Mentored Investigator Grant

The Mentored Investigator Grant (MIG) offered by the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) is designed to provide targeted support for early-career researchers committed to advancing scientific understanding of ovarian and related gynecologic cancers. As part of the 2027 grant cycle, the program seeks to fund post-doctoral and clinical fellows working under the close mentorship of established leaders in the field. The initiative reflects OCRA’s mission to foster the next generation of cancer researchers through structured guidance and dedicated research time, aiming to bolster innovative approaches that align with the long-term goals of the mentor’s research program. Eligible applicants must possess an MD, DO, and/or PhD and have secured protected time to focus on their proposed research. PhD holders must be within five years of their terminal degree, and MD/DO/MD-PhD candidates must be enrolled in a fellowship program. Regardless of academic background, all applicants are expected to commit at least 80% of their effort to research during the tenure of the award. The research focus may span laboratory, clinical, epidemiologic, or health services domains but must demonstrate clear and direct relevance to ovarian cancer or closely related gynecologic conditions. Special consideration is given to projects in Cancer Control and Population Sciences (CCPS), including risk and outcome studies, survivorship, and health services research. The award offers up to $100,000 USD over a one- or two-year period, directed to the institution of the Principal Investigator (PI). Mentors are required to be at the same institution as the applicant and must hold significant independent cancer research funding. A mentor may support only one applicant per cycle, and strong institutional vetting is encouraged to ensure that the most promising proposals are submitted. The program is strictly limited to accredited non-profit universities, colleges, research hospitals, institutes, or recognized scientific research facilities. For-profit entities, consulting firms, or non-research organizations are ineligible, as are non-profits not conducting the research themselves. The selection process begins with a required Letter of Intent (LOI), due March 25, 2026, by 5:00 PM Eastern Time, submitted via OCRA’s SmartSimple portal. LOIs are reviewed by OCRA’s Scientific Advisory Committee, a panel comprised of leaders in medicine, research, and patient advocacy. Only a subset of applicants—typically around 25%—are invited to submit full proposals, which will then undergo a second round of peer review. Full proposals for invited candidates are due in mid-June 2026, with funding notifications anticipated by the end of September 2026. The grant performance period begins March 1, 2027. All applicants must submit required components via the SmartSimple system, including a scientific abstract, biosketches for both the PI and the mentor, and a general budget overview (not itemized). At this LOI stage, no letters of recommendation or detailed financial breakdowns are required. Recipients of the grant must submit annual narrative and financial progress reports, and any publication or presentation of research must acknowledge OCRA support. Grant activities must follow OCRA’s confidentiality and conflict-of-interest policies to ensure the integrity of the review process. OCRA, the world’s largest organization focused exclusively on ovarian and gynecologic cancers, has funded over $140 million in scientific research and supports over 95,000 individuals annually. With an ongoing commitment to advocacy and innovation, the organization plays a vital role in shaping both public awareness and scientific advancement in the field.

Submit early via SmartSimple; vet concept well—only 25% LOIs invited for full proposal.