Frequently asked questions about Victorian Cancer Agency funding
General Questions
Q: Will you accept applications from the Integrated Cancer Services?
A: Yes, but there needs to be a legally incorporated lead agency through which we can channel funding.
Q: If I already have funding for a project, can I submit a proposal for additional support?
A: Yes, as long as it fits with grant criteria - but there must be no duplication in the funding request e.g. if a salary is already supported from another source, you cannot apply to the Agency for that salary too.
Q: Can funding be used to extend an existing project?
A: Yes, as long as the proposal fits with grant criteria and indicates a discrete research objective with no duplication of funding from other sources.
Q: If I have received previous funding from the Agency, can I apply again?
A: All applications will be reviewed on their own merit. If you have applied successfully or unsuccessfully to the Agency in the past this will not influence your application outcome.
Q: Will you fund research in other states?
A: We will fund collaborative research across Victoria and interstate, but the lead agency must be based in Victoria.
Q: Will funding be available annually?
A: Funding to the Agency has been allocated by the Victorian Government until 2012. The Agency will undertake annual funding rounds during this period.
Q: Will you fund cost-benefit research in the clinical setting?
A: Yes, if it has a role in translating research into clinical practice.
Q: Will the researchers or the Agency own IP of findings?
A: The administering organisation will own IP and will be asked to commercialise in a manner that ensures fair and reasonable access for the Victorian public.
Q: Will there be any feedback to the applicant?
A: Only on the outcome of the grant. Both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of funding decisions. Applicants may be contacted during the decision making process if additional information is required. In previous years the Agency has not provided personal feedback to applicants.
Clinical Research Fellowship
Q: Why are you only funding 75% of a clinical research salary?
A: In line with NHMRC funding, we intend the other 25% to come from clinical responsibilities to ensure that funding recipients are working at the interface of translational research.
Early Career Seed Grant
Q: Can the early career '5-years post PhD' be interpreted if I have had a career break?
A: Yes, if you have had a career break or worked part-time since completing your PhD.
Capacity Building (Infrastructure) Grants
Q: Can infrastructure funding be used for a clinical data collection system?
A: Yes, as long as the management system is primarily for research and does not duplicate existing infrastructure.