RTFCCR-MRA Team Science Awards on Melanoma Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Risk Stratification

Funding to support collaborative, multidisciplinary clinical validation studies or pilot (phase I) clinical trials aimed at improving melanoma early detection, diagnosis, and risk stratification.

The Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) and Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research (RTFCCR) are co-funding a Special Opportunity Team Science Award as part of the 2025-26 MRA funding cycle to fund clinical validation studies or pilot (phase I) clinical trials aimed at improving melanoma early detection, diagnosis, and risk stratification.

RTFCCR and MRA have identified early detection and accurate diagnosis of melanoma and the identification of high-risk patients whose primary tumours are most likely to progress as significant areas of unmet need. The purpose of this call for proposals is to solicit high quality research proposals focused on improving the early detection, diagnosis, and risk stratification of melanoma.

The RFP aims to support clinical validation studies or phase I clinical trials using new or improved imaging technologies, biomarkers, monitoring algorithms, diagnostic or screening tests, or devices. Studies proposing the use of technologies that are easily scalable are encouraged.

The awards will support innovative approaches with preliminary data, where funding is required to advance the validation of tests, technologies, or devices. Applications are welcomed from all research groups with a track record in melanoma. Patient involvement must be actively demonstrated throughout the full life cycle of the work, including protocol design, planning and dissemination.

Examples of the clinical utility of the tests include, but are not limited to:

• Improving stratification criteria for patients with melanoma who are at high-risk of recurrence or progression.
• Diagnostic or early-stage melanoma prognostic factors (biomarkers).
• Improving diagnosis and risk stratification of rare and more aggressive subtypes of melanoma across different skin colours, with a focus on acral and nodular subtypes.
  

The following criteria must be met for the proposed study:

• The study should validate newly identified tests, test methods, devices, biomarkers, or technologies (eg, imaging technologies, AI).
• At the time of application submission, the study needs to have preliminary data proving the association between the proposed test or detection marker and melanoma.
• Patient and/or caregiver partners must be involved in study design and execution, and the proposal must involve a patient involvement plan.