The ASCENT Consortium to Publish Two Requests for Applications

Posted on by Lindsay Kenton

The ASCENT Consortium to Publish Two Requests for Applications

The ASCENT Consortium is pleased to announce plans to publish a Request for Applications (RFA) for the ASCENT Research Scholar and Pilot and Exploratory Studies Awards Programs:

  • Research Scholar Award: ASCENT will fund up to 13 junior faculty looking to establish themselves as independent investigators in palliative care research.
  • Pilot and Exploratory Studies Award: ASCENT will fund up to 12 early-career investigators transitioning from a K to an R award and mid-career researchers exploring new directions.

Research Scholar Award

Goal: Support the salary and research activities of junior faculty seeking to establish themselves as independent investigators in palliative care research. It provides protected time, guidance, and training for developing competitive research programs that may ultimately lead to larger, extramurally funded programs.

This award will provide:

  • Two years of support at $150,000 per year in direct costs, plus 8% allowable facilities and administrative costs

 

Pilot and Exploratory Studies Award

Goal: Facilitate early-career investigators seeking to obtain their first independent award (i.e., the K to R transition) and mid-career researchers seeking to sustain their careers or seeking to explore new research avenues. The grant accomplishes this by providing funding, guidance, community, and resources.

This award will provide:

  • Pilot Studies: up to $200,000 in total costs per year for a maximum duration of 2 years
  • Exploratory Studies: up to $100,000 in total costs per year for a maximum duration of 2 years

Important Dates

RFA Release: July 6, 2026

Informational Webinar: July 17, 2026, at 8:00 am PST

Required Letters of Intent: August 10, 2026, at 5 pm PST

Invitations to Submit Full Applications: Late September 2026

Full Applications By Invitation Only: November 9, 2026, at 5 pm PST

Anticipated Funding Start Date: May 2027

This Notice of Intent is provided for planning purposes only and does not constitute a formal solicitation. Details are subject to change upon release of the official RFA. Kindly hold all inquiries until after the RFA is released, when further details and guidance will be provided in the RFA.

The RFA release will be announced via the ASCENT website, the ASCENT LinkedIn page, and the ASCENT distribution list (sign up here if not already registered).