HOME | SITE MAP | SEARCH

Penn Faculty, Staff, and Students

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. 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. 

» return to top

 

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.

» return to top

The Penn Center for AIDS Research (CFAR)

Nonhuman Primate Core Research Projects Pilot Project Grant Program 2009

To facilitate opportunities for Penn CFAR investigators to utilize the nonhuman primate model of AIDS, our 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 animals (up to 4 animals per project) 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 1 or 2 projects each year, depending on the number of animals requested, the length of the project, and receipt of competitive applications. Laboratory studies performed at Penn will be the responsibility of the investigator, and there are no funds available for salary support.

All Penn CFAR investigators are eligible for these pilot funds. If interested, it is strongly recommended that you contact one of the investigators from the Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) as early as possible to discuss potential studies, study design, etc.

No budget page is required as award is for procurement and use of animals at TNPRC.

Submission Deadline: Monday, November 9, 2009

Visit the following link to download instructions form: www.uphs.upenn.edu/aids/WordDocs/NHPPilotAnnouncement2009.doc

TNPRC Investigators: Dr. Andrew A. Lackner, alackner@tpc.tulane.edu; Dr. Preston Marx, pmarxj@tulane.edu; Dr. Ron Veazey, rveazey@tulane.edu

 

» return to top

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 April 1, 2009

The Penn Center for Integration of Genetics and Healthcare Technology (Penn CIGHT) will fund one, 12-month multidisciplinary pilot grant beginning in July, 2009 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 project may be led by a member of the University of Pennsylvania full-time faculty from any of its 12 schools.  The 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.  The grant 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 PI’s 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: 

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 April 1, 2009, and pilots will be awarded in July, 2009. 

Submit one hardcopy original and an electronic file (by email) to: Shimrit Keddem, Penn CIGHT, 527 Maloney, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, shimrit.keddem@uphs.upenn.edu

» return to top
 

Cancer Center Pilot Projects Program

The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania will provide seed money grants up to $50,000 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.  However, investigators with new grants submitted to the NCI requiring a second submission (A1) are encouraged to apply for a pilot award. Investigators whose projects use Abramson Cancer Center Cores, involve significant new collaborations, and/or relate to the strategic priorities of the ACC are also encouraged to apply. 

The Scientific Strategic Priorities are:

• Identification of factors in the tumor microenvironment that promote carcinogenesis and tumor growth

• Identification and characterization of cancer stem cells in solid tumors, and/or of understanding their interactions with the tumor microenvironment

• Evaluation of novel compounds that target pathways required for tumor maintenance in investigator-initiated human trials that validate target effects

• Identification of host genetic signatures and gene-environment interactions that predict cancer susceptibility and cancer outcomes

• Elucidation of the mechanisms underlying key behavioral cancer risk factors (e.g. obesity, tobacco, and physical inactivity) and/or development of novel interventions to modify these factors and prevent cancer

• Translation of evidence-based strategies for personalized risk assessment, prevention, and early detection into improved population health

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.  Projects must have all necessary human subject or animal certifications to be eligible.

The award period for the Pilot Projects grant is from February 1, 2009 to November 30, 2009.

 

» return to top

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

» return to top


 

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.

» return to top

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:

» return to top

Clinical and Translational Science Award Community-Based Research Small Grants Program

Increasingly, active community participation in research is being recognized as essential to improving health outcomes in diverse populations.  Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a collaborative process between individuals from the community or community-based organizations and academic investigators and has the following features:  (1) the community is acknowledged as the primary unit of identity, (2) efforts are developed and implemented to enhance the existing strengths of the community, (3) collaborative relationships between the academic institution and community partners are fostered throughout the entire research process, and (4) knowledge that is gained through the partnership is translated into specific action.  A key goal of CBPR is to enhance a community’s ability to address important health issues through the development of effective interventions that can be maintained over time.  Ideally, community stakeholders are actively involved all phases of the research.  Relatedly, community-based research includes studies that are conducted in community settings. 

