Cancer Society of New ZealandCancer Prevention, Care and Support Programme GrantApplication guidelines 2019

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Contents1. Executive Summary...............................................................................................32. Cancer Society Background...................................................................................4

2.1 About us..........................................................................................................42.2 Contact Information.........................................................................................4

3. Research programme.............................................................................................53.1 Aims and scope................................................................................................53.2 Research programme qualifying parameters...................................................63.3 Institutions eligible to apply and staffing requirements...................................73.4 Application process and timelines...................................................................83.5 Submission......................................................................................................93.6 Reporting process............................................................................................93.7 Privacy provisions............................................................................................9

4. Guidelines for completing the application form...................................................10Section 1 – General Summary.................................................................................10Section 2 – Proposed Programme............................................................................11Section 3 – Summary of expected costs..................................................................12Section 4 – Supporting details.................................................................................13Section 5 – Curriculum Vitae (CVs)..........................................................................14Section 6 – Previous research, current research and grant applications awaiting decision...................................................................................................................14Section 7 – Nominated referees..............................................................................14Section 8 – Contract information and institutional approval...................................14

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1. Executive SummaryThe Cancer Society of New Zealand (the Cancer Society) is a charitable organisation dedicated to reducing the incidence and impact of cancer and ensuring the best cancer care for everyone in New Zealand.

In 2016, the Cancer Society prioritised the development of a Research Strategy in order to identify where Cancer Society investment could be the most valuable. The Cancer Society consulted with a group of experts (including researchers from a wide range of disciplines, Cancer Society staff, other research funding bodies etc.) and a Research Strategy was developed in early 2018 based on their recommendations.

One of the Goals of the Research Strategy is to ensure the Cancer Society research programme focuses on the priorities of the Cancer Society. A key priority for the Cancer Society is to ensure we fund research across the whole cancer continuum, including improving the understanding of social and behavioural factors in cancer prevention, care and support. Although some overseas research has focused attention on this, New Zealand has a unique socio-cultural and physical environment, which makes it important we also undertake our own research.

The Cancer Society has also made a commitment to reduce cancer inequity in New Zealand, including a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The Cancer Society is concerned about and challenged by cancer inequities. Cancer inequities can be found across the cancer continuum and manifests in disproportionate impact, higher incidence and higher mortality rates for certain population groups. Thus, research focusing on reducing cancer inequity is a key priority for the Cancer Society.

Funding research in these areas will help ensure our research investment achieves the greatest impact for people affected by and/ or at risk of cancer. As such, the Cancer Society is looking to provide support for the long-term development of research into cancer prevention, care and support by a group of established researchers with an outstanding track record of achievement. The group will work closely with Cancer Society staff on progressing the Cancer Society’s key priority areas in cancer prevention, care and support. Up to $2million is available over five years.

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Applications must be submitted to research@cancer.org.nz by 5pm on 12 October 2018.

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2. Cancer Society Background2.1 About usThe Cancer Society’s mission is to improve community wellbeing by reducing the incidence and impact of cancer. Our activities include:

o Supporting and funding research within New Zealand into cancer prevention, treatment and supportive care.

o Providing supportive care and information to people affected by cancer, their families/whānau and carers.

o Promoting education about cancer for health professionals and publicising progress made in research and treatment.

o Delivering health promotion programmes focusing on cancer prevention.o Leading advocacy across the cancer continuum.o Working collaboratively with organisations who share similar goals to the

Cancer Society.The Cancer Society receives no direct government funding and is reliant on funding support from the communities in which it works.

The Cancer Society is made up of six Divisions (that operate in a federal structure) and a National Office. The six Divisions are:

o Auckland Northlando Waikato/ Bay of Plentyo Central Districtso Wellingtono Canterbury-West Coasto Otago and Southland

2.2 Contact InformationPlease contact the Cancer Society’s Policy Advisor, Science and Research with any questions during the grant application process at research@cancer.org.nz or 04 494 7270.

