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mts · 04-18-2008, 05:46 AM

Hi
It truly is frustrating.
After the last review I attended, the group passed around a microphone to allow all participants a comment regarding their review experience. I realized at that moment, that if the particular scientistss in that room all got together-
I mean, take the funding and move all these folks and their families to one breast research facility and let them all together work on the highest scored proposal --- they would come up with a leap frog, highly innovative outcome. Obviously these people are bright enough to pick apart other researchers proposals and amongst themselves arrive at ways to get answers... This would certainly cost less than a few of funded proposals !!!
In my humble opinion, many of the breast research facilities (overwhelmingly universities with teaching hospitals) have a stake in the process. The grants provide not only the financial means to support a bc research program, but also pay for infrastrucutre, staff salaries, computers, high-tech equipment, refrigerators, even the breeding of mice for research !

I really would love more of us to join these panels. They are soooo interesting and educational !!! The Komen people attend in droves ( I think it helps them see where research is going so they can 'pick-up' a few contacts for their giving.)
I was graciously provided a letter from Joe and Christine as my "support group sponsors" a few years back. Panelists are paid- betweem $750- $1200 for the 'service' we provide, plus airfare and hotel, meals... and the mileage to the airport as well. They even paid for two extra nights for me because I did not want to drive to Orlando from my rural town in the dark. Another time my hubby went with me and we made a little time for ourselves (it did not pay for his airfare, but the hotel room was covered). They send you nearly 60 proposals via email or cd; you read and score your 12 and familiarize yourself with the rest. This portion takes around 3-4 weeks and then they fly you to DC for 3 days.

I have seen the same faces there for the last 3 years... it sure would be nice if there were new ones ! JOIN !!!!

Maria

04-18-2008, 05:46 AM	#17
mts Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 503	Hi It truly is frustrating. After the last review I attended, the group passed around a microphone to allow all participants a comment regarding their review experience. I realized at that moment, that if the particular scientistss in that room all got together- I mean, take the funding and move all these folks and their families to one breast research facility and let them all together work on the highest scored proposal --- they would come up with a leap frog, highly innovative outcome. Obviously these people are bright enough to pick apart other researchers proposals and amongst themselves arrive at ways to get answers... This would certainly cost less than a few of funded proposals !!! In my humble opinion, many of the breast research facilities (overwhelmingly universities with teaching hospitals) have a stake in the process. The grants provide not only the financial means to support a bc research program, but also pay for infrastrucutre, staff salaries, computers, high-tech equipment, refrigerators, even the breeding of mice for research ! I really would love more of us to join these panels. They are soooo interesting and educational !!! The Komen people attend in droves ( I think it helps them see where research is going so they can 'pick-up' a few contacts for their giving.) I was graciously provided a letter from Joe and Christine as my "support group sponsors" a few years back. Panelists are paid- betweem $750- $1200 for the 'service' we provide, plus airfare and hotel, meals... and the mileage to the airport as well. They even paid for two extra nights for me because I did not want to drive to Orlando from my rural town in the dark. Another time my hubby went with me and we made a little time for ourselves (it did not pay for his airfare, but the hotel room was covered). They send you nearly 60 proposals via email or cd; you read and score your 12 and familiarize yourself with the rest. This portion takes around 3-4 weeks and then they fly you to DC for 3 days. I have seen the same faces there for the last 3 years... it sure would be nice if there were new ones ! JOIN !!!! Maria