Pilot Grant Program Announcement RFA
Application Closed
Release Date: January 22, 2016
Application Deadline: February 17, 2016 at 5PM EST
Scientific Merit Review: Feb to March 2016
Funding Decision Date: March 9, 2016
Earliest Start Date: April 1, 2016
Purpose of the RFA:
To stimulate individual and team science in all areas of translational research related to the prevention, diagnosis, and management of human disease. Researchers engaged in basic research, patient-oriented research, implementation science research, community engagement research, and population-based research are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility:
The Principal Investigator must have a primary, full-time faculty appointment at Boston University, and the research to be conducted must be based at BU, BMC or any of their affiliated hospitals and health centers. Applicants with a prior Pilot Grant award may reapply for funding.
Funding Objectives:
- To foster innovative research across teams of researchers engaged in basic research, patient-oriented research, implementation science research, community engagement research, and population-based research using pilot projects that are at all levels of development including:
- T1 research that develops novel treatments and interventions by expediting the movement between basic research and patient-oriented research leading to new or improved scientific understanding or standards of care.
- T2 research that tests the efficacy and effectiveness of interventions through patient-oriented research and population-based research leading to better patient outcomes, the implementation of best practices, and improved health status in communities.
- T3 research that promotes dissemination and implementation of research for system-wide change through movement of evidence based-guidelines into clinical practice.
- T4 research that promotes discoveries in population science.
- To provide researchers with a streamline application process and budgeting detail that encourage ease of participation and reduce barriers that may dissuade engagement.
Funding Available:
Direct costs up to $20,000 may be requested. The level of funding awarded to successful applicants will be determined after review of the budget request and budget justification. Funds may be used for any purpose to support the proposed research. Typical expenses include laboratory supplies, animal costs, small equipment, patient recruitment costs, consultants, or support for pre/postdoctoral students, technicians, or research assistants. Awards are not transferable to any other institution.
Regulatory Approval:
No funding will be awarded until all relevant FINAL approvals such as IRB, IACUC, and IBC are obtained; thus, it is recommended that applicants begin the process of seeking approvals as early as possible. If awarded, applicants will have 4 months from the initial funding start date (i.e., deadline of August 1, 2016) to obtain final approvals of regulatory protocols, or risk rescindment of award.
Review Process and Criteria:
Applications will be meritoriously reviewed by the CTSI Scientific Review Committees (SRC) comprised of faculty with relevant expertise analogous to the NIH review process (with focus upon Significance, Innovation, Approach, and Investigators). All applications will be reviewed and ranked for funding priority. Specific review criteria include, but are not limited to:
- Significance of the work in terms of potential health impact
- Scientific rigor and novelty of the proposed approach
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- High potential for impact in the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of human health conditions in broad terms. Projects closer to translation will be prioritized over more preliminary projects that are further from translation.
- Likelihood that the project will lead to subsequent external funding and/or commercial development
- Qualification of the research team
- Need for the funding
- Likelihood that the project can be completed within the budget period noted above
- Although it is not required that applicants be junior investigators, the review process will take career development into consideration.
- Although not required, other features that may increase a project’s priority include:
- A clear translational focus, including a collaboration with a patient oriented science research team
- Focus on diseases disproportionately affecting the BMC patient population
- Approved IRB or IACUC protocols that would permit initiation of research activities as soon as possible
How to submit an application:
Instructions for completing the application can be found here. The scientific plan portion of the application cannot be more than three pages long (including all figures and tables), plus one page (maximum) of literature citations.
Before you begin your application please be advised that you need to be logged into BUMC-VPN (VPN is required regardless of whether or not you are on a BUMC networked computer).
Progress Reports:
If funded, the awardee agrees to submit an online report after the end of the award term indicating key results and any publications, grant applications, funded awards that resulted from the project, new collaborations, and other outcomes. Any follow on funding depends on prompt and accurate progress reports.
Where to Send Inquiries:
We encourage inquiries concerning this RFA and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants. Direct your questions to:
Frederick L. Ruberg, MD
Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine
Director, Pilot Grant Programs, Boston University Clinical and Translational Science Institute Boston University School of Medicine
Email: frruberg@bu.edu
Administrative Contact:
Deb Rebelo
Program Coordinator, Boston University Clinical and Translational Science Institute
72 East Concord Street, E706
Boston, MA 02118
617-638-4539
Email: ctsipilots@bu.edu