SEA Newsletter
The January 2026 edition of the SEA Newsletter is available.
The Scholars and Early-Stage Investigator Advancement (SEA) Initiative seeks to strengthen the cancer research workforce by identifying, recruiting, and supporting students (undergraduate, graduate), post-doctoral fellows, and early-stage investigators*. This initiative will work to expand opportunities and foster excellence amongst all trainees pursuing cancer research and research-related careers.
The SEA Initiative will:
- Provide a monthly professional development series (grant writing, research, publishing, etc.)
- Provide professional and academic networking and mentoring opportunities
Travel Grants
The SEA Initiative also offers Travel Grants up to $2,000 annually to cover registration, travel, and hotel expenses to individuals presenting their research (poster or podium). All awardees must comply with Rutgers Travel Policy. They will also be required to provide a Travel Award Conference Report that summarizes their experience at the conference and the impact on their research, professional development, and growth.
Eligibility for Trainees
Trainee Eligibility Criteria:
- Demonstrated interest in pursuing careers in cancer research or research-related fields
- Applicants must be US citizens or legal permanent residents (LPR/green card holders).
- Applicants must be presenting their research (poster or oral presentation) at a cancer-related professional conference.
- The applicant’s mentor must be a formal member of Rutgers Cancer Institute.
- Applicants must participate in community outreach or other professional development activities at Rutgers Cancer Institute (e.g., serving as a peer mentor and/or attendance at trainee seminars).
Eligibility for Early-Stage Investigators
Early-Stage Investigator Criteria:
- The individual must be within 10 years of completing their terminal research degree (e.g., PhD, MD, or MD/PhD) or within 10 years of completing their medical residency (or equivalent clinical training). Additionally, they should not have previously competed successfully as a Principal Investigator (PI) for a substantial independent NIH research award, such as an R01 or its equivalent.
- Applicants must be US citizens or legal permanent residents (LPR/green card holders).
- Applicants must be a formal member of Rutgers Cancer Institute.
- Applicants must be presenting their research (poster or oral presentation) at a cancer-related professional conference.
Application Process:
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Complete the following Qualtrics survey – SEA Initiative Travel Grant
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Submit a letter of support from your PI/Faculty Mentor. The letter should address the individual’s academic/professional achievement, contribution to the overall project, expected outcomes of attending the meeting, and achievement in previous research experiences. Please email the letter to Dr. Sunita Chaudhary at chaudhs4@cinj.rutgers.edu.
*Early-stage investigators are defined by the National Institutes of Health as individuals who are within 10 years of completing their terminal research degree (e.g., PhD, MD, or MD/PhD) or within 10 years of completing their medical residency (or equivalent clinical training). Additionally, they should not have previously competed successfully as a Principal Investigator (PI) for a substantial independent NIH research award, such as an R01 or its equivalent. The 10 years may be extended for valid reasons, such as family leave, medical leave, or extended clinical training. Receiving certain smaller grants (e.g., R03, R21) typically does not affect ESI status. Major independent awards (e.g., R01 or equivalent) will end an individual's ESI status.
For more information on the SEA Initiative, please contact ed@cinj.rutgers.edu.
The SEA initiative is funded by 3P30CA072720-25S2.