INTRODUCTION

The New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research (NJCCR), whose members are appointed by the Governor, was established on January 17, 1983, with the passage of the "Cancer Research Act" by the New Jersey State Legislature.

The NJCCR promotes significant and original research in New Jersey into the causes, prevention and treatment of cancer and serves as a resource to providers and consumers of cancer services.

The NJCCR was created to promote significant, original research in New Jersey and to fund talented researchers exploring the causes of cancer.

By means of this promotion and funding, the NJCCR expects to establish the foundations for the kind of cancer research that will place New Jersey at the cutting edge in the fight against cancer.

GRANT AWARDS

The NJCCR funds approved research projects which focus on the genetic, biochemical, viral, microbiological, environmental, behavioral, socioeconomic, demographic and psychosocial aspects of cancer prevention, causes, development, treatment and palliation.  Such research may include studies that relate to fundamental issues of cancer, but these must use biologic systems, tissues, cells, human subjects or other materials that have a direct relationship to cancer.  A relevancy rating will be included as part of the evaluation process for all applications.

The purpose of grant awards is to provide seed money to new, promising researchers or to establish scientists who wish to explore new avenues of cancer investigation. New investigators must have a tenure track position within the institution. Research Associates, Adjunct Assistant Professors and other non-permanent staff are not eligible to apply. Established investigators are those who have a funded track record in their area of expertise. Changes in direction must be substantial and justification provided within applications.

Grants are awarded to non-profit institutions located in the State of New Jersey and not individual investigators.  Applications must be signed by the official head of the applicant's institution or an official designee.

RESOURCES AND SUPPORT

The availability of funds for this program is contingent on appropriation to the Cancer Research Fund, established by Chapter 6, PL 1983, Title 52:9U-1, et al, to effectuate the purpose of the NJCCR.  The NJCCR appropriation for FY 2008-9 is $1 million. A portion of sales of the Conquer Cancer License Plate is also directed to the Cancer Research Fund.  In addition, the NJCCR may accept gifts, grants and bequests of funds from individuals, foundations, corporations, government agencies and other organizations.

REVIEW PROCESS

All proposals are reviewed by a panel of scientific experts who are appointed by the NJCCR.  The panel evaluates the scientific merit and feasibility of each proposal.  Cancer advocates/patient consumers are included as members of all NJCCR review panels. It is expected that the advocate's role would be to help evaluate the relevancy of applications to cancer.  Therefore, serious consideration should be given to the lay abstract and relevancy section of proposals.  The reviews and recommendations of the scientific panel are provided to the Commissioners who make the final decision on all awards.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

The following outline describes the policies, which govern research awards made by the NJCCR.

Application forms may be obtained by logging on to our web site at http://www.njccr.com, e-mailing njccr@doh.state.nj.us, or writing to:

Executive Director
New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research
3635 Quakerbridge Road
PO Box 369
Trenton, NJ 08625-0369

Applications must be received in NJCCR Offices no later than 4:00 p.m. on the application due date.  Late applications will not be accepted.

NATURE AND DURATION OF GRANTS

Grant awards may be made for a maximum of $60,000 per year in direct costs.  Indirect costs are allowed to the institution for up to 10 percent of direct costs.  Awards may cover salaries for technical assistants or appropriate research staff, equipment, supplies and other items required to accomplish the proposed research.  The NJCCR does not fund studies that overlap with projects funded by other agencies.  A request for funds to expand an ongoing project will be considered if the enlarged work has separated, identifiable boundaries.

Awards should be accepted by the activation date.  No investigator may carry more than two NJCCR grants or fellowships at any given time.

• Budget.  NJCCR maximum grant levels are $60,000 in direct costs per annum for up to two years.  The indirect cost rates may only be 10 % of direct costs.

• Duration.  Grants may be awarded for up to two years.  Upon completion of the grant period, any residual, unexpended funds must be returned to the NJCCR within 90 days of termination date.

• Extension with no additional funding.  Grants may be extended without additional funds for up to one year with appropriate justification and upon written request of the principal investigator and approval by the NJCCR.  Request must be made 30 days prior to the termination date. Please note that mini-grant awards of $25,000 or less may not be extended.

• Application for renewal.  Grant renewals are made only under special circumstances and only for one additional year.  Applications for renewal may be requested from the Executive Director.  Deadlines for receipt of renewals are identified to the deadlines for receipt of new applications.

PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS, ANIMAL WELFARE AND RECOMBINANT DNA

Compliance with US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations for the protection of human subjects, animal welfare, recombinant DNA, and inclusion of women and minorities in clinical research is required for all NJCCR grants.

The applicant’s institution is responsible to assure compliance with all HHS’ regulations. Certification of compliance is mandatory as part of the application and appropriate approval letters from applicant institutional review boards, and animal protection/DNA safety committees must be sent to NJCCR offices prior to starting any research activities. Modifications, continuation letters and other letters pertinent to the study must also be forwarded to NJCCR offices as part of programmatic progress reports. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in loss of grant funding.

INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Grants awarded by the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research are not intended to cover the total costs of the research described in the grant proposal.  The applicant’s institution is expected to take responsibility for providing adequate facilities and a salary for the principal investigator.  In addition, basic administrative services should be available.  Accordingly, support for the following will not be allowed in the application.

Constructions, building maintenance or major alterations
Secretarial and telephone services
Library services including the purchasing and binding of books and periodicals
Furniture for laboratories and office equipment and supplies
Dues for membership and registration fees in scientific societies or at professional meetings
Foreign travel
Recruiting and relocation expenses
Tuition Remission for graduate students

Upon acceptance of a grant award, the applicant’s organization assumes legal and financial responsibility for awarded funds and the conduct of supported activities.  It is the responsibility of the applicant’s institution and principal investigator to assure the accuracy and validity of all fiscal scientific and administrative information pertaining to the awarded grant.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES

A lay abstract is required as part of the application process.  The abstract must be clear, simple and understandable by the public.

All NJCCR awardees are required to participate at least once during the grant period in an approved NJCCR sponsored scientific program.  NJCCR investigators are expected to serve as spokespersons on the importance of cancer research to New Jersey.  Award recipients may be called upon for public speaking, presentations at scientific meetings, and interaction with the media and government officials.  Please note, all applications may be subject to the Open Public Records Act.  Acceptance of this award presumes an understanding of, and agreement with, these responsibilities.  Failure to comply with these terms may result in grant termination.

SCIENTIFIC AND BUDGETARY OVERLAPS

The NJCCR does not fund studies that have scientific of budgetary overlap with grants supported by other agencies.  Accurate and complete information on actively funded, pending and planned proposals for each professional must be provided on the application form entitled “Other Support.”

Please indicate the percent of time and effort dedicated to each activity.  It is important to note that the sum of all the percentages must not exceed 100 percent.  When applicable, a letter assuring that duplicate funding sources will not be accepted by the principal investigator must be included in the proposal.  Should funding be accepted from another agency, it is the responsibility of the principal investigator to notify the NJCCR immediately.  The NJCCR is in communication with other funding agencies and reserves the right to investigate any possible overlaps.

BUDGET

Budgets included in the grant application must accurately reflect the requirements of the proposed project.  The following information should be listed in the areas provided.

1. Personnel. List the names and positions of all personnel who will be connected with the work and the percentage of the time devoted to the project by each.  Co-Investigators are considered to be equivalent in status to Principal Investigators.  As such support for their salary may not be included.  All personnel must be listed even though they might not receive salary support.  Arrangements for consultants should be verified with a letter of intent. Salaries and fringe benefits of all personnel supported by grant awards must be clearly indicated and reflect the proportion of time dedicated to the project.  Persons compensated by grant funds are not considered employees of the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research.
2. Equipment. The NJCCR does not support large equipment expenditures.  Request in excess of $1,000 must be itemized and specific justification of items in excess of $5,000 must be included.
3. Supplies.  The type and cost of consumable good must be listed in the appropriate category.
4. Travel.  The NJCCR limits travel to a ceiling of $1,000 per grant except in extraordinary circumstances.  International travel is not permitted.
5. Miscellaneous Expenses.  This may include any other anticipated expenditure not falling within the categories listed above.
6. Indirect Costs.  Indirect costs will be allowed to a maximum of 10 percent of the total costs of the budget.

EXPENDITURES

Minor reassignments of funds may be made by the principal investigator of up to 10 percent of the total annual budget.  Any changes which exceed 10 percent require approval by the NJCCR.

PAYMENTS

Four equal payments will be made on a quarterly basis to begin the first fiscal quarter after grant activation date.  Payments may be withheld if financial or progress reports are outstanding.

FINANCIAL REPORTS AND RECORDS

Individual accounts must be established for each grant. Accurate records, including documentation of all transactions must be maintained. Financial expenditure reports on the form provided by the NJCCR must be submitted semi-annually during each grant year. All financial reports must have the signature of the financial officer of the institution. The NJCCR or its designated representative reserves the right to audit accounts at any time. Payments can be held for outstanding financial expenditure reports.

Over expenditures, commitments not paid within 60 days of termination, or expenditures made prior to the activation date are not the responsibility of the NJCCR.

A final report, together with a refund of any unexpended funds, must be made within 90 days of termination date.  This report should be reviewed and signed by the principal investigator and the financial officer of the institution.  All records must be retained for 3 years from the date of the final financial report.  In the case of an audit or litigation, this period may be extended until the completion of said action.

REPORTS OF PROGRESS

Interim reports of progress are required on an annual basis. A final comprehensive report of at least 3 pages is required within 60 days of termination of grant. Unpublished research results are considered confidential. The final payment of the grant will be held until the final progress report is received.

Progress reports upon request may be required for up to five successive years following termination date.  At this time, additional progress derived from the funded proposal should be noted and any major grants.

PUBLICATIONS AND PATENTS

Publications resulting from research supported by the NJCCR should contain an acknowledgment such as:  "Assisted by grant # ... from the New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research."  Grantees should provide 3 reprints of any such articles to the Executive Director of the NJCCR.

Decisions and dispositions regarding patents on discoveries made while under grant from the NJCCR must be made with the approval of the NJCCR.

OWNERSHIP OF EQUIPMENT

Equipment purchased for the purpose of research covered in grants from the NJCCR is for the use of the principal investigator and collaborators.  However, title of such equipment shall be vested in the institution.  Transfer of a grant to another New Jersey institution will not be allowed without written permission from the NJCCR.

CANCELLATION AND TRANSFER

The NJCCR is not responsible for expenses incurred after cancellation of grant.  All unexpended funds must be returned to the NJCCR.  Upon written approval from the NJCCR, grants may be transferred from one institution to another within the State of New Jersey.

COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING LAW

The applicant institution, as grantee, agrees to assure that all activities in the performance of the grant are in compliance with state, federal, or municipal laws.  Failure to comply with such laws is grounds for termination of the grants.

OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS ACT

All Grants will be subject to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (P.L. 2001, CHAPTER 404 N.J.S. 47:1A-1 et seq.)

• “government records shall be readily accessible for inspection, copying, or examination by the citizens of this State, with certain exceptions, for the protection of the public interest, and any limitations on the right of access accorded by P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.) as amended and supplemented, shall be construed in favor of the public's right of access;”
• “all government records shall be subject to public access unless exempt from such access by: P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.) as amended and supplemented; any other statute; resolution of either or both houses of the Legislature; regulation promulgated under the authority of any statute or Executive Order of the Governor; Executive Order of the Governor; Rules of Court; any federal law, federal regulation, or federal order ;”
• “a public agency has a responsibility and an obligation to safeguard from public access a citizen's personal information with which it has been entrusted when disclosure thereof would violate the citizen's reasonable expectation of privacy; and nothing contained in P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.), as amended and supplemented, shall be construed as affecting in any way the common law right of access to any record, including but not limited to criminal investigator records of a law enforcement agency.”
• “When federal law or regulation requires the submission of biotechnology trade secrets and related confidential information, a public agency shall not have access to this information except as allowed by federal law.”
• “A public agency shall not make any biotechnology trade secrets and related confidential information it has access to under this act available to any other public agency, or to the general public, except as allowed pursuant to federal law.”

In accordance with these rules the NJCCR discourages the submission of information considered proprietary unless it is essential for proper evaluation of the application.    The NJCCR would like to assure all applicants that any proprietary information will be used or disclosed only for evaluation of the application.

However, if the application does contain proprietary information it should be identified as such on the Table of Contents page of the grant (the second page).

INDEMNIFICATION

The applicant’s institution is solely responsible to keep, save, and hold the State of New Jersey and the New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research harmless from all claims, losses, liabilities, expenses or damages.

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