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Pilot and Seed Grants

Many of the SOM’s centers and institutes sponsor pilot and seed grant programs. Each of these programs has different deadlines; and these vary from year to year. Contact the individuals listed below for current information:

Institute on Aging (IOA)

The Institute on Aging (IOA) at the University of Pennsylvania will fund eight multidisciplinary pilot projects on biomedical, epidemiological, behavioral or health services research in basic science, clinical or psychosocial areas in aging.

Four will be funded by the School of Medicine and four are funded through a generous matching grant from The Bingham Trust. IOA Pilots may be led by a member of the University of Pennsylvania full-time faculty from any of its 12 schools.

Each pilot will be funded at a level of up to $50,000/year for personnel and supply costs, but not equipment or instruments. It is encouraged that the budgets equal $50,000 exactly. These one-year, non-renewable grants support multidisciplinary pilot projects in aging-related research. The purpose is to assist faculty in obtaining preliminary data to serve as the basis of a grant application to the NIH or other public or private agencies concerned with aging. For fiscal year 2008, it is anticipated that one pilot will focus on a collaborative project between the School of Medicine and the School of Veterinary Medicine in animal models of aging.

A committee of IOA Internal Advisory Board members will review all proposals. Funding depends on scientific merit and the likelihood that the pilots will lead to independent funding to continue the research. Principal Investigators must be full-time faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, and collaboration with other departments is strongly encouraged. Priority will be given to:

 Application Process

Applications should utilize the basic NIH PHS 398 format, with one exception: a title page should be substituted for the NIH face page. Applications should be limited to 5 pages (exclusive of title page, budget, biosketches, letters of collaboration and literature cited). Animal and/or IRB protocols may be pending. Consult the IOA website at www.med.upenn.edu/aging/2008pilotresearchgrantannouncement.shtml  for suggested organization of your proposal. If you experience any problems in doing so or have questions, please call (215) 898-2445.

Deadline is April 16, 2007. Submit one hardcopy original to: Kathryn Jedrziewski, Institute on Aging, University of Pennsylvania, 3615 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104-2676 and an electronic PDF file via e-mail to  jedrzmk@mail.med.upenn.edu.

Pilot awardees must provide an interim research progress report (Financial and Narrative) in spring 2008, as well as a full financial and narrative report at the end of the pilot year and present their pilot data to the IOA. 

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Alavi-Dabiri Postdoctoral Fellowship Award

We wish to announce a call for proposals to provide supplemental support of postdoctoral fellows pursuing careers in fields related to mental retardation and developmental disabilities. The Alavi-Dabiri Fellowship Award was developed by Drs. Abass and Jane Alavi in 1997. The Alavis have provided an endowment, the income of which will provide for the award. This year the award will be approximately $6,500. The grant period is from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. Additional information regarding the center and this award can be accessed through http://stokes.chop.edu/mrddrc/.

Interested candidates should submit:

1. A one page application which includes an abstract (250 words) and specific aims of the project.
2. A statement of the project’s relevance to mental retardation and developmental disabilities.
3. A letter of support from the applicant’s preceptor that will speak to the qualifications of the candidate.
4. A NIH biographical sketch or CV.

This preliminary application (format attached, send 12 copies) is due April 6, 2007 in the office of John Simpkins, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Abramson Research Building Room 502, Philadelphia, PA  19104-4318.

Decisions will be announced by May 3, 2007 for a start date of July 1, 2007.

Questions may be addressed to John Simpkins, (215) 590-3728 or simpkinsj@email.chop.edu.

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Institute on Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Core Center with the Institute for Medicine and Engineering

The University of Pennsylvania Institute on Aging (IOA) will fund eight one-year multidisciplinary pilot grants in the 2008-2009 academic year to support biomedical, epidemiological, behavioral or health services research as well as basic science, clinical or psychosocial research on aging and aging-related diseases. Four will be funded by the School of Medicine and four are funded through a generous matching grant from The Bingham Trust.

In addition, Penn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Core Center (ADCC) will fund one pilot grant to pursue basic or clinical research on biomedical, epidemiological or behavioral aspects of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or related neurodegenerative disorders. In a continuing partnership between the ADCC and the Institute for Medicine and Engineering (IME), another pilot grant will be funded to support research on the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis or management of AD or related conditions that bridges medicine and engineering.

These ten (10) pilots may be led by a member of the University of Pennsylvania full-time faculty from any of its 12 schools. Each pilot will be funded at a level of up to $50,000/year for personnel and supply costs, but not equipment or instruments. (Note that due to matching requirements, it is encouraged that budgets equal $50,000 exactly.) The purpose of these one-year, non-renewable grants is to assist faculty in obtaining preliminary data to serve as the basis of a grant application to the NIH or other public or private agencies concerned with aging or AD or related neurodegenerative disorders.

A committee of IOA, ADCC and IME members will review all proposals. Funding depends on scientific merit, and the likelihood that the pilots will lead to independent funding to continue the research beyond the pilot studies. Principal Investigators must be full-time faculty of the University of Pennsylvania and collaboration with other departments is strongly encouraged. Priority will be given to:

• Faculty in the early stages of their career who seek to enter research fields on aging or AD and related neurodegenerative disorders;

• Senior faculty who intend to shift their research emphasis towards aging or AD and related disorders.

Application Process:

Applications should be formatted basically in the style of an NIH PHS 398 application. However, a title page should be substituted for the NIH face page. Applications should be limited to 5 pages (exclusive of title page, budget, biosketches, letters of collaboration, literature cited, etc. as in PHS 398). Animal and/or IRB protocols may be pending. Suggested organization is:

1) Title Page (not the NIH face page) showing the title of grant, name of PI, affiliation, address, telephone numbers and email address

2) Budget (costs for personnel, supplies, but no equipment or instruments)

3) Biosketch

4) Specific Aims

5) Background and Significance

6) Preliminary Studies

7) Experimental Design & Methods

8) Human Subjects (if applicable and protocol may be pending)

9) Vertebrate Animals Sections (if applicable and protocol may be pending)

10) Consultants (if applicable)

11) Consortium Contractual Arrangements (if applicable)

12) Literature Cited

13) Certification of Patient Oriented Research (if applicable)

It is obligatory that IOA Pilot Awardees provide an interim progress report in the spring (financial and narrative). All Pilot Awardees must provide a final financial and narrative report at the end of the pilot year. In addition IOA Pilot Awardees must present their pilot data at an IOA retreat.

For more information, contact Kathryn Jedrziewski, deputy director, Institute on Aging (IOA), www.uphs.upenn.edu/aging/ at (215) 898-2445 or e-mail: jedrzmk@mail.med.upenn.edu.

Applications Due: February 4, 2008; anticipated date of award July 1, 2008.

Submit one hardcopy original and an electronic PDF file (via e-mail) to: Kathryn Jedrziewski, Institute on Aging, University of Pennsylvania, 3615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, jedrzmk@mail.med.upenn.edu.

Note: If anyone encounters difficulties with the online submission, please contact Kathryn Jedrziewski at the number listed above.

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The Penn Center for AIDS Research (CFAR)

Pilot and Feasibility Grant Program, FY 2008 Call for Proposals

The Penn Center for AIDS Research (Penn CFAR) seeks applications to the pilot program offered through its Developmental Core. Proposals regarding any aspect of HIV/AIDS clinical care, epidemiology, virology, immunology, structural biology, vaccine development, or prevention are considered relevant to the goals of the Developmental Core.

The CFAR is especially interested in proposals that bridge programmatic areas and, in particular, those that bridge clinical investigators with basic or behavioral scientists. Proposals that include an international component are also encouraged. For the current funding cycle, the CFAR will partner with the Penn Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases to encourage applications that focus on the role of the gut immune system in HIV/AIDS pathogenesis.

We are able to offer awards up to $40,000 for each grant. Grants are for a one-year period and are not renewable. It is expected that funds will be available in July 2007.

Faculty members (Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, Assistant Research Professor, Associate Research Professor, Research Professor), holding appointments at the CFAR institutions, who meet one of the following requirements, are invited to apply:

The application form and instructions are available at

http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/aids/WordDocs/Pilotcover-instrucsFY2008.doc

"Pre-Submission Mentoring" is available to junior investigators. For information, contact Evelyn Olivieri at oliviere@mail.med.upenn.edu.

Application Deadline: Friday, March 16, 2007

For additional information, please contact:

Evelyn Olivieri
Associate Director
Room 353 BRB II/III/6160
Phone: (215) 573-7354
Email: oliviere@mail.med.upenn.edu

University of Pennsylvania Center for Integration of Genetics and Healthcare Technology (CIGHT)


Pilot Grants: University of Pennsylvania Center for Integration of Genetics and Healthcare Technology
Applications due July 1, 2008
 
The Penn Center for Integration of Genetics and Healthcare Technology (Penn CIGHT) will fund two, one-year multidisciplinary pilot grants beginning in September, 2008 to support research on the ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) of human genetics and genomics.  The Penn CIGHT is a multidisciplinary, NIH-funded research center focused on studying ELSI-related aspects of new genetic technologies as they are applied in the clinic.  Penn CIGHT focuses especially on the uncertainties associated with the clinical applications of new genetic technologies.


The pilot projects may be led by a member of the University of Pennsylvania full-time faculty from any of its 12 schools.  Each pilot will be funded at a level of up to $50,000/year for personnel and supply costs, but not for faculty salaries, equipment or instruments.  These grants will be renewable for one year, after formal review, if sufficient progress is being made to suggest a high likelihood of independent funding. 


A committee of Penn CIGHT members will review all proposals.  Funding depends on originality, scientific merit and the likelihood that the pilots will lead to continued funding and publishable data.  Principal Investigators must be full-time faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, and are encouraged to collaborate with other Penn faculty outside the PIs area of expertise.  Priority will be given to multidisciplinary projects that focus on uncertainty.   Priority also will be given to faculty early in their career, or to more senior faculty who intend to shift or expand the emphasis of their research.
 
Application process:
 
Applications should be organized as follows: 
 
1)                              Title page showing the title of grant, name of PI, affiliation, address, telephone numbers and email.
2)                              Budget and budget justification (costs for personnel, supplies, but not faculty salaries, equipment or instruments)
3)                              Biosketches of faculty (NIH format, including current and pending extramural support)
4)                              Specific aims
5)                              Background and significance
6)                              Preliminary Studies, if any
7)                              Experimental Design & Methods
8)                              Human subjects (if applicable. Use NIH format. IRB approval may be pending)
9)                              Consultants (if applicable)
10)                          Literature cited
11)                          Certification of Patient Oriented Research for all participants (if applicable)
Sections 4-7 should not exceed 5 pages (1-inch margins, single-spaced, Times-Roman 12-point font)
 
Penn CIGHT pilot awardees are required to provide a progress report at the end of the funding year. 
 
For more information, contact Reed E. Pyeritz, MD, PhD, at reed.pyeritz@uphs.upenn.edu.
 
Applications must be received by July 1, 2008, and pilots will be awarded in September, 2008. 
Submit one hardcopy original and an electronic file (by email) to: Cara Zayac, Penn CIGHT, 527 Maloney, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, cara.zayac@uphs.upenn.edu
 

Center for AIDS Research: Nonhuman Primate Core Pilot Program

To facilitate opportunities for Penn Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) investigators to utilize the nonhuman primate model of AIDS, our recently funded Nonhuman Primate (NHP) Core includes animals and animal support for Penn CFAR developmental studies. The goal of this program is to allow an investigator to accumulate sufficient data and expertise to apply for an independent NIH grant. 

Funds are available for the procurement and care of 8, and up to 12 animals a year, including appropriate animal laboratory studies (collection of body fluids, biopsies, surgeries, necropsies and basic or SIV-specific laboratory studies). This will permit funding for one or two projects each year, depending on the number of animals requested and the length of the project. Laboratory studies performed at Penn will be the responsibility of the investigator, and no funds are available for salary support.

All Penn CFAR investigators are eligible for these pilot funds.  If interested, you are encouraged to contact one of the investigators from the Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) [listed below] to discuss possible studies, study design, etc. prior to submitting an application.

For more information or to download application forms and instructions, please visit www.uphs.upenn.edu/aids/cores/nhp/pilots.htm. The Penn CFAR contact person is Evelyn Olivieri and she may be reached at oliviere@mail.med.upenn.edu. No budget page is required as the award is for procurement and use of animals at TNPRC.

Submission Deadline:  November 26, 2007.

 

CLINICAL TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER (CTRC)
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA
CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE AWARD

JUNIOR INVESTIGATOR PILOT GRANT PROGRAM (JIPGP)

GUIDELINES & SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

PURPOSE:

The primary goal of the Clinical Translational Research Center (CTRC) Junior Investigator Pilot Grant Program (JIPGP) is to encourage junior investigators to develop clinical research projects that will ultimately lead to extramural NIH funding. The CTRC’s at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) replaced the General Clinical Research Centers (GCRCs) in September 2006 under the new NIH program, The Clinical & Translational Science Award (CTSA) funded by the NIH National Center for Research Resources. At CHOP and Penn, the JIPGP awards have replaced the Clinical Research Feasibility Funds (CReFF) program. The JIPGP awards are designed to allow junior faculty members, clinical fellows and both M.D. and Ph.D. post-doctoral trainees with appropriate mentors to obtain funds for pilot projects that are investigator-initiated, human-based, CTRC studies that will enable an applicant to obtain preliminary data for a K23 or R03 grant submission. It is anticipated that the award will lead to a competitive extramural grant application and to a career in Clinical Translational Research Center-focused clinical investigation. At least two grants in the amount of $10,000 to $20,000 will be available at each institution effective July 1, 2007.

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants are required to:

  1. Be a full time faculty member or postgraduate fellow (for fellow applicants, preference will be given to those with an offer for a faculty position involving clinical research) at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center or the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. (If applicant is a fellow, the mentor must serve as the study’s principal investigator).
  2. Hold a doctoral degree from an accredited institution.
  3. Have a rank equal to or less than Assistant Professor, including Post Doctoral Fellows, unless the project is a clear change in emphasis or direction of research. (especially from bench to translational research)
  4. Be within five (5) years of completion of their clinical training, or be in an approved fellowship-training program.
  5. Have an interest in patient-oriented research.
  6. Have no current K23, RO3 or higher level NIH funding.
  7. Have permanent resident status or US citizenship.

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Proposals should be prepared according to the current version of the PHS 398 using the following forms: Budget (Form Page 4), Continuation Page (for project description/narrative), Personnel Report, Resource page, Targeted/Planned Enrollment Table. The description of the project should be a 2 to 3 page narrative which should include a brief background, hypothesis, subjects, methods, analysis sections and a paragraph on how you plan to use the resources of the CTRC. Forms and instructions are available online at:

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html#updatess/forms.htm

  1. Include current curriculum vitae of applicant and mentor, including research funding support.
  2. A letter from a senior faculty member who agrees to serve as a research mentor for the project. This letter should include an outline of the resources available to the applicant, protected time for research, a clear plan for candidate’s career development, candidate’s current academic appointment, and the candidate’s future academic plans. If the candidate is a fellow, a clear plan for participation in clinical research post-fellowship should be given.
  3. Studies must involve living human subjects and must propose to utilize the CTRC major core areas of service for subject interventions or assessments, such as inpatient or outpatient units. (Consult with CTRC Administrators for clarification if needed).
  4. Studies should be designed to collect pilot data with clear presentation of how results would be used for extramural funding applications.
  5. If selected for funding, the local IRB and CTRC Council must approve the project before funds can be awarded.
  6. One proposal or one award per investigator.
  7. Applicants must prepare a final report upon completion of the project.

This support is in addition to already existing CTRC resources, including space, nursing, bionutrition and core laboratory support for the proposed studies, and may include biostatistical consultation, database consultation, design, and data storage. (CHOP CTRC services can be found on the CHOP intranet site at http://GCRC.chop.edu or contact the appropriate institutional administrative manager for specific CTRC resource information - contact information below). Thus, the total resources available for the chosen projects will exceed the maximum $20,000 monetary award of this grant.

Examples of JIPGP fund budget items include purchase of research supplies, assays, subject recruitment expenses, travel expenses to one scientific meeting to present study results, and salary support for awardee and/or study staff.

EVALUATION:

Applications will be reviewed by the CTRC Council and scored on the basis of:

  1. Originality and scientific merit
  2. Potential for publishable data and for future funding
  3. Need in relation to other funds available to the applicant
  4. Use of CTRC resources
  5. Qualifications of applicant and mentor.

Each application will be assigned a primary and secondary reviewer from the CTRC Council. Each reviewer will prepare a written critique.

All protocols are reviewed and discussed using an NIH review format. Protocols will be reviewed to ensure scientific validity and maximal patient safety.

Any resulting publications in peer-reviewed journals must acknowledge the support of the CTSA grant (UL1-RR-024134).

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

JIPGP awardees are required to provide a progress report at the end of the funding year. Reports are due at the CTRC two months (60 days) following the end of the funding period (or at the time of annual JIPG proposal deadline if a second year of funding is requested). The Progress Report should be a brief presentation of the accomplishments or the research project during the reporting period. The report should not exceed two pages and should follow the outline shown below:

  1. Specific Aims
  2. Studies and Results
  3. Significance Plans

Applications must be received by March 26, 2007

One hard copy and one electronic copy of the proposal and relevant attachments should be sent to the appropriate institutional representative:

University of Pennsylvania Medical Center: Linda McCrae, McCrae@gcrc.upenn.edu; Send hard copy to Linda’s attention at the HUP GCRC/CTRC, 3400 Spruce Street, 160 Dulles, HUP/4283. You may contact Ms. McCrae by telephone at 215-662-7174.

CHOP: Send one hard copy of the proposal and one electronic copy via email to Phyliss Quail in Stokes Research Administration, Abramson Research Center, Room #126; email quail@email.chop.edu

CHOP candidates should direct questions to the CTRC Administrative Manager, Veronica Mazzaccaro at Mazzaccaro@email.chop.edu. You may contact Ms. Mazzaccaro by telephone at (215) 590-2215.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT:

The project detailed budget provided with the proposal (PHS 398 Form Page 4) should clearly delineate the proposed use of the CTRC. Funds of $20,000 may be requested for initial year of funding. Funds may be renewable for a second year of funding; continued funding will be based on a progress report and at the discretion of the review committee. JIPGP award arrangements will be made on a case-by-case basis with the CTRC Administrative Manager to finance the approved budgetary elements directly from the CTRC grant cost center. Any unused funds at the end of the project period revert to the CTRC grant.

AWARD DATES:

DATE:

  1. Application Receipt Deadline: 3-26-07
  2. Notification of Award: 4-30-07
  3. Funding Period: 7-1-07 to 6-30-08

For Questions, contact your local CTRC Administrative Manager

American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grants

Through its American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant (ACS IRG), the Abramson Cancer Center will provide partial support to full-time University faculty for cancer-related research. The stated purpose of the ACS IRG is to provide seed money to junior faculty members (e.g., Assistant Professor) to initiate promising new research projects so they can obtain preliminary results that will enable them to compete successfully for national peer-reviewed research grants. Hence, investigators who have a peer-reviewed national research grant or have previously received support from the Cancer Center ACS IRG are not eligible. Seed money grants from $5,000 to $30,000 will be awarded for the exploration of new developments in basic, translational clinical and cancer control research. Behavioral sciences or health services research related to cancer are eligible for these awards. Covered costs include laboratory personnel costs (non-faculty), data manager or research nursing support, laboratory supplies, animals, and small equipment; no travel or patient costs are allowed.

The award period for the ACS IRG grant will be one year: January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007.

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Cancer Center Pilot Projects Program

The Abramson Cancer Center will provide seed money grants up to $25,000 to University faculty members at any faculty level for innovative cancer research projects that have the potential for national peer-reviewed grant funding. Investigators who have already received peer-reviewed funding for their proposed projects will not be eligible for this award. Investigators who have not previously conducted cancer research, but are proposing a cancer-related project are encouraged to apply. Covered costs include faculty salaries, laboratory personnel costs, data management or research nursing support, laboratory supplies, animals, and small equipment; no travel or patient costs are allowed.

The award period for the Pilot Projects grant will be from March 1, 2007 to November 30, 2007.

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Cardiovascular Institute (CVI)

Periodically, generally in preparation for multi-disciplinary awards (PO-1’s, SCCORs, Roadmap initiatives), the Penn CVI leadership will issue Request for Proposals (RFPs) in order to generate strategically targeted preliminary studies required prior to, or in preparation for, an institutional application or award.

Any Penn faculty member working in the strategically-targeted area, or a closely related area, is encouraged to apply for this funding. These funds are not restricted to investigators with a track record of cardiovascular investigation. Applications from research scientists who have not historically focused their studies in cardiovascular science are encouraged to apply for funding.

The amount of available funding will vary depending upon the RFP, but generally range from $25,000 per year to $200,000 per year. The application process has been streamlined to encourage faculty members to apply for funding.

For more information, please visit the Penn CVI Business Office at http://www.med.upenn.edu/cvi/fiscal_admin.shtml

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Clinical Pharmacogenomic Epidemiology

The University of Pennsylvania's Clinical Pharmacogenomic initiative, funded by the NIH, is pleased to announce the availability of pilot and small grant funding.  A Request for Applications (RFA) is attached to this email.  Grants of up to $25,000 (and possibly $50,000) will be awarded to investigators from a variety of disciplines.  Program guidelines are attached.

Applications are encouraged from investigators in diverse fields including pharmacology, epidemiology, biostatistics, genetics, bioinformatics, bioethics, arts and sciences, medicine, pediatrics, nursing, science policy, allied health, law, business, philosophy, ethics, social work, psychology, engineering, communications, veterinary medicine, health and social policy, and public health.

The deadline for receipt of applications is November 12, 2007.

Complete details about the program and the application process are attached to this email.

Please submit electronic version of complete application as a Word document to Ms. Sandra Barile sabarile@mail.med.upenn.edu. A copy of the signed cover sheet can be faxed to 215-573-3106.

We encourage applicants who have questions to contact us.  Please send an email to Ms. Barile at sabarile@mail.med.upenn.edu or call 215-898-1740.

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Cancer Center Collaborative Pilot Projects Program

The Cancer Center will provide Collaborative Pilot Project Grants up to $75,000 for Penn faculty members to conduct cancer-related research projects. Proposals must be submitted by two or more Penn faculty members. All full-time University faculty are eligible to apply. The Cancer Center Collaborative Pilot Projects Program funds innovative, collaborative cancer research projects that have the potential for future peer review funding. The proposed area of research cannot be funded through an existing or prior research grant. Among the factors of high value to the scientific reviewers will be: translational research impact, new collaborations (researchers have not previously worked together), researchers representing more than one discipline or department, novelty of the research concept, and research addressing a high priority area. 

The award period will be one year from the date of the award notice from the Cancer Center; award notices will not be issued until projects are approved by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

For more information or an application: University faculty from all Schools and Departments are invited to download application forms and instructions from the Abramson Cancer Center’s website at www.penncancer.com/grants.

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Clinical and Translational Science Award-Automated Claims and Medical Record Database Internal Small Grant Program (CTSA-ACARD)

One of the goals of the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) -- shared by the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) and its partner institutions, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), the Wistar Institute (WI), and the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (USP) -- is to apply pharmacoepidemiologic approaches to improving the effectiveness and safety of drugs and other therapeutics. The CTSA is administered by the Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT). The ACARD (Automated Claims and Medical Record Databases) Core is housed in the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (CCEB).

To foster epidemiologic research using large databases, the ACARD Core provides access to a resource whereby CTSA investigators can perform epidemiological studies of large population databases (Medicaid, GPRD, and THIN) available at Penn. The ACARD Core also provides access to the needed hardware and software in an environment supported by expert faculty supervision. Resources are provided for the conduct of pilot studies with each data resource. Assistance is provided to meet with investigators, to apply for data-use agreements where necessary, to assist applicants in writing research proposals to ensure that the study is informed by in-depth understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each data resource, and to assist with data management, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

Ultimately, the goal of the CTSA-ACARD is to encourage investigators with diverse training to conduct studies focused on translational therapeutics and pharmacoepidemiology, and to facilitate these research efforts by making available to them existing large databases that can provide answers more quickly, and at a lower cost, than studies involving de novo collection of data. To this end, the CTSA-ACARD is prepared to provide administrative guidance, technical advice, funding, and access to currently available data resources for qualified applicants.

Accordingly, this RFA provides for five levels of involvement:

1. Access to the ACARD databases - ACARD will provide free access to the GPRD, THIN, and Medicaid databases for investigators who are skilled in data management and can perform translational therapeutics and pharmacoepidemiology studies on their own.

2. Feasibility studies for GPRD or THIN – ACARD will provide up to one free feasibility study per investigator per year. The feasibility studies will provide frequency counts of patients with one outcome variable and one predictor variable of interest to the investigator. Additional feasibility studies will be supported depending on availability of ACARD funding and the perceived merit of the request.

3. Feasibility studies for Medicaid/Medicare – ACARD can support feasibility studies for investigators interested in using Medicaid/Medicare data for research. Because the cost of conducting such feasibility studies in Medicaid/Medicare data can be variable, such requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine what can be provided without additional charge to the investigator under the current budget. 

4. Exporting data files from GPRD or THIN to a PC environment – ACARD intends to fund small grants to export analytic data files from the full GPRD or THIN databases (residing on a server) for use on a PC. This funding is for researchers who have pilot-tested their variable creation, cohort selection criteria, and statistical code using the 10% sample data residing on a dedicated PC (known as ‘Victoria’). These grants are for $1000 each, all of which must be used for the cost of the Biostatistical Analysis Center (BAC) to export the data from the full GPRD or THIN databases for further analysis by the investigators. The BAC will implement the SQL, SAS, and/or STATA code provided by the applicant to create the study data files. The BAC will not be responsible for determining the integrity of the code. If selected for funding, the funds will be directly transferred from ACARD to BAC.

5. Performance of pilot studies in GPRD, THIN, and Medicaid to support grant applications - ACARD intends to fund the conduct of pilot studies in support of future grant applications. Such studies might be used to determine the feasibility of a proposed hypothesis and/or research design. For example, an investigator may need to demonstrate for a funding agency the number of eligible subjects with a minimum period of follow-up and who are above a certain age. Such feasibility studies require programming costs beyond that described in funding levels #2 and #3 above. Applicants requesting this level of support will work with ACARD and BAC staff to assess their needs and design preliminary studies that fit within the funding resources of the CTSA. Selection of studies for this level of funding will be based on the perceived merit of the future grant application and the feasibility of the requested preliminary studies.

ELIGIBILITY

SELECTION CRITERIA

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Penn Comprehensive Neuroscience Center (CNC)

Fiscal Year 2008 Collaborative Clinical Pilot Project Program Call for Applications

Call for Applications – The Penn Comprehensive Neuroscience Center (CNC) invites proposals from fulltime
faculty for the support of collaborative clinical pilot projects. Successful applications will involve coproject
leaders from two or more departments in the School of Medicine (SOM), or from one or more SOM departments and at least one other school at Penn, such as the School of Nursing, Dental School, etc.

One of the major goals of the CNC is to increase Penn’s market position in the Neurosciences by coordinating existing clinical services and developing new programs and, ultimately, by creating a contiguous clinical structure with facilities for outpatient, inpatient, diagnostic, and surgical activities. Therefore, we particularly welcome applications that bring together clinical services from different disciplines.

Nature of Projects – The purpose of this program is to provide seed money to encourage faculty from different departments to develop creative and innovative programs that improve patient care. Projects may include the implementation of a new interdisciplinary clinical regimen, a more effective and efficient way to deliver current clinical services, a means to increase patient access to the institution’s Neuroscience programs, or any initiative to enhance the provision of clinical care in the institution. This is NOT a call for clinical research projects – the Collaborative Clinical Pilot Project Program is intended to
foster the implementation of clinical programs whose efficacy is already proven in the literature and in clinical practice, but are not yet established here at Penn.

Up to four one-year pilot grants will be funded in FY2008, and applicants may request from between $50,000 to $100,000 in direct costs. Funds may be used for personnel (including up to 5 percent of coleaders’ salaries), supplies or equipment. Unexpended funds may be carried over to the next fiscal year. It is possible, if justified, to use the entire budget on a key piece of equipment.

Content of Applications – Applications should include:

Evaluation Criteria – Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of the ability of the coleaders to carry out the program design, program relevance, and feasibility within the UPHS environment. It is expected that the projects will ultimately self sufficient, and a plan for future funding will be particularly welcomed.

Submission Details – The deadline for receipt of applications is June 15, 2007. Applications should be submitted as PDF file attachments to: Rosellen Taraborrelli, CNC Executive Director, at: taraborr@mail.med.upenn.edu. It is anticipated that awards will be announced on or about July 15, 2007, and that funds will be made available immediately thereafter.

 

Diabetes Endocrinology Research Center (DERC)

The Diabetes Endocrinology Research Center (DERC) of the University of Pennsylvania is accepting applications for support to perform pilot and feasibility studies in diabetes and related endocrine and metabolic disorders.

Young investigators, who are starting their laboratories, or established investigators who wish to take a new direction to their studies, are encouraged to submit applications to the Diabetes Endocrinology Research Center, Suite 700 Clinical Research Building. An original, 10 copies, and an electronic PDF of the complete DERC Application must be submitted. The cover page and application instructions are available on the website: www.med.upenn.edu/idom/derc/pilot.html. 

If human subjects will be participating in the proposed research, it will be necessary to submit an NIH Human Subject form with the application.  If animal research is being proposed, an original of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol form is required.

Grants will be reviewed by the DERC Pilot and Feasibility Review Committee and extramural consultants. Funding level maximum of $50,000; award period: April 1, 2008-March 31, 2009. (Equipment, travel funds, and Investigator Salary are not permitted on this award).

Investigators who are currently in the 01 year of support through this Pilot and Feasibility Program may reapply for an additional year of funding. Such continuation requests need to be carefully justified, however, and will be considered as a competing renewal application. 

Application Deadline: January 7, 2008; information, contact Elizabeth Neaves Straw: (215) 898-4365, neavesst@mail.med.upenn.edu or Dr. Bryan Wolf, director Pilot/Feasibility Grant Program, (215) 590-2869,  wolfb@mail.med.upenn.edu.

 

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Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology (CEET)

The Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology (CEET) announces the availability of pilot project grants for partial support for unfunded research in environmental health or toxicology.  Awards of up to $25,000 will be made. Any member of the standing faculty or research track faculty in the 12 professional schools at the University of Pennsylvania, or our affiliates (CHOP and Monell) will be eligible to apply for Pilot Project Grant support provided that the project is related to either environmental health or toxicology research or the community outreach and education mission of the Center. The research being proposed cannot be funded by an external funding agency.  Projects that focus on environmental triggers of adverse endocrine or reproductive disorders and the identification of biomarkers of these disorders are particularly encouraged. In addition projects focused on environmental agents that may affect genetic imprinting will also be reviewed favorably.
 
Preference will be given to first-time applicants that are junior faculty. Senior or established faculty will also be eligible to apply provided that the research they propose is unfunded and fits into the mission of the Center. Preference will also be given to senior faculty who wish to embrace environmental health or toxicology research as a new direction. Applications that support collaborative research that may be used to gather pilot data for a multi-investigator award will also be considered. If funded, a progress report is required at the end of the funding period and awardees must present their findings at a CEET Chalk Talk. The Center grant must be acknowledged on all publications resulting from the supported research.

  The following should be submitted for the internal review by November 1:
 
*  Title of application;
*  Personnel information, name, position, title, and contact information; 
*  2-page NIH Biosketch;
*  List of Current and Pending grant support.
*  An abstract;
*  A statement to indicate how this project would lead to extramural funding;
*  Specific aims,
*  Significance which must state relevance to environmental health or toxicological research;
*  Preliminary studies;
*  Methods;
*  References; and,
*  Budget  -  The budget can range from $8-$25K. Items that can be requested include salary of support personnel, supplies and minor equipment. Investigators cannot claim salary support for themselves.

The entire application should not exceed 10-pages.  Mail completed applications to:

Mary Webster
Department of Pharmacology/CEET
130D John Morgan / 6084
webster@mail.med.upenn.edu

All applications will be reviewed by a committee of senior faculty and external experts and recipients will be notified by December 14.

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Center for Education and Research in Therapeutics (CERT)

The Penn Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics (PennCERT), funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), is a program of Penn’s Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (CCEB). The theme of PennCERT is infectious disease and anti-infective therapy. The mission is to decrease inappropriate use of antibiotics, with the ultimate goal of reducing antibiotic drug resistance. Major foci are to conduct evidence-based research to improve decisions about the use and effects of anti-infective drugs; to implement and evaluate interventions aimed at reducing inappropriate use of anti-infectives; to develop methods and population resources to support such aims; and to develop educational/informational programs targeted to both the professional community and the general public. The sub-themes of the PennCERT are pharmacoepidemiology, patient safety, and health information technology.

The PennCERT efforts include the following:

a) conducting pilot research on the risks, benefits, and use of anti-infective medications, targeted at the development of R01 quality grants and proposals;

b) conducting other research concerning anti-infectives, including drug utilization and subsequent intervention studies; safety studies; efficacy and effectiveness studies; and methodology studies; 

c) improving the use of anti-infectives locally and nationally, with pilot studies leading to grant funding for larger-scale efforts, as well as formal dissemination of evidence-based data both known and to be known;

d) organizing and formally disseminating the results of relevant research on the appropriate use of anti-infectives and the prevention of infection, including publications, presentations, and programs for the scientific/professional community, the FDA, AHRQ, other CERTs, and for the public.

 

• Faculty, fellows, and students from all schools at Penn are eligible, but fellows and students must specify a faculty member who will assume scientific and administrative responsibility, and who must co-sign the cover letter.

• Applications will be evaluated based on scientific and public health impact, potential for future funding, and cost.

• Grant winners will be expected to join the monthly meetings of the PennCERT.

Application Format

• Applications should focus on the PennCERT mission as described above.

• Applications should address any one or more of the above research, education, and dissemination activity areas described above, and identify which activity area(s) is (are) targeted. Applications describing the organization of symposia or seminars, the development of new courses or new programs for the professional community and especially the public, and other innovations consonant with the PennCERT mission, will be entertained.

• Applications must include a cover letter submitting the application, co-signed by the chair of the department; a 2-page NIH biographical sketch; NIH-style other support pages; a budget; an abstract (<500 words); and a maximum of a 5-page description per project. Research project proposals should be formatted as: Specific Aims, Background, Study Design, Source Population, Analysis, Sample Size, Limitations, and Implications. In addition, applicants should identify any public or private partnerships anticipated as part of the proposed project. Applications for non-research proposals may modify this format as needed.

• Applications should specify which, and how much, of the following available resources are requested: access to PennCERT data; data programmer support; biostatistical support; publication costs; travel costs to present the research; other research costs (up to $10,000 in additional direct costs). Investigator salary support is not available.

• IRB review and approval is required, but can wait until after the award is made.

Application Procedures

• Submit all applications to Brian Strom (bstrom@mail.med.upenn.edu); cc. Judy Kinman, project manager: kinman@mail.med.upenn.edu. An original and a copy of the paper application should be submitted, along with an electronic copy of the proposal.

• The initial deadline for this round of applications will be April 30, 2008.

• Please address any questions to Judy Kinman at (215) 898-1489 or kinman@mail.med.upenn.edu.

 

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Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Disease

We are pleased to announce that the Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases is accepting applications to its 2008 Pilot and Feasibility Grant Program. Submissions should be related to the focus of the Center, which encompasses molecular studies of the biology and disease of the alimentary tract, pancreas, and liver. Relevant investigations include those in developmental biology, nutrition, regulations of gene expression, growth, differentiation and carcinogenesis, the biology of stem cells, molecular genetics, gene therapy, and immunology, including growth factors and cytokines. An External Advisory Committee will review the applications and select projects for funding. Wednesday, April 30, 2008  is the closing date for submissions.

 —Anil K. Rustgi, Director, Center for
Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases

Purpose and Research Focus

The purpose of the Center is to unite investigators with interests in digestive and liver physiology and disease and to stimulate others in the biomedical community to enter this area of research.  One of the most important aspects of this effort is the funding of Pilot/Feasibility Projects. The Pilot/Feasibility Project should be related to the focus of the Center, which encompasses molecular studies on the biology or disease of the alimentary tract, pancreas, and liver.  Relevant investigations include those in developmental biology, nutrition, cancer, regulation of gene expression, therapy, immunology, growth factors and cytokines, and fibrosis.  The Center is committed to the technical support of the funded projects; in addition to monetary awards, recipients are able to use Center core facilities (please see website below).

Eligibility

• All faculty members of the University scientific community who meet the eligibility requirements below are invited to submit proposals. Applicants must be US citizens or have permanent visas. 

• Categories of applicants include:

1. New investigators who have never held extramural support (R29, R01, P01). (Faculty below the level of Assistant Professor must provide a letter of independence from their department chairman or division chief.)

2. Established investigators in other areas of biomedical research who wish to apply their expertise to a problem in digestive and liver disease.

3. Established digestive and liver investigators who wish to study an area that represents a significant departure from currently funded work.

• Pilot project awardees are eligible for two years of funding; renewals are evaluated competitively. Applicants submitting renewal applications must include a progress report as part of the application.

 

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Gene Therapy Program

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
University of Pennsylvania
GENE THERAPY PROGRAM
 
PILOT GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR RESEARCH ON MOLECULAR THERAPY OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS AND OTHER GENETIC DISEASES
 
Pilot funding is available for investigators doing molecular therapy research on cystic fibrosis (CF) and other genetic diseases. The scope of this is broadly defined, including applications that address a wide range of topics from CF disease pathogenesis to vector biology.
 
Awards for $20 – 50K/year will be granted based on scientific merit. These pilots are granted for one (1) year and are eligible for a one (1) year renewal based on competitive review. Anticipated funding cycle will be October 2008 - September 2009.
 
In the spirit of pilot funding, support is intended for junior investigators who are establishing their independent research careers or senior investigators seeking to perform research in an area that they have not previously pursued.
 
To apply, please submit a proposal of no more than five (5) pages (to include all figures and references), along with your NIH biosketch, other support, and letters of collaboration, if appropriate. Principal Investigators need to devote at least 5% effort to the project and equipment is not an allowable expense. Photomicrographs and manuscripts may be submitted in a separate appendix.
 
Letter of intent deadline is Friday, December 7, 2007 via email to moniquek@mail.med.upenn.edu.
Application deadline is Monday, January 7, 2008.
 
All application materials will need to be submitted electronically.  Specific instructions will be issued upon receipt of letter of intent. Please direct all questions to:
 
Monique Molloy
Gene Therapy Program
Tel: 215-898-0819
e-mail: moniquek@mail.med.upenn.edu

 

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Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism (IDOM)

Translational IDOM University-Wide Integrative Pilot Awards ( January 9, 2007)

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Pilot and Feasibility Awards (January 9, 2007)

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Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism (IDOM)

IDOM-Junior Investigator Pilot Grant

The Translational Research Program of the Institute of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism (IDOM) is pleased to announce that in collaboration with the Clinical Translational Research Center (CRTC), the establishment of the IDOM-Junior Investigator Pilot Grant. The purpose of this grant is to encourage junior investigators to conduct clinical research in the scientific areas of IDOM's mission.

Eligibility for application are the same as those for the Junior Investigator Pilot Grant offered by the CTRC with the added requirements of
1) IDOM membership and 2) clinical research in the areas of diabetes, obesity and metabolism as described in the IDOM mission statement ((<http://www.med.upenn.edu/idom/>http://www.med.upenn.edu/idom/). The deadline for submission is March 07, 2008.

For additional information: contact Karen Teff, Ph.D. at <mailto:kteff@pobox.upenn.edu>kteff@pobox.upenn.edu or 267-519-4860

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Institute for Medicine and Engineering (IME)

We are pleased to announce a fourth round of IME Interdisciplinary Pilot Grant funding. Grants of $30,000 each will be awarded for support January 1–December 31, 2007. The Pilot Grants Program serves to advance interdisciplinary collaborations between faculty of the schools of medicine and engineering with each other and with other Penn schools in biomedical-related research. 

These are one-year grants to support pilot research that initiates or substantiates collaborations between two faculty investigators (designated Co-PIs) at least one of whom must be within SOM or SEAS. Of particular interest is the piloting of innovative approaches (ideas, technologies, devices) directed at basic or clinically relevant biomedical research. The goal of the program is to assist faculty in obtaining preliminary data that may lead to a collaborative interdisciplinary grant application to the NIH or other agencies/foundations.  Post-pilot award outcomes will be surveyed.

Applications should meet the following criteria:

The application length is restricted to a total of six pages plus literature citations.

A simple budget section is included in the limit. Sections to be covered are:

Faculty salary will not be supported. Studies proposing human or animal studies must comply with university procedures but formal submission to and approval of IACUC and IRB  Committees is not required at the time of submission. Grants of $30,000 each will be funded beginning January 1, 2007. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Friday, December 1, 2006 (Applications handed in after 5 p.m. will not be considered). Awards will be announced by December 15. Funds will be available to awardees January 1.                                 

