California Cancer Research Program
	Review Process

Cancer Survivor Involvement Nomination Guide Next Merit Review Meeting Resume Format

Grant Review Process Applications submitted for each RFA cycle undergo a multi-step process. 1)  Merit Review As a first step, Study Section members review applications for responsiveness to the priority areas, appropriateness of the selected award mechanisms, budget and overall merit. Grant applications submitted to CRP compete for funding with other applications submitted to CRP for a particular grant cycle. The study section members consist of nationally renowned scientists from outside California. Beginning with Cycle II, CRP has included cancer survivor reviewers, also from outside California, to the study section. 2)  CRP Review Using the results of the merit review process, CRP staff develops several alternative proposal funding models for consideration by the Cancer Research Council (CRC). The guiding principle behind any funding approach devised is to match as closely as possible the programmatic goals and priorities of CRP given the constraints of the number and types of applications received and their merit review scores. 3)  Cancer Research Council Review The next step in the award process is the CRC's consideration of the study section merit evaluation. CRC makes the final recommendations to DHS as to which applications should be funded. Thus, CRC fulfills its role as a major resource in the development of the strategic objectives and priorities of CRP by advising CRP and DHS on the types and programmatic distribution of research applications that should be considered and funded. 4)  Cancer Research Section (CRS) Award Determinations As a final step, based on CRC recommendations and acting on behalf of the Director of the DHS, Cancer Research Section determines which of the applications should be funded. Confidentiality All of the proposals are considered sensitive materials. The specifics of proposals should not be discussed or shown to other persons, including a personal physician, other health care workers, or other scientific persons. If assistance is needed in reviewing proposals, the Survivor Reviewer may only contact CRP staff or the Section Chairperson. Conflict of Interest In general, a conflict of interest arises when a reviewer, a spouse/partner, child, parent or other close family friend has/had/will have a: Personal relationship with the applicant or other person named in the proposal. Professional relationship with the applicant or other person named in the proposal. Professional relationship with the applicant's institution or any organization participating in the proposal. If any of these situations arise, please contact the Scientific Review Administrator to determine if an actual conflict of interest exists. California Cancer Research Program (916) 449-5550 E-mail crp@dhs.ca.gov