One of the goals of the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) at the University of Pennsylvania is to partner with community stakeholders on research efforts.  To foster community-based research, especially studies that use a participatory framework, at Penn, the Community Engagement Core within the CTSA will fund two pilot projects up to $10,000 each (total costs) for research that is conducted in community settings or uses a participatory research framework and actively involves community stakeholders in the conceptualization, design, implementation, and evaluation of a study.  Priority will be given to applications that use a participatory research framework.  Funds can be used to support salary for academic investigators, support for community collaborators, data management, supplies, and small equipment.  Funds may be used to support research designed to collect data that will inform future interventions or studies that evaluate the effects of a newly developed intervention. Funds may not be used to support travel or to supplement projects that are currently funded. 

Eligibility 


Selection Criteria

Application Procedures

 

» return to top

Clinical and Translational Science Award Clinical Translational Research Center

 

JUNIOR INVESTIGATOR PILOT GRANT PROGRAM

(JIPGP)

 

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 (PENN) 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.   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, 2009.

FUNDING SOURCE:

The JIPG awards are in partnership with the following centers:

 

ELIGIBILITY:

            Applicants are required to:

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS:

Other Submission Requirements:

Studies must involve human subjects or specimens and must propose to utilize the CTRC major core areas of service for subject interventions, assessments or lab analysis. (Consult with CTRC Administrators for clarification if needed).

 

This support is in addition to standard CTRC support.  A summary of PENN and CHOP CTRC services can be found at

http://www.itmat.upenn.edu/ctrc_web/index.shtml or contact the appropriate institutional administrative manager for specific CTRC resource information (contact information listed 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:

Each application will be assigned two reviewers 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.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT:

The proposal  should clearly delineate the proposed use of  CTRC resources. Funds of $20,000 may be requested for the initial year of funding. If there is a delay in study initiation and or recruitment, a one-year, no-cost extension can be requested after the initial year.  In addition, funds may be renewable for a second year of funding.   Both no-cost extension and second year funding requests will require a progress report and approval will be 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.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Any resulting publications in peer-reviewed journals must acknowledge the support of the CTSA grant as follows: “The project described was supported by Grant Number UL1RR024134 from the National Center for Research Resources. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Center for Research Resources or the National Institutes of Health”.  In addition, if support is provided by other grants or centers, that specific citation should be included (contact the relevant program  for citation content). Copies of publications should be sent to the appropriate administrative manager as listed below.

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 or if a one year no-cost extension is requested). The Progress report and no-cost extension for second year funding must all be completed via the ITMAT PILOT GRANT system at http://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/my/pilotgrants .

 

Applications must be submitted electronically by February 27, 2009 at 5:00 PM

AWARD DATES:

                                                                                                            DATE:

 

For questions, contact your local CTRC Administrative Manager:

PENN: Linda C. McCrae mccrae@exchange.upenn.edu   You may contact Ms. McCrae by telephone at (215) 662-7174. 

CHOP:  Veronica Mazzaccaro at  Mazzaccaro@email.chop.edu.  You may contact Ms. Mazzaccaro by telephone at (215) 590-2215.

 

» return to top

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.

» return to top

 

Diabetes Endocrinology Research Center (DERC)

The Diabetes Endocrinology Research Center (DERC) of the University of Pennsylvania is now 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 and an electronic PDF of the complete DERC Application must be submitted.  The cover page and application instructions are available on our website: http://www.med.upenn.edu/idom/derc/pilots.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, a copy of the IRB/IACUC application or approval letter is required.  Please note that funds will not be disbursed until an approval letter is submitted. 

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, 2009-March 31, 2010. (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: December 15, 2008; for information, please contact Heather Yavil via telephone: 215-898-4365 or email: hyavil@mail.med.upenn.edu  or Dr. Doris Stoffers, Director Pilot/Feasibility Grant Program via telephone:  (215) 573-5413 or email: stoffers@mail.med.upenn.edu.

