AGA: Caroline Craig Augustyn & Damian Augustyn Award in Digestive Cancer Grant

The AGA: Caroline Craig Augustyn & Damian Augustyn Award in Digestive Cancer offers $40,000 for one year to early career investigators holding a career development award focused on digestive cancer research. This grant aims to support innovative studies in pathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Applicants must provide evidence of their current awards, a recommendation letter, and demonstrate how the AGA funding will facilitate their transition to independence in research.

NOTE: A letter of recommendation from the candidate’s division chief or department chair that outlines support of the candidate and his/her research project is required.
Caroline Craig Augustyn & Damian Augustyn Award in Digestive Cancer
This award provides $40,000 for one year to an early career investigator who currently holds a federal or non-federal career development award devoted to conducting research related to digestive cancer.
Objective
The objective of this AGA Research Foundation award is to provide supplemental funding to early career investigators who have existing career development awards and are conducting research relevant to the pathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of digestive cancer.
Application requirements
The proposed research must focus on the pathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of digestive cancer.
Applicants must submit evidence of their existing career development award, including a notice of award and specific aims. Applicants must address how the AGA award will both build upon the work of their existing career development award and aid in their transition to independence.
A letter of recommendation from the candidate’s division chief or department chair that outlines support of the candidate and his/her research project is required.Biographical sketches for the applicant, mentor and all key personnel.
A list of the applicant’s current and pending other support.Additional information regarding AGA’s pre-award policies is available on the Research Award Policies page.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold an NIH K series (e.g., K01, K08, K23, K99, R00) or other federal or non-federal career development award of at least four years’ duration. There must be at least one year remaining on the award on April 1, 2025.
Applicants may not hold an R01 or equivalents such as a VA Merit award.
Candidates for this award must hold an MD, PhD and/or equivalent degree (e.g., MB, ChB, MBBS, DO).
Applicants must hold a full-time faculty or equivalent position at an institution in North America (United States, Canada and Mexico).
Applicants must hold a full-time faculty or equivalent position at an institution in North America (United States, Canada and Mexico).
Applicants must classify as “early career” according to the following criteria:
MD applicants are considered “early career” if no more than seven years have elapsed following the completion of clinical training (GI fellowship or its equivalent) at the start date of this award (i.e., April 2025).
PhD applicants are considered “early career” if no more than seven years have elapsed following the awarding of the PhD degree and the start date of this award (i.e., April 2025).
AGA membership is required at the time of application submission. Applicants performing any type of research (basic, translational, clinical) relevant to digestive disorders are eligible to apply.
Applicants who are physician-scientists, female or from racial/ethnic groups underrepresented in biomedical research are strongly encouraged to apply.The following expenses are allowable:Salary and benefits of research assistants, laboratory technicians or other non-faculty personnel.
Biostatistical support.
Supplies, animals, equipment and/or other materials necessary for the proposed research. Note that equipment costs may not exceed $10,000 unless the cost is a shared department expense and is documented by a letter enclosed with the award application.
You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. AGA membership is required at the time of application submission.

Ineligibility

Applicants may not hold an R01 or equivalents such as a VA Merit award.The following expenses are not allowable:Salary and benefits of the principal investigator.
Salary and benefits of the mentor.
Indirect costs.
Travel costs.The proposed research must be a departure from or an extension of the aims of the applicant’s existing career development award. Thus, applications proposing some or all of the aims of the funded career development award will not be considered for funding under this award mechanism.