Author: Lindsay Kenton

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).

Announcing the 2026 ASCENT Investigator in Residence Fellows

Posted on by Lindsay Kenton

Announcing the 2026 ASCENT Investigator in Residence Fellows

The ASCENT Consortium is excited to announce the recipients of the 2026 ASCENT Investigator in Residence Program.

This year-long program provides early-stage investigators focused on serious illness care across any phase of the lifespan with career development and networking opportunities to advance their career. Each Investigator in Residence has been assigned to one of the ASCENT Consortium Research Cores and will also receive funding to attend the ASCENT Consortium Annual Business and Scientific Meeting in Bethesda, Maryland, on June 29-30.

Congratulations to the 2026 ASCENT Investigator in Residence Fellows:

  • Katarina AuBuchon, PhD, Assistant Professor and Research Scientist, Georgetown University, MedStar Health (Health Disparities Research and Community Engagement Core)
  • Katherine Bernier Carney, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, University of Connecticut, University of Connecticut Health (Measurement Core)
  • Phuong Duong, PharmD, MBA, BCPS, Assistant Professor, Oregon State University (Population-Based Data Core)
  • Olga Ehrlich, PhD, RN, CHPN, Assistant Professor, Oakland University (Health Disparities Research and Community Engagement Core)
  • Ting Guan, PhD, Assistant Professor, Indiana University (Research Design and Methodology Core)
  • Kristin Magan, PhD, MSN, AGNP-BC/AGACNP, Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts (Research Design and Methodology Core)
  • Eberechi Nwogu-Onyemkpa, MD, MHS, FACP, FAAHPM, Assistant Professor, Washington University in St. Louis (Health Disparities Research and Community Engagement Core)
  • Jyotsana Parajuli, PhD, MGS, RN, Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina Charlotte/University of Rochester (Measurement Core)
  • Tori Wagner, MD, Assistant Professor, University of Texas Health Houston, University of Texas Health Science Center (Research Design and Methodology Core)
  • Easton Wollney, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Florida (Research Design and Methodology Core)

2026 ASCENT Annual Scientific and Business Meeting

Posted on by Lindsay Kenton

2026 ASCENT Annual Scientific and Business Meeting

Registration is invitation-only, and portions of the meeting will be available to join virtually via Zoom.

Monday, June 29th | 7:30 AM - 4:45 PM ET

Tuesday, June 30th | 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM ET

Zoom Details for Virtual Attendees: More information to follow.

First ASCENT Consortium Publication Out in Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

Posted on by Lindsay Kenton

First ASCENT Consortium Publication Out in Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

Our first publication, “The ASCENT Consortium: A New Resource to Support Palliative Care Science Across the Lifespan,” is now available online in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management!

The paper, co-authored by ASCENT leadership and NIH Program Officers and Project Scientists, describes creation of the NIH-funded ASCENT Consortium, a national initiative designed to strengthen collaboration, training, and research infrastructure to accelerate evidence-based palliative care practices for people living with serious illness.

🔗 Full available article at this link. (opens in new tab)

ASCENT Featured in 2-part TCNtalks Podcast

Posted on by Lindsay Kenton

ASCENT Featured in 2-part TCNtalks Podcast

Dr. Jean Kutner sat down with TCNtalks/Anatomy of Leadership host Chris Comeaux to share insights about how the $64 million investment in the ASCENT Consortium is reshaping the future of serious illness care. Tune in to parts 1 and 2 to learn more below.

Part 1: 
In the latest episode of TCNtalks/Anatomy of Leadership, "How a $64 Million NIH Grant Will Transform Palliative Care Across Lifespan | Part One," Chris Comeaux sits down with Dr. Jean Kutner, Distinguished Professor of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz, Chief Academic Officer, UCHealth and Contact Principal Investigator, ASCENT Consortium, to unpack a historic NIH initiative that’s breaking down silos, accelerating research into real-world care, and redefining what’s possible in hospice and palliative care. This isn’t just about funding—it’s about transformation. If you’re a healthcare leader, hospice professional, or part of a mission-driven organization, this episode offers critical insight into where care is headed next.

🎧 Watch / Listen:
TCNtalks: https://hubs.ly/Q049_9Ll0
Watch Episode: https://hubs.ly/Q049_b320

Anatomy of Leadership: https://hubs.ly/Q049_fKX0
Watch Episode: https://hubs.ly/Q049_bpv0

Part 2:
In Part Two of "How a $64 Million NIH Grant Will Transform Palliative Care Across Lifespan," Chris Comeaux continues the conversation with Dr. Jean Kutner, exploring how a $64 million NIH grant is set to transform care for patients with serious illness—across the entire lifespan. From closing gaps in the care continuum to shaping policy and payment models, this episode challenges how we think about when, where, and how palliative care should be delivered.

🎧 Watch / Listen:
TCNtalks: https://hubs.ly/Q04bn6mp0
Watch: https://hubs.ly/Q04bnd7b0

Anatomy of Leadership: https://hubs.ly/Q04bn39d0
Watch: https://hubs.ly/Q04bn7SL0

ASCENT Biostatistics Learning Network (ABLN) to Launch May 5

Posted on by Lindsay Kenton

ASCENT Biostatistics Learning Network (ABLN) to Launch May 5

ASCENT is launching a new consortium-wide initiative, the ASCENT Biostatistics Learning Network (ABLN), which is designed to advance statistical innovation in serious illness research.

Biostatistics faculty, methodologists, PhD students, ASCENT Core investigators, and interested individuals are invited to join the virtual launch session—Top Statistical Challenges in Serious Illness Research: A Prioritization Discussion—on Tuesday, May 5, 12:00-1:30pm EST.

💻 Don’t miss out on this special opportunity to shape the methodological future of serious illness research. Sign up here.