» return to top

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 oxidative stress and oxidative stress injury, gene-environment interactions (including epigenetics), reproduction and endocrine disrupting chemicals, or lung and airway disease are encouraged. Projects that have a translational component to human disease, patient- oriented research or human populations will 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 Monday, November 2:

* 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 and requests for travel are not permitted.

The entire application should not exceed 10-pages (excluding references).  Please e-mail completed applications to webster@upenn.edu <mailto:webster@upenn.edu> by Monday, November 2.

All applications will be reviewed by a committee of senior faculty and external experts as necessary and successful applicants will be notified by December 1.

» return to top

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:

Eligibility:

Application Format:

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

 

» return to top

Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Disease

Joint Penn-CHOP Center for Digestive, Liver and Pancreatic Medicine

Request for Applications: Pilot and Feasibility Grants Dealing with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

 

Application Instructions

Purpose and Research Focus

The purpose of the Penn-CHOP Joint Center for Digestive, Liver and Pancreatic Medicine is to facilitate research, educational, and clinical programs involving issues related to the transition from childhood to adulthood, designated as transitional medicine.  The large number of such patients provide unique opportunities for basic and translational research.  One of the most important aspects of this effort is the funding of Pilot/Feasibility Projects. 

Through a joint initiative between the pediatric and adult inflammatory bowel disease programs at CHOP and Penn, respectively, the Joint Center is seeking Pilot/Feasibility Projects proposals relating to clinical, basic science, and/or translational research projects related to inflammatory bowel disease.  All projects should either involve both pediatric and adult patients with IBD and/or focus on a research question that is relevant to IBD that involves the transition from childhood to adulthood. 

Currently, it is anticipated that three applications will be funded each with a one year budget of $25,000.  This is a one-time request for applications.  There will not be an opportunity to resubmit applications or renew a funded grant for additional funding beyond the first year as future RFAs will be in different themes or topics.

Eligibility

All faculty members of the Penn and CHOP scientific community who meet the eligibility requirements below are invited to submit proposals.  Applicants must be US. citizens or have permanent residency.

1. New investigators who have never held extramural NIH support (R29, RO1, PO1).

2. Established investigators in other areas of basic biomedical and/or clinical research who wish to apply their expertise to a problem in IBD research relevant to the mission of the Penn-CHOP Joint Center.

3. Established clinical or basic digestive disease investigators who wish to study an area relevant to IBD and the mission of the Penn-CHOP Joint Center that represents a significant departure from currently funded work.

Proposal Preparation

  1. Submit all documents, in the format below, as one PDF to kimmeyer@mail.med.upenn.edu

      Proposals are due Friday, February 28, 2009.

 

2. Format

For additional information, please contact: Joint Penn-CHOP Center for Digestive, Liver and Pancreatic Medicine, tel: 573-4264, fax: 573-2024, email: kimmeyer@mail.med.upenn.edu.

Thank you for your interest and support.

Gary D. Wu, MD

Petar Mamula, MD

David Piccoli, MD

Anil K. Rustgi, MD

 

» return to top

Gene Therapy Program

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
University of Pennsylvania
GENE THERAPY PROGRAM
 

PILOT GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR RESEARCH ON

Gene Therapy and Pathogenesis of Cystic Fibrosis

 

Pilot funding is available for investigators doing research on pathogenesis and gene therapy of cystic fibrosis (CF).  The scope of this is broadly defined, including applications that address a wide range of topics from CF disease pathogenesis to vector biology.

Translational Pilot and Feasibility Studies

Translational pilot and feasibility projects are projects that seek to: apply basic knowledge to a clinical problem, acquire basic knowledge from clinical specimens, or examine the feasibility of a therapeutic approach in an appropriate animal model or with appropriate clinical specimens.  Translational pilot and feasibility projects may receive funding for up to $35,000 per year for up to two years.  Translational pilot and feasibility projects may not subject human volunteers to experimental medicines, devices or techniques; obtain clinical specimens prospectively unless such specimens are collected as a part of routine patient care; or make use of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-protected confidential patient information. 

