Application Instructions:

Each prospective member must submit an on-line application that includes a novel and important cancer research idea. To assist in this process, please follow the guidelines provided.

Research Idea- Please provide a 500-1000 word explanation of your research idea. The idea may be for diagnosis, prevention, treatment or lead to a better understanding of etiology of cancer. We prefer ideas that focus on the more common types of cancer, but this is not a requirement. The idea needs to be one that can be practically tested to determine its success, but it is the idea that will qualify you for membership and make you eligible for the prize; demonstration of success by you or others is not required.

Your idea should include the criteria for evaluating the success of the idea.

Please focus on any special insights that you may have into the cancer or the proposed idea. A detailed description of information that is readily available does not need to be included allowing you to focus on the key novel aspects of your idea.

Catalyst - You should explain what action, event, or resources would allow you or others to evaluate the idea. Examples could include obtaining access to specimens, collaborating with other investigators, or specific resources.

Some helpful hints in filling out an application:

1. Check out the recently posted ideas by first registering as a guest.
2. We will accept ideas that have been previously submitted by our members; however, we will be looking for new insight or a more detailed and thorough analysis than was presented in the idea and discussion thread.
3. Ideas for small and/or inexpensive studies are fine as long as they have large impact.
4. We will accept new ideas or old ideas with a new twist.
5. The following criteria will be considered when judging your application

i. The importance of the idea
ii. The description of the idea
iii. The feasibility of studying the idea (you do not need to be able to perform the study in order to be accepted or to win the prize)

6. You will be notified by email upon acceptance of your application within 2-3 weeks and your idea will then be posted on the website.
7. After acceptance, your idea will be posted anonymously, only being identified by your user name.
8. Other members and guests will then be able to read your idea and members will be able to provide comments to which you and others can respond. You should check the website regularly to participate in the ongoing discussion. The responses to the issues raised by others will be taken into account when selecting the annual prize winners.
9. In addition to the annual prize, you will be eligible to be contacted by foundations or individuals interested in supporting research in your posted idea. If a foundation or individual is interested in contacting you, they will first send us an email expressing their interest. We will then forward their email to you and you can decide if you want us to allow them to contact you directly. Again, you will remain anonymous until you give permission for this contact to be made.
10. A pediatric idea will be eligible for the $1 million prize as well as the $250,000 prize specifically for pediatric cancer research. If a pediatric cancer research idea is selected for the $1 million prize, then the second best pediatric idea would win the $250,000 prize.