Joint Call for Proposals with SASRO

Advancing Radiation Oncology Research in Switzerland 

Background

The Scientific Association of Swiss Radiation Oncology (SASRO) and the Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research (RTFCCR) are pleased to announce a joint call for proposals to support innovative, patient-centered radiation oncology research in Switzerland. 

This initiative seeks to advance research that improves treatment outcomes, reduces treatment burden, and enhances the efficiency of cancer care. The call is specifically designed to support investigators in generating preliminary data that can serve as the foundation for future national and international funding applications. 

Available Funding

  • Total funding available: CHF 40,000 
  • Number of grants: 2 
  • Maximum funding per project: CHF 20,000 

Research Scope

Applications should focus on clinical or translational radiation oncology research and address at least one of the following objectives: 

  • Improve Treatment Outcomes: Development and evaluation of treatment strategies that improve efficacy, disease control, survival, or other clinically meaningful outcomes. 
  • Reduce Treatment Burden: Approaches that decrease acute or long-term toxicities, preserve organ function, and improve patients’ quality of life during and after radiotherapy. 
  • Enhance Treatment Delivery: Innovations that improve efficiency, accessibility, or delivery of radiation oncology care without compromising safety or effectiveness. 

Key Requirements

Successful proposals must: 

  • Demonstrate meaningful and active involvement of patients or patient advocacy groups throughout the research process 
  • Address clinically relevant questions with a clear pathway toward improving patient care 
  • Be patient-centered in both study design and conduct 
  • Show potential for translation into clinical practice 
  • Demonstrate feasibility within the proposed budget and timeline 
  • Have the potential for broader application beyond Switzerland, particularly in resource-limited settings

Eligibility

Applicants must: 

  • Be based at a Swiss institution 
  • Be members of SASRO 
  • Conduct research relevant to clinical or translational radiation oncology 

The call particularly encourages applications from early-career investigators seeking to generate preliminary data for larger future studies and funding opportunities. 

Evaluation Criteria

  • Scientific quality and innovation 
  • Relevance to patient needs 
  • Strength and quality of patient involvement 
  • Clinical impact and translational potential 
  • Feasibility and appropriateness of the proposed approach 
  • Potential scalability and broader applicability 
  • Budget justification 

Application Process

Stage 1: Letter of Intent (LOI): Applicants must first submit a Letter of Intent outlining: 

  • Project rationale and objectives 
  • Research design 
  • Patient involvement strategy 
  • Expected clinical impact 
  • Preliminary budget 
  • LOIs will be reviewed by RTFCCR staff and advisory board members. 

Stage 2: Full Application: Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. Full applications will undergo independent scientific review by: 

  • Two radiation oncology experts 
  • One biostatistician 
  • One patient partner 

Final funding decisions will be made by the RTFCCR Board of Directors based on scientific merit, patient relevance, and strategic alignment. 

Timeline

  • Call Opens: September 2026
  • Letter of Intent: March 7, 2027
  • Invitation for Full Applications: March 24, 2027
  • Full Application Deadline: May 4, 2027
  • Funding Decision: August 2027

How to apply

To submit a Letter of Intent (LOI), applicants must apply through  RTFCCR’s SmartSimple  online application platform. For further assistance, please contact paola.atzei@risingtide.ch

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