Pilot and feasibility projects must present a testable hypothesis, a detailed description of the methods and procedures including data analysis, and discuss the relevance of the work to the clinical manifestations of CF. 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 letter of intent (LOI) via email to moniquek@mail.med.upenn.edu by Thursday, April 2, 2009. Following review of your LOI and approval of your topic, you will receive the application forms and detailed instructions. Full applications will be limited to 7 pages (sans references).

LOI deadline is Thursday, April 2, 2009

Proposal deadline is Monday, May 4, 2009

via email to moniquek@mail.med.upenn.edu

Funding of the selected proposal will begin July 1, 2009.  Please direct all questions to Monique Molloy via e-mail:  moniquek@mail.med.upenn.edu

» return to top

GI Division Pilot Grants

Request for Applications

Pilot grants dealing with one of the following topics:

1. Endoscopic based research in humans, emphasizing the integration of new technologies and GI diseases.

2. Cellular and tissue imaging and translation to GI diseases.

3. Population based studies (databases) as they relate to colon cancer screening.

4. Outcomes research for endocscopic technologies and imaging.

5. Improving the management of difficult polypectamy with conventional or advanced methods.

6. Interventional endoscopic diagnosis and therapy.

Eligibility


Applicants must be based at the University of Pennsylvania and should be at the level of Instructor or higher.  If an Instructor, there should be a letter of support (1 page) from your Department Chair or Division Chief.

Proposal Preparation


1. Submit all documents, in the format below, as one PDF file to amolli@mail.med.upenn.edu. 

Format
· Cover Page–should include an abstract up to 500 words and list approved or pending IACUC/IRB protocols (see www.med.upenn.edu/gastro/ClinicalTrials.shtml)

• NIH Biographical Sketch

• NIH Other Support

• Specific Aims

• Preliminary Data

• Research Design and Methods

• Summary

• Bibliography–maximum of 1 page

• Budget–not to exceed $25,000 in direct costs

• Budget Justification

2. Proposal can be based at any school in Penn and are encouraged to be multidisciplinary in nature. The deadline for proposals is March 1, 2009. Proposals should have a start date of April 1, 2009, with a 1 year duration.

Award Terms


A final progress report is due one month after the close of the project period. The report will contain a one page synopsis of scientific progress, a list of resulting collaborations, publications, and grants. 

If you have any additional questions, please e-mail Angela Hay at amolli@mail.med.upenn.edu or contact her at (215) 573-8557.

 

» return to top

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

» return to top

 

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 15, 2008 for a proposal start date of February 1, 2009.  Please visit our website at www.itmat.upenn.edu/funding.shtml for detailed instructions.

 

» return to top

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC)

The New Investigator Program is supported by the institutional Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC – formerly MRDDRC) and by funds from the Philadelphia Foundation (the amount available is approximately $100,000 per year- $40,000 from the IDDRC and $60,000 from the Philadelphia Foundation). This amount is divided among the awardees and in the past the program has supported either 2 or 3 individuals. These awards are generally renewable for a second year assuming there has been good progress. The next group of awardees will start July 1, 2009. Additional information regarding the center and this award can be accessed through stokes.chop.edu/mrddrc/. A list of prior awardees is attached.

Eligibility requirements:

1. New investigators must have a faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor level and

must have been on the faculty for no longer than four years prior to the start of funding.

2. Applicants who hold R01 grants are ineligible, while those who hold Clinical Investigator

Development Awards (CIDA, K-Award) or other transitional awards are eligible.

Interested candidates should submit:

1. A preliminary one-page application which includes an abstract (250 words).

2. A statement of the project's relevance to mental retardation and developmental

disabilities.

3. A statement of which core facilities within the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Research Center would be utilized.

