Feedback and Suggestions for Improvement
The last section of the survey asked respondents to reflect on their experience as a CBCRP funded new investigator and to provide suggestions for improving the New Investigator Award program, such as how we might draw new investigators into the field of breast cancer, how further we can help develop the careers of new investigators, and how the CBCRP can improve the call for applications.
All 20 new investigators interviewed for this evaluation reported general satisfaction with the program and most reported being grateful for the funding opportunity. The majority of respondents felt this award had an impact on their career, especially in terms of helping them establish themselves as independent researchers. Many respondents stated this was the best award they had ever been granted because the CBCRP had "taken a chance" with them and the publications, presentations, and subsequent funding obtained had a significant impact on their career.
Suggestions for Improvement
Respondents proposed the following ways to improve the CBCRP:
Encourage More New Investigators
- Continue offering career development awards to new investigators.
- Identify cutting edge issues and fund these topics to encourage new investigators
to study them.
- Target graduate students and other potential applicants earlier in their
careers to encourage them into the field of breast cancer research. (CBCRP
currently offers awards to graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and
new faculty members).
Increase Consultation and Networking Opportunities
- Host an annual meeting to assemble senior researchers, experts in breast
cancer, faculty, and new investigators. Many respondents felt this could
increase networking with people who have complementary skills, as well as
help make connections with mentors that could foster support and encouragement.
- Increase consultation between CBCRP research administrators and new investigators
to assure proper grant management and personnel supervision, and to enhance
CBCRP's supportive role.
- Provide a session on how new investigators can publish and continue their
work.
- Offer statistical help for evaluating study outcomes, either by adding
funding to contract a statistician, or by having a statistician on staff
from whom new investigators can seek advice.
Application/Funding/Advertisement
- Increase the size of the grants to pay for a graduate student
researcher or a laboratory technologist.
- Promote the CBCRP and its available funding opportunities. Increase advertisement
of the call at different universities throughout California, at non-university
settings, and in magazines/journals.
- Actively reach out to potential investigators to let them know this funding
opportunity is available.
- Continue to offer informational sessions regarding the call for applications.
- Change the application deadline so it is not so close to the holidays.