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3. Research programme3.1 Aims and scopeApplicants should demonstrate how their proposed research programme will achieve the following aims:o Advance knowledge about cancer prevention, care and support in order to

contribute to reducing the incidence and impact of cancer in New Zealand.o Further knowledge around reducing inequity across the cancer continuum.o Support the Cancer Society to be an evidence-based organisation.o Work with the Cancer Society to develop and identify research that supports our

advocacy, programmes and informs organisational best practice.

It is expected that the successful group will:o Advise and provide input on the Cancer Society programmes concerned with cancer

prevention, care and support. This assistance will be provided through:o Primarily, the National Office health promotion staff and the National Health

Promotion Advisory Committee (NHPAC)o Internal Cancer Society Groups for each priority programme area

o When requested by the NHPAC or National Office staff (if within its contracted capacity):

o Assist in the development of draft policies, position statements and proposed health promotion programmes

o Assist in developing programme evaluationso Provide general advice, for example on the interpretation and significance of

scientific papers and media releases/ publicity relevant to the Cancer Society’s work

o Contribute to specific meetings, conferences and workshopso Contribute to the internal Cancer Society Groups related to priority work

areaso Assist with the communication of research insights to stakeholders and the

general public

The Cancer Society will consider research programmes with a focus on research in the area of cancer prevention, care and support. The Cancer Society’s current research priorities in this area are (not listed in order of priority):

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o Alcoholo Health communicationo Physical activity and nutritiono Psychosocial and supportive careo Reducing inequityo Tobacco controlo Ultraviolet radiation

It is expected that reducing inequity, particularly for Māori and Pacific people, will be a key focus across all areas of the research programme.

The successful research group will support us in addressing our research priorities, thus they should be able to demonstrate they have the relevant expertise that span the priority areas or if necessary how they will build up expertise in these areas. Please note these priorities may change over the course of the 5 years and the successful research group will work with the Cancer Society to review and develop these priorities.

3.2 Research programme qualifying parameters

Applicants should demonstrate that their proposed research programme meets the following parameters:

o Research team: The research team may be based in more than one Institution and must contribute to a coherent programme of research. The researchers should have an extensive track-record in cancer prevention, care and support research and experience in a range of different research methods. They should have a strong track record in research related to Māori whanau experience of cancer. The team will be interdisciplinary with a mix of expertise, have appropriate networks and collaborations and have a history of productivity and delivery. A successful funding history of peer reviewed contracts by the researchers is required.

o Proposed programme of work: The researchers should demonstrate clear goals and objectives, and a clear rationale for the proposed research themes and deliverables. The successful applicants should be flexible and responsive to the Cancer Society’s needs.

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o Equity: The researchers should clearly demonstrate how the programme will contribute to equitable cancer outcomes for New Zealanders (such as geography, ethnicity, socio economic status, gender). The research group should have effective policies and activities in place with regards to the Treaty of Waitangi and responsiveness to Māori.

o Strategic thinking and leadership: Together the group should have experience in establishing strategic research programmes and identifying research areas that are at the ‘leading edge’.

o Host Institution: The group of researchers should have a clear commitment from their respective Host Institution(s) to support the proposed programme for the duration of the grant.

o Value for money: The funds requested should be well justified and the applicant’s stated time commitment to the work appropriate and sufficient.

o Training: The environment should provide appropriate opportunities for training and career development of personnel supported on the grant.

o Communication and dissemination: The research group should have clear plans for dissemination of research results, including plans for end-user engagement and how research results will be communicated to ensure knowledge transfer and research impact.

3.3 Institutions eligible to apply and staffing requirements

Institutions eligible to applyThe Host Institution will be New Zealand-based. They will have a proven track record of managing a programme of a similar value and term to this programme grant. They will have suitable facilities and infrastructure to support the programme for the duration of the grant.

