirements:

To support speculative, exploratory, high-risk/high-reward projects with a primary focus on breast cancer. Applications for this award type should challenge existing paradigms, represent a new direction for the PI, and encourage innovation by the incorporation of techniques and approaches not yet well represented in mainstream breast cancer research. We encourage researchers to attempt breakthroughs that, if successful, could be leveraged into more substantial funding. Both established researchers and new investigators (see below) are welcome to apply. Examples of research not responsive to the IDEA are projects that: (1) propose incremental advances for the underlying topic, (2) duplicate the aims of completed or funded research to the PI derived from non-breast cancer studies without incorporating detailed breast cancer-specific justification, (3) overlap in topic and aims with current grant support to the applicant, or (4) represent portions of existing grants or are derived from larger, R01-type projects.

To be maximally responsive to the IDEA funding mechanism, the applicant must either be previously trained and have published in breast cancer or collaborate with an established breast cancer researcher. IDEA applicants are required to explain how the research project is on a “critical path” to substantially advance the topic under investigation.

IDEAs for new investigators: Researchers at a career level beyond postdoctoral training (or equivalent) and less than three years as an independent investigator (e.g., Assistant Professor or equivalent), or entering research from another field, are encouraged to apply for IDEA grants. During the peer review process, the applicant’s prior research history and accomplishments will be rated less stringently than for IDEAs from established investigators.

Project Duration & Budget Caps:

• 18 months maximum duration

• Budget cap for total project direct costs is either $150,000 or $200,000 (higher cap is for projects using animal or human participants). Modified Total Direct Cost base (MTDC); UC campuses receive a maximum institutional F&A of 35% MTDC (25% for off-campus projects). All other institutions are eligible for indirect costs of up to 25% MTDC or the rate established for the institution through a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (or another similarly established rate), whichever is higher.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1️⃣ Clear Benefit to Californians

This is the single most important CBCRP predictor.

Reviewers strongly prefer projects that:

Focus on breast cancer issues specifically affecting California communities

Include California-specific epidemiology, patient populations, environmental exposures, or policy contexts

Engage California-based partners (clinics, communities, public health agencies)

Predictor: Strong California relevance = significantly higher chances of funding.

2️⃣ High-Risk, High-Reward Innovation

CBCRP explicitly seeks bold, transformative ideas.

Successful projects often include:

New therapeutic targets or pathways

Novel imaging or diagnostic technologies

Innovative prevention strategies

Cutting-edge omics, computational biology, microenvironment analysis

First-in-concept translational approaches

Predictor: Innovative science with strong rationale, even if risky, is encouraged.

3️⃣ Community Engagement & CBPR (When Applicable)

CBCRP is one of the few funders that prioritizes community involvement.

Strong predictors include:

Partnering with community organizations early (planning stages)

Meaningful roles for patient advocates, survivors, and stakeholders

Co-designed research questions & dissemination plans

Addressing inequities in breast cancer outcomes

Predictor: Genuine, integrated community partnership — not tokenism.

4️⃣ Strong Focus on Disparities, Prevention, & Public Health Impact

CBCRP prioritizes:

Breast cancer health disparities affecting racial/ethnic minorities, low-income groups, rural populations, LGBTQ+ communities

Environmental risk factors (pesticides, endocrine disruptors, pollutants)

Policy-relevant research

Predictor: A proposal addressing structural inequities or environmental causes is highly competitive.

5️⃣ Clear Translational Pathway

Even for basic science, CBCRP expects:

Defined downstream impact on prevention, diagnosis, or treatment

A realistic trajectory toward future clinical trials or policy translation

Partnerships with clinicians, translational scientists, or public health entities

Predictor: A credible plan linking discovery → patient benefit.

6️⃣ Rigorous, Feasible Study Design

Strong CBCRP proposals have:

1–3 realistic, focused aims

Solid methodology (whether lab-based, clinical, or community research)

Recruitment or sample-access feasibility

Clear endpoints (biomarkers, patient outcomes, behavioral change, exposure measures)

Realistic timeline for a 1–3 year project

Thoughtful risk-mitigation strategies (important for high-risk proposals)

Predictor: Reviewers must believe the project can actually succeed.

7️⃣ Multi-disciplinary Collaboration

Best-performing projects frequently involve:

Oncologists

Epidemiologists

Molecular biologists

Environmental scientists

Community partners

Data scientists

Policy experts

Predictor: Interdisciplinary teams increase translational and community impact.

8️⃣ Strong Investigator Track Record OR Early-Career Potential

CBCRP funds both established investigators and new researchers.

Success predictors include:

For established PIs:

Publications in breast cancer or relevant translational fields

Leadership in collaborative research

Demonstrated ability to complete projects

For early-career applicants:

Mentorship structure

Protected time

Clear career-development plan

Predictor: Ability to deliver on the proposed work.

9️⃣ Well-Justified Budget & Efficient Use of Funds

CBCRP carefully evaluates budgets.

Strong applications:

Request appropriate funds for aims (not inflated)

Demonstrate cost-effectiveness

Justify personnel, supplies, community partner compensation, analytic costs

Are aligned with CBPRP’s emphasis on fair compensation for community collaborators

Predictor: A credible, fair, and efficient budget.

🚫 Common Pitfalls That Hurt CBCRP Applications

Pitfall	Why It Hurts
Weak California focus	Misaligned with CBCRP mission
Minimal community engagement	Major red flag for community-based categories
Very generic or low-risk science	Not competitive for innovation-driven funding
Lack of focus on disparities	Misses a core CBCRP priority
Overly ambitious complex projects	Not feasible under CBCRP timelines
Poor justification for methodological approach	Weakens reviewer confidence
Inadequate stakeholder involvement	Suggests limited real-world impact
Budget misalignment	Appears unrealistic or wasteful

Specialties

Cancer

Eligibility Requirements

Applications for this award type should challenge existing paradigms, represent a new direction for the PI and encourage innovation by the incorporation of techniques and approaches not yet well represented in mainstream breast cancer research. We encourage researchers to attempt breakthroughs that, if successful, could be leveraged into more substantial funding. Both established researchers and new investigators are welcome to apply.

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: California Breast Cancer Research Program

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 300 Lakeside Drive, 6th Floor

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