Oncology Nurse Scientist Research Intensive

Important Dates

Cancelled for 2026; sign up for updates on future intensives.

Application Opens: October 1, 2026
Letters of Intent (LOIs) Due: November 5, 2026
LOI Acceptance Notifications: by November 25, 2026
Full Grant Proposal Due: January 25, 2027

Purpose

To expand the scientific foundation for oncology nursing practice and improvement of the healthcare of people impacted by cancer through a research mentoring and networking opportunity for PhD nurse scientists.

The Oncology Nurse Scientist Research Intensive brings together competitively selected participants and senior research scientist faculty mentors to collaborate in a mock study section and working sessions to refine grant proposals. The Research Intensive is designed to foster the needs and interests of PhD-prepared early-career oncology nurse research scientists in a supportive environment on Wednesday, April 14, 2027 in Washington, DC.

Research projects may include investigator-initiated research, pilot or feasibility studies, supplements to currently funded projects, or developing a new aspect of a program of research. Grant proposals submitted for this program may not be submitted to a funding agency prior to the course date on April 14, 2027.

The participant will create a modification plan and timeline for revising and submitting their proposal to a funding organization of their choice by the completion of the Research Intensive. Check-in surveys will be sent to participants after the program (3 months, 6 months, and 1 year following the Research Intensive) to monitor progress on the modification plan created at the Research Intensive and the outcome of their submission to an agency for grant funding.

Eligibility Requirements

Preference will be given to eligible individuals who do not have access to a similar mock study section program at their current institution. Applicants who do not already have access to a similar mentorship research program and who meet the eligibility requirements below are especially encouraged to apply for this opportunity.

To be eligible to participate in this activity, applicants must be PhD prepared and fall into one of the following categories:

• oncology nurse research scientists who completed their PhD degree within the past 10 years (2016 or later), or
• oncology nurse research scientists who completed their PhD degree over 10 years ago, but have not yet received and completed a research study with funding of $50,000 or more

Process of Applying

Applicants are asked to submit their letters of intent by November 5, 2026. Accepted applicants are then required to submit a full research grant proposal for review during a mock research study section.

What is a mock study section?

A mock study section is a simulated research grant peer review session, which closely resembles the process of an ONF or NIH (National Institutes of Health) study section where grant proposals are reviewed and scored. Participants who submit a research grant proposal and are accepted to the Research Intensive will be present for the mock study section, which allows the participants to understand how grant reviewers think and give them unique insight into the reviewer’s constructive feedback on their grant proposal.

What are the working sessions?

Following the mock study section, participants are paired with their faculty mentors to work one-on-one. A designated portion of the Research Intensive is set aside for these working sessions, allowing participants and faculty to collaboratively address any weaknesses or concerns identified during the mock study section. Afterward, the participant and their mentor will create a detailed modification plan and timeline, outlining the necessary steps for the participant to revise and submit their grant proposal to a funding organization of their choice.

There are no registration fees or additional costs required to apply for or attend the Research Intensive.