The programme will have one Host Institution, however collaboration with other Institutions (affiliated Institutions) is encouraged. Affiliated Institutions must also have the suitable facilities and infrastructure to support the programme for the duration of

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their contribution to the programme.

Staffing requirements

Programme Director (s)The Programme Director must be employed by a New Zealand Host Institution and reside in New Zealand. They will have a proven track record of managing programmes of a sizeable nature, and they will have experience as a Director of a programme of a similar value and term to this programme grant.

Research staffThe programme must have a mix of established researchers and new and emerging researchers working on the programme. Established research staff will be expected to have a strong track record in the area of cancer prevention, care and support research.

The Cancer Society may refuse to consider an application if it considers actions of the applicants are contrary to the interests of the Cancer Society, or may bring the Cancer Society into disrepute.

3.4 Application process and timelinesThe Programme Grant will be awarded by open competition (i.e. the competition is open for all individuals that meet the above eligibility criteria to apply for funding). Programme Grant applications will be assessed by the Cancer Society’s National Scientific Advisory Committee (NSAC). The final funding decision will be made by the Cancer Society’s National Board. Applications will be assessed through several stages:

18 July 2018 Open for applications

12 October 2018 (5pm)

Deadline for applications

November 2018 – Jan 2019

External peer review of applications

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February 2019Applicants receive peer review comments and are given the opportunity to provide a rebuttal

March 2019

The Cancer Society’s National Scientific Advisory Committee (NSAC) meet to review the applications:

The NSAC consists of eleven members (including the Chairman and the Cancer Society Medical Director) with expertise in various fields of research. It is usual for at least one member of the Committee to be a full time cancer research worker.

The NSAC review applications based on the qualifying parameters detailed in section 3.2.

Applications are anonymously scored by the Committee. The NSAC make a recommendation to the Cancer Society

Board.

Depending on the number of applications submitted to the call, the NSAC reserves the right to triage applications prior to the NSAC meeting.

April 2019The Cancer Society Board takes into account the NSAC’s recommendation and make a final funding decision

May 2019 Applicants notified of outcome

1 July 2019 Programme starts

3.5 SubmissionThe application should be submitted electronically to research@cancer.org.nz by 5pm on 12 October 2018.

3.6 Reporting process

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The successful research group will have regular contact with the Cancer Society, they will work together to identify and develop research that best supports the Society’s programmes and best practice.

In addition to this, the research group will be required to provide the Cancer Society with six monthly updates and a detailed progress report every year (including a summary of progress on the programme of work, specific outcomes in relation to particular projects, details of papers published and presented at conferences as a result of the programme of work).

At the completion of year two, the Cancer Society will conduct a review. The research group will be required to submit a report which will be reviewed by the NSAC. The research group may be asked to present their work to the NSAC. Funding for the subsequent years will be dependent on a satisfactory review.

3.7 Privacy provisionsThe information requested in an application will be used for the purpose of assessing that application and, in a non-identifiable form, some information will be used for Cancer Society statistical purposes. All research applications will be stored in a secure place, and declined applications will be destroyed to preserve confidentiality. Personal information contained in the application may be made available to external referees and members of the Cancer Society National Scientific Advisory Committee relevant to the review of the application. This includes electronic and paper copies of the application. In the event that an application is successful, the Cancer Society reserves the right to release the applicants’ names, details of the Host Institution, lay summary and funding awarded, for public interest purposes.

4. Guidelines for completing the application form

These notes are intended to assist in completing the application form.

Section 1 – General SummaryProgramme Director (s)The Programme Director is the staff member at the Host Institution who accepts

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scientific responsibility for the conduct of the research supported by the Cancer Society. He/ she is responsible to the Head of his/ her institution and through him/ her to the Cancer Society, for the direction of the research and for the associated expenditure. All correspondence relating to the application will be addressed to this person (as well as the Host Institution’s research office, where appropriate).

