We are pleased to announce a call for proposals for the Dr. Tori Willard Early Career Award. Dr. Victoria (Tori) Willard was a committed member of the SIOP PPO Steering Committee, and she was a beloved colleague and mentor to so many in pediatric oncology and pediatric psychology. She was a champion for early career investigators in our field. And, above all, she was dedicated to improving the lives of children with cancer through clinical care and research. With the generosity and support of Mr. Joe McDonough and The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, we have created this pilot grant as a tribute to Dr. Willard’s too short but highly impactful career.

The purpose of this grant is to provide one year of funding in the amount of $25,000 USD to a junior investigator conducting research in pediatric psycho-oncology. This funding should be used to generate pilot data to be used to support a subsequent larger, peer-reviewed funding proposal (NIH or equivalent). Multi-disciplinary collaborative research is strongly encouraged. These funds are not intended to support training or clinical services or already well-established research programs. Early career researchers from institutions outside of the United States are welcome to apply.

• Must have a PhD, PsyD, or other doctoral degree in psychology or a related discipline.
• Must be within 10 years of completion of their terminal degree.
• Must have an appointment at a medical/hospital/university or equivalent. Appointment must be at the level of: (1) Postdoctoral fellow, with at least 12 months remaining at the start of funding, OR (2) Instructor or Assistant Professor faculty (or equivalent).
• Individuals that have previously or are currently serving as the PI on a large grant (e.g., NIH K-level, NIH R-level, foundation grants >$100,000 USD) are not eligible.
• Only one application allowed per PI per cycle.
• Prior awardees are not eligible to re-apply for additional support from this grant opportunity.

• Significance of the research and relevance to pediatric psycho-oncology.
• Approach includes sufficient detail of design, analysis plan, and feasibility of proposed project.
• Study design and sample size are reasonable and justified.
• Innovation of the project (considering the scope will be limited in a pilot award).
• Feasibility of the project, including ability to complete the project in one year.
• Support of necessary collaborators, including evidence of institutional support.
• Likelihood that the pilot project will lead to a successful larger grant proposal for external funding.
• Necessary expertise and support to conduct the research. Identifying a mentor to support this research is recommended but not required.
• Reasonable budget justification.

• Applications are due on April 30, 2025 at 11:59pm CST.
• Proposals will be reviewed by the SIOP PPO Steering Committee.
• Final approval for funding will be made by The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation.
• Notification of award is expected by May 30, 2025.
• Funds are planned for release to the recipient’s institution by August 1, 2025.

• Although SIOP membership is not required to submit a proposal, SIOP membership is required prior to receiving the grant funds if selected. The cost of membership can be expensed to the grant.
• Human subjects protections approval (IRB or ethics approval) is required prior to initiation of the proposed research.
• Attendance at the SIOP 2025 Annual Congress (Amsterdam) is encouraged. The cost of meeting attendance and travel can be expensed to the grant.
• Presentation of pilot study findings at the SIOP PPO Session of the SIOP 2026 Annual Congress (San Antonio) is expected. The cost of meeting attendance and travel can be expensed to the grant.
• A progress report and year-end financial report is due 60 days after termination of the award. The progress report should document the scientific progress and accomplishments of the pilot project with a detailed description of the investigator’s plan for obtaining external funding. Contents of this progress report can be shared with the funder and with the PPO community.
• Applicants are responsible for obtaining and documenting institutional approval for the project as per their own institutional policy. Funding must be routed through the PI’s home institution.
• Awardees should make every effort to expend the research funds and complete their projects within the one-year funding period. If the project is not progressing, the awardee should notify the grant contact immediately to explore options for completing the research activity or returning funds if required.

All applications should be submitted electronically under the submission link below.

The Committee may decline to review applications that do not adhere to the application requirements. Text should be 11 point font, single-spaced, page margins at ½ inch. The application should include the following:

1. Project summary/abstract (maximum ½ page). The summary should start with the project title, name of PI, and institution(s) where research will be conducted.
2. Research proposal (maximum of 6 pages, excluding references).
   • Specific aims
   • Background and significance
   • Approach (study design, methods, planned statistics, anticipated problems/solutions)
   • Detailed timeline for the one-year grant period
3. References (including complete citations)
4. Long-term goals (1 page): Describe the long-term goals of the proposed line of research if the pilot study is successful. Describe a plan for future funding and career trajectory.
5. Description of research environment (1 page)
6. Budget and detailed budget justification. For one-year period. Include direct costs only. Categories include:
   • Personnel (including all key personnel and their roles, even if unfunded collaborators)
   • Equipment
   • Supplies
   • Travel: To attend SIOP annual meeting
   • Patient Care Costs
   • Other Expenses
7. Applicant biosketch in NIH format. Instructions for biosketch. Biosketch template.
8. Biosketches of all key personnel/mentors (funded or unfunded)
9. Letters of support:
   • From research mentor (if applicable).
   • From Division Chief, Department Chair, or equivalent that guarantees applicant will be given protected time to conduct the proposed research and assuring necessary patient access for the proposed research.
   • From collaborators.
10. Statement of assurance that human subjects protections approval (IRB or ethics approval) will be obtained prior to receipt of funds and initiation of the proposed research.

Questions should be addressed to the Chair of the Dr. Tori Willard Early Career Award Committee Lisa S. Kahalley here