4. A NIH biographical sketch or CV.

5. A letter of support from the applicant’s division chief or department chairperson which

describes the candidate’s qualifications for this award and the institutional commitment

to the candidate’s development as a scientist, including anticipated sources of salary

support.

This preliminary application is due February 27, 2009  in the office of Debbie Fulton,

3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Abramson Research Center Room 502, Philadelphia, PA 19104-

4318. These applications will be reviewed by the MRDDRC steering committee; this review will

be completed by April 2009. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and whose work is

judged to be relevant to the mission of the Center will be invited to submit a formal application

(about 5 to 10 pages). These applications will be included as part of the competitive renewal of

the IDDRC.

Questions may be addressed to Debbie Fulton (215.590.3728 or fultond@email.chop.edu) or

Michael Robinson (robinson@upenn.edu)

 

» return to top

 

Penn Genome Frontiers Institute (PGFI)

PGFI is pleased to announce a new series of funding opportunities for Fall 2008.  Researchers from any Penn-associated school are invited to submit proposals in three areas: development of optical sensors and their biological application, development and analysis of high throughput sequencing methods, and development of genomic and small molecule assays. Depending on the type of proposal, awards may be up to $120,000 over two years.

All proposals are due by November 1, 2008.  These materials should be sent to Joyce Donnelly (joyced@upenn.edu) in electronic format. Please see the PGFI web site for specific application requirements and award details (www.genomics.upenn.edu).

Synthesis of Novel Biologically Useful Optical Sensors

Detection and quantification of in vivo cellular processes requires sensitive detectors.  While many chemical (e.g. fluorescein, etc.) and biological (e.g. GFP) fluorophores have been developed over the last several years, additional fluorophores and other optical sensors are needed.  Ideally these new sensors would be more sensitive, have a longer half-life, be less biologically toxic and would be usable, simultaneously, with multiple other optical sensors.  Applications are encouraged for novel chemical or biological fluorophore development as well as other types of optical sensors. 

Awardees will receive up to $120,000 over two years in research funding to be spent on development of optical sensors and their biological application. Applicants from any Penn-associated school are encouraged to apply.  Applications should consist of a research proposal (≤ 5 pages), investigators’ biosketches (NIH-format) and a one-page budget request. 

High Throughput Sequencing Use and Analysis

To stimulate the development and application of high throughput sequencing and analysis methods, the Penn Genome Frontiers Institute announces a collaborative RFA for biologists and computational scientists. Awardees will receive up to $120,000 over two years in research funding to be spent on novel algorithmic development and biological application. 

Applicants from any Penn-associated school are encouraged to apply through a co-investor mechanism consisting of at least one biologist and at least one computational scientist.  Applications should consist of a research proposal (≤ 5 pages), investigators’ biosketches (NIH-format) and a one-page budget request. 

Cell-based Screening Assay Development

To stimulate the development and application of high throughput cell-based screening, the Penn Genome Frontiers Institute announces an RFA for genomic and small molecule assay development.

Awardees will receive up to $30,000 in funding to be spent on personnel and reagents for cell-based screening assay development projects that can be completed within one year.  Applicants from any Penn-associated school are encouraged to apply. Applications should consist of a research proposal (≤ 3 pages), investigators’ biosketches (NIH-format) and a one-page budget request. 

 

» return to top

Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders Pilot and Feasibility Grant Program

The Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders is once again 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 visit www.med.upenn.edu/pcmd/memberinfo.shtml for instructions on joining.  Pilot grants will be due on October 15, 2009 with a planned start date of January 1, 2010 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, Imaging) you would use (core use is required for pilot funding). 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 visit our website at www.med.upenn.edu/pcmd/memberinfo.shtml.
·        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 must use at least one of the Center's Research Cores.
·        Pilot project awardees are eligible for one year, with a second year to be considered (budgets will be for $20-35,000 per year and timelines should be for one or two years). The second year of funding, the dollar amount of which would only be for up to half the year one budget, will be considered based on the progress report submitted after the first year of funding and funding availability in the Center. Please note that second year funding will often not be awarded, and when awarded, will be done so primarily to new investigators; second year funding to senior investigators will be quite rare.

·        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 explicitly.
 
Format


·        Applications should be formatted loosely in the style of an NIH R03 grant (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-09-163.html) .  The main body of the application (Specific Aims through Research Design and Methods: sections 4-7 below) should be no more than 5 pages. The format is:
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@upenn.edu by October 15, 2009 at 5pm.

 

» return to top

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.

» return to top

 

Penn SOM Medical Education Research Intiative

 

OVERVIEW

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. 

PRIORITIES

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.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

The deadline for submission of completed applications is October 1, 2008. Justified budgets under $10,000 will be considered. Up to four proposals will 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:

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION

Applications are due on or before October 1, 2008. 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, 2008.

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.

» return to top

Studies in Digestive & Liver Diseases— Pilot and Feasibility Grants

Purpose and Research Focus


The purpose of Penn’s Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases 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, regulation of gene expression, growth, differentiation and carcinogenesis, the biology of stem cells, molecular genetics, gene therapy, and immunology, including growth factors and cytokines.

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.

1. New investigators who have never held extramural support (R29, RO1, PO1).

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.

4. Pilot project awardees are eligible for two years of funding; renewals are evaluated competitively.

Proposal Preparation

1. Submit all documents, in the format below, as one PDF to kimmeyer@mail.med.upenn.edu. Proposals are due Thursday, April 30, 2009.

2. Format

• Cover page: includes abstract of up to 250 words and list of approved or pending IACUC/IRB protocols.

• NIH biographical sketch

• NIH other support (provide full information; do not use modular format)

• Budget and justification: one year, $20,000; one page only

• Background, preliminary results, estimated core usage, research plan, and future directions; up to four pages total.

• Senior Investigators should indicate how this project represents a new direction in their research.

• References: one page only.

• Appendix: pertaining to preliminary data only, no reprints.

For additional information, please contact: Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases, tel:  (215) 573-4264, fax:  (215) 573-2024, e-mail: kimmeyer@mail.med.upenn.edu.

 

» return to top

Translational Biomedical Imaging Center Pilot Grant Program

The Translational Biomedical Imaging Center (TBIC) was established under the leadership of the 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. TBIC 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 is focused on biomedical science. At least one of the co-principal investigators should have a primary appointment in the School of Medicine. The TBIC adopts a broad definition of imaging science and seeks proposals that focus on anatomic or functional imaging approaches that span from the microscopic to in vivo regimes. Proposals that include a broad range of imaging methods including image acquisition techniques, image analysis, imaging probe development will be considered.  Funding will be based on scientific merit, potential downstream clinical impact and the likelihood that the project will generate independent funding to sustain the effort. Post-pilot award outcomes will be surveyed. The deadline for applications is December 15, 2009 for an award start date of February 1, 2010.

For additional information, please visit www.itmat.upenn.edu/ctsa/tbic/index.shtml or contact Dr. Mitchell Schnall at mitchell.schnall@uphs.upenn.edu or Dr. James Gee at gee@mail.med.upenn.edu.

 

» return to top

 

Robert Wood Johnson Health & Society Scholars Pilot Program

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health & Society Scholars Program at the University of Pennsylvania (RWJF H&SSP at Penn) has set aside a Competitive Research and Education Fund to promote interdisciplinary research and education in population health at Penn. We expect that most of these funds will be used by Penn faculty to develop pilot projects which will attract external support for larger-scale studies, to fund small-scale projects, or to develop enduring educational materials that will advance teaching and training in population health concepts or methods within the University. The deadline for applications is November 14, 2008.

Please visit www.upenn.edu/rwjhssp for more information and further details.

For additional information, please contact Melissa Kulynych, Program Coordinator
by telephone at (215)746-7744, fax (215)746-0397
or email mkulynyc@wharton.upenn.edu

» return to top

© 2006 The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania