The primary investigator must be an active member of SPPCP at the time of application and throughout the duration of funding support (if awarded).  In cases where the proposed primary investigator is a trainee, the research mentor must also be an active member of SPPCP at the time of application and throughout the duration of funding support. Executive Board members and the Chair of the Research Committee are ineligible to apply for funding during their tenure.

Completed applications must be submitted by September 1st, 2025. Applicants will be notified of decisions by December 2025 and funding will start January 1st, 2026. Midpoint reviews are due June 30th, 2026 and December 30th, 2026. Final reports are due to SPPCP by June 30th, 2027.

In the case of a trainee as a primary investigator, the research mentor must provide a plan to continue the project to meet the deadlines if the trainee investigator will finish their training during the award period.

Funding period is 18 months.

Funding may not be applied to:

• Salaries and/or benefits of grant investigators
• Indirect costs such as administrative or facility costs

Funding may include:

• Salaries or fees for consultants such as a statistician
• Supplies needed to complete the research
• Patient reimbursement
• Travel and meeting registration to present the funded research

Innovation: How novel is the study being proposed? Will this research make a meaningful contribution to the literature in pain or palliative care?

Specific Aims: Are the aims clearly stated and feasible?

Methods: Are the methods sound? Are they appropriate for the study's aims?

Research Team: Is the team qualified to conduct the proposed research? Do they have enough time to do what is proposed?

Budget: Is the budget appropriate for the research proposed?

The grant period will begin upon distribution of funds and will end 18 months after disbursement.  Grantees are expected to complete two midpoint reports (in June and December of the disbursement year) as well as a final report, 18 months after disbursement. Proof of IRB approval or exemption must be submitted to SPPCP by the first midpoint.  

Any updates to the proposed budget must be requested by email to [email protected] prior to adjustment. A final expense report must be submitted at the end of the grant period documenting use of funds. Any unused funds must be returned to SPPCP at the end of the grant period.

SPPCP must be notified of any publications and/or presentations resulting from the research. Support of SPPCP must be acknowledged in any such publication or presentation. Grant awardees must present the results of funded research at a future SPPCP Virtual Conference (within 3 years of award).