Wilmot/University of Rochester Aging Institute Cancer and Aging Pilot Program

The Wilmot Cancer Institute and the University of Rochester Aging Institute are partnering to fund pilot projects in aging and cancer. 

• Projects must be designed to lay the foundation for new, competitive NIH R01-level grant applications.
• Projects must be relevant to cancer and aging, i.e., they must seek new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, treat, or manage cancer and its side effects by understanding the biological, individual, or social impacts of aging.
• Projects may involve basic, translational, clinical or population science research.

Applicants may request up to $50,000 for a one-year project.

Emphasis is given to projects that:

• may lead to new collaborations (that is, collaborations involving investigators who have not previously published together);
• already have proven feasibility;
• emphasize translation of laboratory science discoveries into clinical trials; or
• are relevant to Wilmot catchment area priorities.

Apply

Statements of Intent are due September 16, 2024. Invited full applications are due November 4, 2024. 

Download the RFA

Contact

Please contact Thom Fogg with questions.

Past Award Recipients

2023

The Impact of Age on the Phenotype and Function of CAR T-Cells in Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Implications for Toxicity and Outcomes
PIs: Carla Casulo, M.D., Tim Mosmann, Ph.D., Danielle Wallace, M.D.

2022

The Stem Cell Niche for Clonal Dominance in Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
PIs: Shu-Chi Yeh, Ph.D.; Jeevisha Bajaj, Ph.D.

Pilot Clinical Trial of Fucoidan to Alleviate Frailty and Reduce Biological Age in Elderly Cancer Patients Following Chemotherapy
PIs: Michelle Janelsins, Ph.D., M.P.H.; Vera Gorbunova, Ph.D.; Luke Peppone, Ph.D.

2021

Biomarkers to Identify Older Patients with Myeloid Neoplasms at Risk for Declines in Functional, Cognitive, and Psychological Status
PIs: Kah Poh Loh, B.Med.Sci., M.B.B.Ch., B.A.O., M.S.; Michelle Janelsins, Ph.D., M.P.H.; Paula Vertino, Ph.D.