Host InstitutionThe Host Institution is the University or other institution which undertakes to provide facilities and accept overall responsibility for the conduct of the research and the administration of any funds awarded. For example for those applicants from the Wellington School of Medicine the Host Institution is the University of Otago. The Host Institution employs the personnel involved. Please provide the research office email address, which will be used for correspondence relating to this grant application.

School and department where the research is to be undertakenPlease include the name of the institution and the postal address where the applicant will be carrying out the majority of their research.

Summary of costs requestedThis should be a summary of costs requested in section 3. Note this should only include costs requested from the Cancer Society (staff and working expenses) and should not include costs from the Host Institution or other sources.

Lay summary of research priority areasThe lay summary should be a brief statement, suitable for dissemination to a lay audience, which highlights the key research themes and deliverables of the research programme (maximum 150 words).

Section 2 – Proposed Programme

This section should be typed using no smaller than 12pt font with single spacing. The upper page limit is 15 pages. This page limit will be strictly enforced and applications exceeding this will not be accepted. The following headings should be used as a guide for completion of this section.

Aims and objectivesThe research programme aims and objectives should be clearly outlined.

Research themes and deliverables

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Applicants should outline the proposed research themes (including the problems that need to be addressed). Note, some of the Cancer Society’s current research priorities are listed in section 3.1. The applicants should indicate how the different themes integrate together to form a cohesive programme of research. The deliverables for the research programme should also be clearly outlined. Note, the Cancer Society will work with the successful applicant to identify and develop the Cancer Society’s research priorities, thus this is subject to change over the duration of the grant.

EquityThis section should describe how the programme will contribute to equitable cancer outcomes for New Zealanders (such as geography, ethnicity, socio economic status, gender). The applicants should outline the policies and practices they have in place with regards to responsiveness to Māori. Please consider:

How might your research contribute to the health needs of Māori? What is the health significance and context of this research to Māori? Have you sought advice for the study from a Māori researcher/representative?

Engagement with the Cancer SocietyApplicants should outline how they will engage with the Cancer Society to deliver on the research programme and inform practice.

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Research team and collaborationThis section should provide a summary of the research group’s mix of expertise, as well as any relevant networks and collaborations. It should summarise the team’s history of productivity and delivery in the area of cancer prevention, care and support research. It should also outline the training and career development opportunities that exist (or will be developed) for personnel supported on the grant.

Timeline and milestonesOutline a rough timeline and key milestones for the research programme, including time to establish/ set up the programme (if applicable) and research outputs. Please note this may be subject to change based on discussions with the Cancer Society.

Communication and disseminationHow will the research be communicated and disseminated?

Section 3 – Summary of expected costs

Applicants should provide a summary of the expected costs (additional rows should be added where required). Note the award is up to $2 million over 5 years, and it is expected that the majority (~90%) of the requested budget will be staff costs. As such, it is expected the research group will seek other funding opportunities if required in order to undertake proposed research projects.

StaffDetails of all staff who will be associated with the research should be included, whether or not a salary is being requested. The names of individuals whose salary is already underwritten by the Cancer Society (eg. Cancer Society Fellows) should be underlined. Staff promotions to be requested during the grant period must be clearly documented in the staff grade and year 1-5 columns. Part-time salaries should be included and the percentage of full-time on the project (FTE%) noted. Casual salaries should be requested under working expenses. All positions should specify grade and level. If an applicant expects a significant contribution from a collaborator (more than 5% FTE), a signed statement from each collaborator indicating their commitment must be appended to the application.

Please note the Cancer Society does not act as an employer with respect to Cancer Society-funded grants. The terms and conditions of employment with respect to salary, tenure, holidays and promotion are determined by the Host Institution.

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Working expensesPlease use this section to provide an overview of the working expenses for the research programme. Working expenses may include ‘direct costs’ only. Under no circumstances are working expenses to include overhead recovery.

Support from Host InstitutionPlease provide a summary of support that will be provided by the Host Institution - note this does not need to be very detailed but is required to give us an overall idea of the support provided. This support could include any overhead costs such as office rental, lighting, heating, office furniture, accessories, library/ learning resources etc.

Support from other sourcesPlease provide details of any additional support you will receive from other sources.

Section 4 – Supporting details

Justification of staff and working expenses Explain and justify the role of all staff who will be associated with the research, whether or not a salary is being requested. All items listed under the working expenses budget should also be justified.

Facilities availableDescribe the facilities available for the proposed research using the following headings as a guideline: computer facilities, biostatistics, clerical, secretarial or administrative support. If facilities to be used are in an institution other than the department(s) at the Host Institution(s) of the Programme Director(s) a letter of agreement signed by the Head of Department should be included.

Research management arrangementsDescribe the practical arrangements for managing the programme and its constituent components. The staffing, management and organisation of the research programme should be described, including administrative mechanisms, resource and financial management.

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Section 5 – Curriculum Vitae (CVs)

Please include a CV for all staff contributing ≥5% FTE to the programme. For each research staff worker named in Section 3, and other staff where appropriate, a CV should be included.

Section 6 – Previous research, current research and grant applications awaiting decision

This section is intended to provide the Cancer Society’s assessors with an overall summary of support for this research. Details of previous grants, current grants and applications awaiting decision, for the support of this or closely related research should be provided under the appropriate headings. Grants from all sources should be listed. Applicants must notify us of outcomes for concurrent applications as soon as these are known.

Section 7 – Nominated reviewers

Please list four New Zealand or overseas contributors to the research field from whom Cancer Society may elect to seek an opinion on the scientific merit of the project. Please state discipline of each referee. N.B. Collaborators and members of the same department should not be listed as referees.

A maximum of two individuals or groups whom the applicant does not want to referee the project may be named. Reasons for the requested exclusion of referees must be given and the request may not be accepted.

Section 8 – Contract information and institutional approval

The successful applicants will be asked to sign a research contract. This will be similar to the Cancer Society research contract, however please note there will be a number of

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research agreement particulars and special conditions due to the nature of this programme grant. The Cancer Society and the successful research group will work together to identify the Cancer Society’s research priorities and to determine how the two organisations will work together to progress research in these areas. The successful applicants will also work with the Cancer Society on agreed naming rights of the Programme.

Note, when a matter relating to research arises and the Cancer Society does not have a stated policy the Cancer Society may follow any existing guidelines of the Health Research Council.

Please ensure the appropriate individuals have signed the application form confirming their support, before it is submitted to the Cancer Society:

Programme Director – The Programme Director is the staff member at the Host Institution who accepts scientific responsibility for the conduct of the research supported by the Cancer Society. He/ she is responsible to the Head of his/ her institution and through him/ her to the Cancer Society, for the direction of the research and for the associated expenditure.

Head of Department - In the case of University employed applicants, the Head of the appropriate Academic Department should sign the Agreement. When applicants are employed by a hospital, the Head of the appropriate Clinical Department should sign. If the applicant is a Head of Department, he/she should also sign this section.

Head of School, Faculty or Hospital - The Institution is the place where the research is actually being carried out, e.g. if the research is being carried out at a hospital, the Chief Executive of that hospital or a person delegated by the Chief Executive should sign. This applies even if the applicant is a University employee, provided the actual research is being done at that hospital. If the research is being carried out at a Clinical School or Medical School, the Dean as head of the institution would sign.

Authorised official on behalf of the Host Institution - The Host Institution is the University, Hospital, or other institution which undertakes to provide facilities and accept overall responsibility for the conduct of the research and the administration of grant funds. The official authorised to sign for the Host Institution will be a matter for decision by that Institution. In the case of a University employed applicant carrying out research on University property, the

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Vice-Chancellor or his/her nominee would normally sign. Where the research is to be carried out in a hospital, the Chief Executive, or General Manager of the Company would normally sign for the Host Institution.