# DRP: Developmental Research Program

> **NIH NIH P50** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2024 · $112,687

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY – DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH PROGRAM (DRP)
The Developmental Research Program (DRP) of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (HCC) Ovarian Cancer
SPORE seeks to fund and facilitate translationally-driven, innovative pilot projects in ovarian cancer. The
overarching goal is to decrease ovarian cancer morbidity and mortality through stimulating new research in the
areas of prevention and early detection; mechanisms of tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance; predictive
and prognostic biomarkers; and novel targets and approaches to therapy. An additional goal of the DRP is to
establish support for underrepresented minorities in ovarian cancer research. To accomplish these goals, DRP
will build on the successful program and infrastructure developed via a previous joint P50 award that resulted
in an approximate 35-fold return on investment. The DRP will widely solicit proposals annually using local and
national networks. To increase recruitment of underrepresented minorities to our DRP program, DRP will
leverage University of Pittsburgh and HCC programs with Minority Serving Institutions to increase the
participation of under-represented scientists. Additionally, members of the Internal and External Advisory
Boards will be encouraged to identify investigators who could contribute to the diversity of the DRP. The most
meritorious proposals will be selected based on an NIH-style two-tiered review to ensure rigor and absence of
bias. The DRP Co-Directors, SPORE Executive Committee, Patient Advocates, and SPORE investigators will
participate in the first-tier scientific review, together with ad hoc revewers when necessary. The final selection
of awardees will be made following a second-tier programmatic review involving the SPORE Internal Advisory
Board. Each award will provide $50,000 in funds, with half of the monies coming from the DRP and the other
half from HCC, demonstrating substantial institutional commitment. DRP will fund three pilots per year,
reserving one for an underrepresented minority investigator. DRP awardees new to ovarian cancer will be
assigned an experienced mentor to provide guidance and integration into the SPORE. Awardees will be
provided full access to the HCC Ovarian Cancer SPORE Core resources, including tissue specimens and
bioinformatic/biostatistical support, not only to ensure project success but also to support subsequent funding
applications outside the SPORE mechanism. All DRP awardees will meet bi-annually with the DRP Co-
Directors, prepare progress reports annually, and make research presentations at SPORE meetings. Those
that demonstrate significant research progress will be eligible for competitive renewal for a second year.
Exceptional pilots with potential for significant translational impact can be elevated to full SPORE projects. The
DRP provides a vital mechanism for achieving the SPORE’s goal of developing a diverse pool of ovarian
cancer researchers committed to overcoming this deadly disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10925301
- **Project number:** 5P50CA272218-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Alexander Olawaiye
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $112,687
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-01 → 2028-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10925301

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10925301, DRP: Developmental Research Program (5P50CA272218-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10925301. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*