Novartis launches PRIMe award scheme for kidney cancer research

Novartis has announced the launch of the 2011 Promising Renal Investigators Meeting (PRIMe) Awards, a scheme that aims to provide support to young investigators conducting kidney cancer research.

The company's Novartis Oncology division is now accepting entries for the competition, which will aim to identify eight finalists – four from the UK and four from France – with innovative approaches to research.

Selected by an international jury of industry experts, the shortlisted participants will take part in a two-day meeting in December 2011, where they will receive guidance on their research capabilities from knowledgeable mentors.

The ultimate prize will be a research grant of 10,000 euros (8,720 pounds), which Novartis hopes will be used drive advancements in this field of study.

Dr Paul Nathan, consultant medical oncologist at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre and PRIMe Awards juror, said: "This is a unique career opportunity for a specialist working within this important area of clinical research and we strongly urge clinical investigators … to apply."

Last month, Novartis Oncology was granted a Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use recommendation for its drug Afinitor as a new treatment for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours.