Our process begins by bringing together a multidisciplinary research consensus panel (RCP), composed of experts in these topics from the clinical and academic community as well as representatives from our industry partner, to define critical questions, opportunities, and unmet needs. The RCP meeting includes focused presentations from these experts followed by round table discussions and directed questions answered through integrated polls. Upon conclusion of the panel, each participant receives a questionnaire on “Future Directions and Specific Project Proposals”, providing a forum to comment on possible project designs and share thoughts inspired by the group discussion. The product of these RCP’s is a consensus list of topics that form the basis for an industry-funded SIO grant program.  

In collaboration with our industry partners, a request for applications (RFA) is then issued to the SIO community for pre-clinical and/or clinical grant applications. The SIO Research Steering Committee works with our industry partner to develop tailored calls for proposals based on your organization’s research priorities and current pipeline. Your organization will have the opportunity to discuss and develop research proposals with the foremost voices of IO research at the leading academic institutions around the world.

Grant applications are reviewed and scored for funding by an expert panel with sponsor participation. Sponsors have access to all applications, and can pursue additional studies of interest after the committed grant funds are awarded.

Within one month following the application deadline, an NIH-style grant study section is convened composed of multi-disciplinary experts in the area of interest.

In addition, to semi-annual progress reports, the principal investigators leading the awarded projects often have the opportunity to present their research in a session dedicated to the RFA at an SIO Annual Scientific Meeting.

A post-award RCP will then be convened including presentations from these investigators in order to follow-up on results and identify opportunities for RFAs that build on these data.