For additional information, contact Drs. Peter F. Davies at pfd@pobox.upenn.edu, or Paul A. Janmey at janmey@mail.med.upenn.edu, phone: (215) 573-7380 or Scott L. Diamond at sld@seas.upenn.edu, phone: (215) 573-5704.
Applications should be submitted to: IME Interdisciplinary Pilot Grants Program, Attn. Marvin Jackson, 1010 Vagelos Building, 3340 Smith Walk/6383.

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Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT)

The Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT) invites proposals from ITMAT Members and ITMAT Associate Members in the Research Associate or Instructor A category.  It is not too late to become a Member or an Associate Member if you would like to apply for the grant and meet membership criterion.  If you are interested, please visit the membership section of our website (www.itmat.upenn.edu/membership.shtml) for details.

ITMAT plans to support translational research through its Transdisciplinary Awards Program In Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (TAPITMAT).  We are planning to fund 4 to 6 proposals in the range of $100,000-$150,000. These proposals require at least two Co-Principal Investigators, ideally from different disciplines within the University of Pennsylvania, at least one of whom has a primary appointment in the School of Medicine. The proposals must center on the translational space–from proof of concept in cells or model systems through to completion of dose selection in Phase II in humans. Programs that plan to progress within that space and which deploy technologies and approaches conventionally segregated from each other within the traditional boundaries of academic medicine will be especially favored.  The proposals are due by December 14, 2007 for a proposal start date of February 1, 2008.  Please visit our website at www.itmat.upenn.edu/funding.shtml for detailed instructions.

 

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Nano/Bio Call for Proposals: Innovation Awards

The Nano/Bio Interface Center (NBIC) announces a call for proposals for the Innovation Award Program for awards beginning September 2007. The Innovation Award Program facilitates new research in areas of interest to the mission of the Center.  The goals of the program are two-fold:

Typical grants are $30k-$50k for a 12-month period.

To apply for an Innovation Award submit an electronic version of a proposal to the NBIC via Natasha Charles (ncharles@seas.upenn.edu) by February 7, 2007. Forms for proposal submission can be found on the web at: http://nanotech.upenn.edu/downloads/innov_proposal.pdf.

The proposal should include:

The project description should be on the order of 2-3 pages. Proposals will be evaluated by the NBIC Executive Committee and notification of awards will be made by February 20, 2007.

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Penn Genome Frontiers Institute (PGFI)

The Penn Genome Frontiers Institute (PGFI) is pleased to announce a seed grant commitment to the development of interdisciplinary research in Genome Sciences. The seed grant program will support interdisciplinary teams in two phases with the goal of facilitating the development of the field of genomics at Penn. Grants will not be given to support extensions of ongoing research programs.

Emphasis will be placed upon novel development in the following areas:

• Complex system genomics;
• System-level computational modeling and analysis;
• Single-cell and live cell genomics;
• Sensing technology and high-throughput technology development;
• Application of genomic science to translational research.

In particular, the PGFI seed grants emphasize support for large-scale interdisciplinary groups rather than research at the level of a small number of PIs. We especially encourage submissions with broad thematic programs. For example:

• Epilepsy research combining engineering intervention, model organisms, neuro-anatomy and molecular physiology, and genetics.
• Organismal development research combining cell biology, genetics, biomechanics, mathematical modeling, and evolution.
• Cell biology research combining novel optical imaging, microfluidics, genetics, biomaterials, and mathematical modeling.

The above list is only to provide examples and is not a listing of areas of emphasis.

Phase I: Planning Group Support

Goal: The goal of the Phase I grants is to facilitate the team’s planning activities for the Phase II grant. Activities may include periodic meetings, feasibility studies, travel to recruit external experts, etc. At the end of the six-month period, the team will be expected to submit a Phase II proposal as described below.

Eligibility: The PI must be a full-time Penn faculty member in any track. Each team must include members from at least two schools.

Phase I Deadline: March 14, 2008

Funds available: $20,000 for six months

Application format:

1. PGFI Seed Grant Proposal Submission Form (available online at www.genomics.upenn.edu/);

2. NIH Biosketch: An NIH format biosketch must be submitted for the PI and Co-PIs;

3. Research Proposal (one-page limit);

a. Main concept;

b. Rational and genomics significance of the project;

c. Work plan (e.g., meeting schedule, travel schedule, etc.) for how the team will interact to produce the Phase II proposal.

Awards will be announced by April 1, 2008.

Submission: Send completed applications in PDF format to Christina Wills at cwills@genomics.upenn.edu.

Please note that any publications that are the direct result of this funding should mention: This work was supported in part by the Penn Genome Frontiers Institute and a grant with the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The Department of Health specifically disclaims responsibility for any analyses, interpretations, or conclusions.

Copies of publications should be sent to:  Christina Wills, 328 Carolyn Lynch Laboratories/6018, cwills@genomics.upenn.edu, (215) 746-4490.

Phase II: Pilot Data and Grant Preparation Support

Goal: The goal of the Phase II awards is to assist the team in pilot data collection and preparation for the submission of grants. The funds may be used for up to a two-year period. The data generated during this award period is envisioned to form the preliminary data for submission of collaborative grants to external agencies. The final report for this grant will be expected to include a copy of the grant submitted to an external funding agency. The Phase II funding provides up to $250,000 total for a two-year project period.

Phase II Deadline: To be announced in Summer 2008.

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Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders Pilot and Feasibility Grant Program

The Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders is accepting applications for its Pilot and Feasibility Grant Program.  Submissions should be related to musculoskeletal tissue injury and repair which is the broad focus of the Center and Grants are only eligible for Center members (if you are not a member but would like to become one, please contact us at centermd@mail.med.upenn.edu).  Pilot grants will be due on May 1, 2008 with an expected start date of July 1, 2008 and we are expecting to award up to 4 new grants in this round.  Potential applicants are encouraged to send me a short e-mail, with your name, a rough title of your proposed project, a sentence or two (at most) describing the global hypothesis or objective, and a note as to which of the 3 Research Cores (Microarrays , Structure-Function Biomechanics, Small Animal Imaging) you would use. I would appreciate receiving this e-mail asap, so I can advise and guide you on the appropriateness of your application idea within the framework of the overall Center.  For more information on our Cores and Center in general, please see our web site at www.med.upenn.edu/pcmd . 
 
Eligibility
·        Only Center members are eligible.  If you are not currently a member, please e-mail our office at ( centermd@mail.med.upenn.edu) and we can send you information on becoming a member.
·        Categories of applicants include: 1) Established investigators with a proposal to test the feasibility of a new or innovative idea in musculoskeletal tissue injury and repair representing a clear and distinct departure from their ongoing research, 2) Established investigators with no previous work in musculoskeletal tissue injury and repair interested in testing the applicability of their expertise on a problem in this area, and 3) New investigators without significant extramural grant support as a Principal Investigator to develop a new project .
·        Pilot and Feasibility Grants should use at least one of the Center’s Research Cores.
·        Pilot project awardees are eligible for up to two years of funding (budgets will be for $25-35,000 per year and timelines should be for one or two years).
·        It is expected that these Pilot grants will lead to funding through other independent, extramural mechanisms. Therefore, the likelihood of future extramural funding will enter into the evaluation of these proposals.
 
Format
·        Applications should be formatted loosely in the style of an NIH R03 grant ( http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-06-383.html) .  The main body of the application (Specific Aims through Research Design and Methods) should be less than 10 pages.  The format should be:
1)      Cover Page (not NIH face page) with grant title, PI name, affiliation, contact information 
2)      Budget and brief budget justification (note that equipment is not allowed)
3)      NIH Biosketch of PI
4)      Specific Aims
5)      Background and Significance
6)      Preliminary Studies
7)      Research Design and Methods
8)      Brief Statement of Category of Investigator per guidelines above
9)      Brief Statement of How this Funding will lead to other Extramural Funding
10)    Human Subjects and/or Vertebrate Animals Subjects (if applicable)
11)    Consultants (if applicable)
12)    Literature Cited
13)    Certification of Patient Oriented Research (if applicable) 

The completed application should be submitted as a single PDF file to centermd@mail.med.upenn.edu by May 1, 2008.  Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments.  Thanks.

 

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Pilot Projects for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine

The Penn Institute for Regenerative Medicine is pleased to announce a call for pilot project proposals in areas related to stem cell research or regenerative medicine.  The intention of this program is to promote collaborative research at the University of Pennsylvania and to generate preliminary results necessary to establish and sustain programmatic efforts.  Thus, priority will be given to applications that support new collaborations promoting transformational discovery in the fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine and that exhibit the promise of generating durable extramural support.    Applications should be less than twelve pages in length, exclusive of references, and should follow standard NIH format, including NIH biosketches, a one year budget breakdown in any amount up to $200,000, and a listing of other support.  Applications will be reviewed by the Executive Committee of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine, or their ad hoc designees.  (Salary support for principal investigators should not budgeted and will not be allowed).  Consideration for any renewal of funding beyond the one year term will be predicated on contemporaneous submission of a proposal for extramural support such as an NIH Program Project Grant (PO1), UO1, SCCOR or co-PI R01. Please submit applications as a single PDF file inclusive of all documents by December 20, 2007 to: The Institute for Regenerative Medicine: Pilot Project Program at IRMed@pobox.upenn.edu.

Visit www.irm.upenn.edu for information and updates on the Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

To add your name to the IRM email distribution list, please send an email request to IRMed@pobox.upenn.edu.

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The Pennsylvania Muscle Institute (PMI)

Pennsylvania Muscle Institute Call for Proposals, Application Deadline March. 15, 2007

The Pennsylvania Muscle Institute (PMI) announces a call for proposals for the 2007 Mini-Research Grant Program.  The program is intended to encourage Penn researchers to explore novel approaches to studies of cell motility in their fields of interest.

The PMI will award one-year grants of seed funds up to $20,000 to successful proposals in skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle, non-muscle cell motility, development, expression and assembly of contractile and motile organelles.  Preference will be given to new initiatives, new collaborations and junior faculty. 

The Application Process

The application should include:

Applications are due by March 15, 2007. Successful applications will be funded as early as April 1, 2007 for a one-year period.

All applications involving human subjects, animals, and hazardous or radioactive materials must receive institutional approval prior to funding. This grant mechanism is not for faculty salary. A final report and a summary of further research proposals related to this funding will be required at the end of the grant period.

For additional information please contact Dr. Yale E. Goldman, Director, Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, 215-898-4017 or goldmany@mail.med.upenn.edu.

Please submit the original and 4 copies of the grant application to our Business Administrator, Ms. Jennifer Petrina, Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, D700 Richards Building, School of Medicine, 19104-6083.

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Penn SOM Medical Education Research Intiative

The Penn School of Medicine invites applications for pilot medical education research proposals.  The goals of this new initiative are twofold:  to increase the quality and visibility of medical education research from Penn Med and to develop or discover information that will ultimately improve the processes and/or outcomes of medical education. It is anticipated that a broad range of questions might be appropriate, for example faculty development, curriculum development and student outcomes are relevant topics.  However, for this initiative the priority is towards studies that address outcomes.  Describing innovations without an evaluation is not sufficient.  The funding program is designed to encourage the research productivity of faculty and encourage faculty to rigorously investigate, and ultimately improve, the teaching and learning practices. We seek to fund quantitative, qualitative, and methodological pilot studies to advance the field of medical education research. 

We invite applications focused on research questions throughout the continuum of medical education, as well as the basic and clinical sciences.  We anticipate principal investigators will be faculty within the SOM.  Trainees are eligible to apply if they have a faculty sponsor in the SOM. 

Priority will be given to proposals that: (1) Support the educational missions of UPHS and Penn Med; (2) Advance medical education research; and (3) Focus on outcomes among learners, teachers, or patients.

The deadline for submission of completed applications is October 1, 2007. Justified budgets under $10,000 will be considered. Up to four proposals will likely be funded.

Please send a 5-page proposal meeting the format and content guidelines:

 

              Abstract (not to exceed 500 words)

              Research Plan: The Research Plan (Sections A-D) should include information sufficient to evaluate the project,               independent of any other document. The Research Plan must not exceed 5 single-spaced pages. Margins must be               1 inch and the type must be at least 11-point in size. All tables, graphs, figures, diagrams, and charts must be               included within the 5-page limit. Applications that exceed the 5-page limit or do not conform to the type size               limitations will be returned without review.  

              Literature Cited (no page limit).

        

              Timeline. Include a one-page chart or that outlines the 12-month timeline for all stages of the project, from IRB               approval through data analysis and dissemination.

Proposals will be reviewed by a committee of educators representing multiple disciplines.

Funding decisions will be announced by November 15.  Criteria include, but are not limited to:

 

Applications are due on or before October 1, 2007. Incomplete applications or applications not prepared in accordance with the instructions will not be considered. Funding announcements and awards are expected no later than November 15, 2007.

An electronic copy of the completed application materials may be submitted to Judy A. Shea, PhD., Associate Dean of Medical Education Research at sheaja@mail.med.upenn.edu. 

 

Questions regarding funding priorities, the application process, or the budget and budget justification may be directed to Judy Shea.

 

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Translational Biomedical Imaging Center Pilot Grant Program

The Translational Biomedical Imaging Center (TBIC) was established under the leadership of the Institute for the Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT) in part “to broaden and accelerate translational imaging research through the development of a center to bring together investigators with diverse backgrounds that contribute to various aspects of imaging science and who share a vision of contributing to the advancement of clinical medicine.” Among the approaches adopted by the TBIC to promote the use of imaging technology to facilitate translational research are the support of core facilities, collaborative imaging scientists, and retreats/seminars. Building on this foundation, the TBIC announces a new collaborative pilot grant program to help catalyze collaborations between primary imaging scientists and primary biomedical/clinical researchers that integrate novel imaging approaches to enhance translational science and medicine. We will consider funding up to five proposals of $25,000-50,000.

These proposals require at least two co-principal Investigators, one investigator whose primary research focus is in imaging methodology development and another investigator whose research