The PCC catalyzes an impact on sport through our funding. The research we support is conducted by scientists of the highest caliber, on topics exclusive to improving anti-doping knowledge. Often, the research we fund represents unique pilot projects not being explored elsewhere in the world.
That being said, understanding our funding process and how funds are distributed is important. Beginning with this article, the PCC will be highlighting various aspects of our 2014 and 2015 funding to provide insight into the types of projects we support, including breakdown by region, cost, program, and affiliation.
Our initial foray into the PCC’s funding process is a snapshot of our total accomplishments for the past two years (see below). The PCC is very proud to have funded over $6.5 million in quality scientific anti-doping research. Many of our studies have already spurred real-world changes in anti-doping testing or policy. For instance, the PCC funded a human growth hormone (HGH) biomarkers working group, which developed an impressive new method for detecting HGH to be instituted in WADA labs this year. The impact of several other studies will be announced in the coming months.
The PCC boasts an overall funding percentage of nearly 40% for 2014 and 2015, which is above our average funding percentage of 28%. Our research priorities (found here) guide our decision-making when it comes to funding scientists and projects. The PCC, through its Scientific Advisory Board, also provides technical assistance to applicants whenever possible. Often, when a study has scientific merit but requires some additional clarification, it is recommended for resubmission in our next cycle. Resubmissions made up 9% (3/34) of studies funded in 2014 and 2015.
Funding is also allocated across several different programs apart from our traditional grants, including our micro-grants program, working groups, and fellowships. The PCC hopes to increase funding to each of these programs in upcoming years.
In each of 2014 and 2015, the PCC funded a higher than average number of projects thanks to an increased number of quality applications from world anti-doping experts and applications from new scientists entering anti-doping for the first time. In 2016, the PCC hopes to build on this success through the support of innovative research and scientists, to include growing the field of talent through our fellowship program and facilitating collaborative efforts through our working groups.
While we are proud of our recent work, the PCC will remain steadfast in our commitment to innovation in 2016 and beyond.
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