Prevent Breast Cancer Scientific Advisory Board and Reviewer: Expressions of Interest

Prevent Breast Cancer is the only charity to focus all our research on the prediction, prevention and early detection of breast cancer, breaking the cycle of breast cancer to prevent future generations from ever being diagnosed. They are seeking researchers, clinicians and academics with relevant expertise to support their mission by joining either the Scientific Advisory Board or their pool of Expert Reviewers. These roles are essential to ensuring that Prevent Breast Cancer grant making is rigorous and independent.

Scientific Advisory Board

Purpose
 
The Scientific Advisory Board, chaired by Professor Cliona Kirwan, provides independent expert oversight of Prevent Breast Cancer’s grant making. The Board reviews applications submitted to the charity, considers external reviews, and makes funding recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
 
Key Responsibilities
 
Scientific Advisory Board members ensure that all applications:

• Align with the aims and mission of Prevent Breast Cancer
• Demonstrate strong scientific merit
• Are feasible within the proposed time and budget
• Represent good value for money
• Include appropriate PPE
• Have all necessary licences and approvals in place

Time Commitment & Meetings

• The board meets once per grant round (currently once per year). Currently receiving 5-10 applications per round.
• In advance of the meeting, you will need to read at least two of the applications and associated reviews. These will be shared with members at least one month in advance.
• Members cannot participate in rounds where they are applicants.

Who Prevent Breast Cancer are looking for
 
Researchers, clinicians or academics with expertise relevant to prediction, prevention, epidemiology, diagnostics, behavioural science, public health, or related fields. You do not need to have specific expertise in breast cancer, expertise in other cancers, biomedicine, genetics, etc. would be welcomed.

Reviewers

Reviewers provide written assessments of applications submitted to Prevent Breast Cancer. Their reviews help ensure that funding decisions are informed by specialist knowledge and independent scrutiny. The charity receives 5 to 10 applications per round and runs one grant round per year.
 
Applications are 10 – 20 sides of A4 plus CVs of lead and co-applicants. Reviewers will be asked for their availability if there are applications relevant to their area of expertise and you will be asked if you are happy to review the application before it is sent to you.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Provide written reviews of applications within your area(s) of expertise
• Comment on scientific merit, feasibility, value for money and alignment with Prevent Breast Cancer’s aims
• Declare any conflicts of interest
• Respond to availability requests when relevant applications arise

Time Commitment

• Reviews are requested as needed, depending on the applications received
• Reviewers can decline reviews if unavailable

Prevent Breast Cancer is Looking For
 
Experts across all relevant scientific, clinical and academic disciplines connected to breast cancer prediction and prevention.
 
Submitting an Expression of Interest
 
Please complete the Expression of Interest form

•  If you express interest in becoming a Reviewer, you will be contacted to complete a Declaration of Interest form.
• If you wish to join the Scientific Advisory Board, please respond to the question asking why you would like to join the Board.

If you have any questions about either role, please contact Jon Coleman-Reed by email.