PCFA research program

Welcome to the Research Program of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

The PCFA recognizes that current strategies for diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer are inadequate. Progress in the management of prostate cancer requires research as well as measures to make scientifically-rigorous clinical trials accessible to patients with prostate cancer.

Australia has a vigorous and internationally-recognized cadre of medical researchers, and the PCFA wishes to encourage and support their interest in prostate cancer research through a research grants program.

Mr Graeme Johnson, Chair, PCFA
Mr Andrew Giles, CEO, PCFA
Prof John Mills, Chair, Research Committee

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The overall goals of the PCFA Research Program are:

  • To encourage young investigators to undertake research into prostate cancer, and to support those investigators as they mature toward independent scientists.
  • To stimulate senior scientists, not working in the field of prostate cancer, to bring innovative proposals to the PCFA; funding will be provided to obtain the preliminary data needed for NH&MRC or other grant submissions.
  • To encourage rigorous proposals for research that will provide direct, tangible benefits to patients with prostate cancer in a relatively-short timeframe.
  • To fund equipment purchases which will facilitate innovative research in prostate cancer.

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The PCFA is especially seeking applications in its priority areas for funding, specifically, projects seeking to:

  • Discover the genetic and cellular factors which initiate and/or perpetuate prostate cancer
  • Discover, develop and clinically validate new, non-invasive tests to detect prostate cancer, and/or to determine whether a patient's cancer is surgically curable.
  • Discover, develop and clinically validate new biomarkers that predict the future clinical course of prostate cancer and/or the response to future chemotherapy
  • Discover, and validate through preclinical and clinical trials, novel molecular targets for chemotherapy of locally-invasive or metastatic prostate cancer, including androgen-independent cancers
  • Develop new treatment strategies for prostate cancer, especially locally-invasive or metastatic cancers
  • Provide immediate improvements in the quality of life of patients with prostate cancer

This year - 2008 - the PCFA again invites applications for research into prostate cancer by qualified Australian scientists. Documents outlining the policies and procedures for each of the grant categories, application forms, and instructions for applicants including eligibility criteria are available from the links below after the opening date.

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PCFA Grant Categories

Young Investigator Grants: To support young scientists beginning a career in prostate cancer research.

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Concept Grants: For senior scientists not currently working in prostate cancer who have an innovative proposals and are seeking startup funding.

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Project Grants: For general proposals for prostate cancer research, including support for innovative clinical trials.

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Equipment Grants: For significant items of equipment needed to progress ongoing prostate cancer research.

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Relevant Dates

10 May 2008        Application forms available on the PCFA web site

18 July 2008        Deadline for submission of completed applications

24 Oct 2008        Research Committee meets to review proposals

13 Nov 2008        PCFA Board of Directors discusses and approves Research Committee recommendations for funding

16 Nov 2008        Applicants notified of the outcome of the review

Dates may be changed; modifications will be posted on the PCFA web page.

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PCFA Contact

For further information or questions you should contact the Research Grant Coordinator, Samantha Stewart:
E:   research@prostate.org.au
P:    03 8610 6419
F:    03 8621 6941

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