LUNGevity Foundation Launches New Mid-Career Research Award for Lung Cancer
On January 13, 2025, LUNGevity Foundation, a preeminent nonprofit organization focused on lung cancer, unveiled its inaugural Mid-Career 'Bridge to Breathe' Research Award. This initiative aims to support mid-career researchers who are integral in advancing the fields of lung cancer research and treatment. Reports emerging from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—the primary health-related research funder in the U.S.—reveal a concerning trend where mid-career researchers are struggling to secure funding after initial grants. Specifically, six years following their first substantial funding, an alarming 45% of cancer researchers find themselves unable to procure the necessary support to further their scientific inquiries.
This lack of funding cascades into a deeper issue: the attrition of skilled professionals in lung cancer research. The knowledge and expertise possessed by these researchers are essentials for the progression of this critical field. "This new award is part of LUNGevity's ongoing commitment to workforce development and is intended to retain leaders in thoracic oncology who have the potential to effect real change for individuals living with lung cancer," stated Dr. Amy Moore, Vice President of Global Engagement and Research Partnerships at LUNGevity.
The 2025 Mid-Career 'Bridge to Breathe' Research Award was specifically established to cater to the evolving requirements of the research community. It aims to back mid-career researchers who are between 5 and 15 years past their first faculty appointment. Proposed research projects should lay down a clear framework for developing future methodologies in early detection or personalized treatment approaches for lung cancer. Notably, the award will also consider high-risk, high-reward proposals equally. The funding available for this award goes up to $150,000 over a two-year period.
The application process comprises two main stages. Candidates are required to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by February 14, 2025. Following the review of these LOIs, a select number of applicants will be invited to proceed with a complete application, which is due by May 12, 2025. The awardees will be announced in late summer 2025, a significant milestone for those selected. More information about this award, including intricacies about the application process, can be found on the LUNGevity website at www.lungevity.org/RFAs and the proposalCENTRAL website at proposalcentral.com.
As the leading lung cancer organization in the U.S., LUNGevity continues to redefine the narrative surrounding lung cancer diagnoses and the related quality of life for patients. Their efforts extend beyond funding support; they strive to influence research directions, advocacy efforts, and community support in a multifaceted approach aimed at enhancing survivorship for all impacted.
Statistics on lung cancer in the U.S. are startling; approximately one in 18 Americans will encounter lung cancer in their lifetime. This year alone, over 234,000 individuals are poised to receive a lung cancer diagnosis, translating to a new diagnosis every 2.2 minutes. Alarmingly, about 65% of these new cases arise in individuals with little to no tobacco exposure. The mortality rate is equally staggering, as lung cancer accounts for more deaths than colorectal and pancreatic cancers combined. Current estimates indicate that just 27% of those diagnosed will endure five years or longer post-diagnosis. However, if lung cancer is detected early, survival rates can increase significantly, highlighting the pressing need for enhanced funding and research initiatives like the 'Bridge to Breathe' Award.
Through their innovative approach to research and community engagement, LUNGevity Foundation's ongoing mission strives toward a future where lung cancer can become a manageable condition, reducing mortality rates drastically. Their comprehensive resources and initiatives are designed to ensure that no one faces lung cancer alone, and they remain committed to making strides in this vital area of healthcare.