The Partnership for Clean Competition offers funding to scientists all over the world who contribute to research that impacts anti-doping.
What falls under that umbrella? Any science that contributes to the PCC’s research priorities:
- Developing methods of cost-effective testing to detect and deter the use of banned and illegal substances.
- Developing testing protocols to detect designer substances used for doping purposes.
- Improving existing analytical methods to detect particular drugs, ex. GH, IGF-1, EPO, hCG.
- Developing analytical methods to detect performance-enhancing drugs not currently detectable.
- Longitudinal urinary excretion patterns, metabolism and dose-concentration.
- Critical reviews to support interpretation of laboratory data.
- Alternative specimens, (ex. oral fluid, dried blood/plasma spots) for testing
- NEW: Social science projects aimed specifically at an elite athlete population in Olympic, Paralympic, Pan-American, and professional sports are of interest to the PCC, including:
- Development of effective quantitative and qualitative measures of deterrence
- Impact of technology and innovation to improve effectiveness of anti-doping programs (e.g. GPS whereabouts, unwitnessed sample collection)
- The use of supplements and their impact on doping behavior
- Relationship of the banned substance/prohibited list on perceived fairness in and effectiveness of the anti-doping system
- Relative influence of risk factors in doping behavior
The PCC offers funding through three primary mechanisms: grants, fellowships and micro-grants.
Researchers can apply for micro-grants year-round (projects must be six months or less and total funding must be below $75,000). Meanwhile, grants and fellowships are considered during three cycles in the year.
For those grants and fellowships, we offer deadlines for pre-applications on March 1st, July 1st and November 1st. The pre-application process is relatively short and straightforward. Basic details of a project are presented so that we can ensure the project is on-topic for the PCC. Most pre-applications are approved.
Once a pre-application is accepted, researchers can begin working on their full application, which demands a higher level of detail and is due one month after the pre-application deadline (April 1st, August 1st, December 1st).
For the grant program, there are no maximum or minimum amounts, though the average funding amount is roughly $200,000. To date, more than 100 projects have been funded in more than 19 countries worldwide. Approximately 30% of applicants are awarded PCC funding.
As for the fellowship program, it’s designed to facilitate PCC’s investment in the future of the anti-doping science community. The program supports qualified post-doctoral scientists at leading universities and WADA-accredited laboratories who demonstrate strong interest and potential for long-term contribution to the fields of anti-doping science. By cultivating ethical leadership and ongoing commitment to research, the Fellowship Program helps ensure the continuation of standards established by today’s anti-doping experts. Fellowships offer $150,000 in funding over two years.
You can learn more in our Application Center [1]. If you’re ready to get started, you can begin the application process here [2].
Not going to make this pre-application deadline? MARK YOUR CALENDAR! The next one in 2022 will be July 1st.