Integrated Pilot Grant Program – Request for Applications
Release Date: August 31, 2016
Application Deadline: September 30, 2016 at 5PM EST
Scientific Merit Review: October 2016
Funding Decision Date: October 31, 2016
Earliest Start Date: January 1, 2017
Purpose of the Integrated Pilot Grant Award mechanism: To stimulate scientific discovery in all areas of clinical or 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.
Purpose of this specific RFA: This specific RFA represents a collaborative effort between CTSI and partner organizations to fund meritorious research applicable to the components noted below. Applications must be responsive to one (or more) of the following:
1. Wing Tat Lee Endowment
This component funds collaborations between BUSM faculty members in BUSM space and faculty at a mainland Chinese university (with preference for Hong Kong). The purpose of the endowment is to establish cooperative research programs and further deepen the friendship and mutual understanding between these institutions. Subsequent grants must be submitted through the BU grants office. The cooperative programs may include training faculty from either institution; holding seminars, workshops and symposia; and carrying out research projects of common interest.
2. BU School of Medicine (BUSM)
This component funds BUSM faculty working in BUSM space.
3. BU Henry M Goldman School of Dental Medicine (BUSDM)
This component specifically funds meritorious applications from BUSDM faculty.
4. Boston Medical Center (BMC)
This component funds applications with research objectives consistent with the mission of Boston Medical Center (http://www.internal.bmc.org/about/mission.html).
5. Boston University Cancer Center
This component funds applications that are consistent with the following objectives: the BU-BMC Cancer Center is focused on understanding the molecular events associated with cancer initiation and progression, and the direct translation of these findings into the clinical realm.
6. Evans Center for Biomedical Research
This component represents a collaboration between the CTSI, the BU Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Office (http://www.bu.edu/research/ibro), and the Evans Center for Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research (http://www.bumc.bu.edu/evanscenteribr). The objective is to (1) fund projects from non-ARC affiliated investigators that facilitate entry into an established Evans Center ARC, (2) fund projects from current ARC investigators that expand a current ARC with new and innovative direction, or (3) fund projects from any investigator that contribute to the development of a new ARC in the following year. Dual investigator applications are welcome, yet all application categories will be judged and selected for funding based on scientific merit.
Eligibility for Integrated Pilot Award: The Principal Investigator must have a primary, full-time faculty appointment at Boston University, and the research to be conducted must be based at Boston University, Boston Medical Center or any of their affiliated health centers. Applicants with a prior Pilot Grant award may reapply for funding.
Funding Objectives:
1. To foster innovative research 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.
2. 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, or consultants. Support for pre/postdoctoral students, technicians, or research assistants is allowed while salary support for PI or Co-I is not allowed. 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 required that applicants begin the process of seeking approvals as early as possible. CTSI resources (https://www.bu.edu/ctsi/support-for-research/), including IRB preparation assistance, is available to awardees free of charge to assist in this process. If awarded, applicants will have 4 months from the decision date (i.e., deadline of Feb 1, 2017) to obtain final approvals of regulatory protocols, or risk rescindment of award.
Review Process and Criteria: Applications will be meritoriously reviewed by BU 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:
- Likelihood that the project will lead to subsequent NIH funding
- Likelihood that the project will lead to commercial development
- Significance of the work in terms of potential health impact
- Scientific rigor and novelty of the proposed approach
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Responsiveness to RFA-specified funding components
- 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.
- 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: To submit an application, use WebCAMP. Please be advised that WebCAMP is only available from a BUMC-networked computer. 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. Instructions for completing the application can be found here and to submit the application click here.
Progress Reports: If funded, the awardee must submit mid-year and end of award term reports indicating key results and any publications, grant applications, funded awards that resulted from the project, new collaborations, and other outcomes.
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 (ph)
Email: ctsipilots@bu.edu