Do you have an interest in utilizing single-cell and spatial omics approaches in your cancer research? Do you have creative approaches for analyzing or integrating these data? Do you want to help improve the utility and accessibility of single-cell and spatial omics data? Apply today to participate in a virtual Human Tumor Atlas Network (HTAN) Data Jamboree  https://humantumoratlas.org/jamboree  to be held December 4-8, 2023.

Data Jamborees provide amazing opportunities for scientists and coders of diverse expertise and experience levels to work together creatively to build unique solutions that solve relevant problems in cancer research. The key to our Data Jamboree is the focus on collaboration centered around HTAN data https://humantumoratlas.org/explore. Over 4 half-days, teams of four to eight people work on different scientific problems, emphasizing sharing expertise and insight through shared presentations and live demonstrations throughout the event. The event will wrap up with a summary of the work accomplished during the event. Learn more and apply here: https://humantumoratlas.org/jamboree. Please contact Sean Hanlon,  sean.hanlon@nih.gov, with any questions.

HuBMAP Jumpstart

The NIH Common Fund Human BioMolecular Atlas Program (HuBMAP) is excited to announce the 2023-2024 JumpStart Program!

HuBMAP is an NIH-funded initiative that will generate 3D tissue maps and construct an atlas of the function and relationships among cells in the human body. These maps and atlas can lead us to a better understanding of how the relationships among our cells affects our health.

The purpose of the JumpStart Program is to offer junior investigators working on human atlasing projects the opportunity to take a leadership role in conducting synergistic, collaborative research projects within the HuBMAP consortium. These projects will build on work that already exists in HuBMAP by either extending aims of current awards or as a new but related research project. The goal of this program is two-fold: 1) create a mentored, career development opportunity for promising junior researchers,  and 2) promote collaboration among HuBMAP and the atlas building community.

Program Details:

Scope: Projects must be relevant to the NIH Common Fund HuBMAP Program and not overlap with work currently being supported by funded awards.

Eligibility: Open to students, fellows, staff scientists, and researchers within or outside of the HuBMAP consortium who have not previously received an independent NIH research grant over $100,000 direct costs. Must be at a U.S. institution that is able to receive a subaward from Carnegie Mellon University.

Budget: Projects may request up to $50,000 total costs. Funds can be used for travel, supplies, reagents, core resources, or personnel costs.

Duration: Project length can be up to 12 months. The project start date should take place beginning in early Summer 2024.

Application and Award Details

Pitch Event: Interested applicants will be invited to pitch their ideas during at an optional pitch event 3-5pm EST December 5, 2023.  Potential applicants will be asked to summarize their proposal in a 10 minute presentation and will receive feedback from NIH staff after the event. Applicants are asked to contact JumpStart@hubmapconsortium.org by close of business November 28, 2023 to indicate that they would like to participate in the pitch event.

To be considered for an award, applicants are asked to submit a proposal with the following format:

• Proposed Aim(s), Significance, Innovation, Anticipated Results (1 page)
• Personal Statement (1 page)

• A short, compelling statement detailing why you are well-suited for carrying out this project, how it relates to your future career plans and details of mentoring and equipment that will support your work

• Detailed Budget, Budget Justification (1 page) 
• Letter of support for applicant and proposed project from a mentor / collaborator within the HuBMAP program (1 page)

Application Submission: Send applications between January 2nd and close of business January 26, 2024 as a PDF to JumpStart@hubmapconsortium.org

Important Dates: 

• November 8, 2023 at 11:00am EDT– Technical assistance webinar
• November 28, 2023 – Applicants indicate their interest in presenting at the December Pitch event 
• December 5, 2023 – Pitch Event (optional)
• January 2024 – Written applications will be accepted between January 22 and close of business on January 26, 2024.
• February 2024 – Written applications are reviewed
• March 2024 – Funding plan developed
• April 2024 – Notification of awards
• May 16-18, 2024 – Announce awardees at HuBMAP annual meeting
• June 2024 – Earliest start date for awards

Review Process: Written applications (please see format above) will be reviewed in February 2024, and scored by HuBMAP-supported PIs and Program Consultants who do not have a conflict of interest. Final funding decisions will be made based on HuBMAP priorities and announced in April – May 2024.

Award Management: Successful projects will be asked to present their work in an appropriate HuBMAP meeting forum, such as the Annual Investigator Meeting, and submit a progress report at the end of the award.

Questions about this program? Please contact JumpStart@hubmapconsortium.org.