TCSVM Intramural Research Seed Grant

Purpose

The purpose of the seed grant program is to enable TCSVM faculty to conduct research that:

• can eventually be sustained or augmented from extramural sources. Such sources could include the NIH, NSF, USDA, foundations (eg., Morris Animal Foundation, Winn Foundation, AKC, Grayson Jockey) or corporations,
• generates measurable scholarly outcomes in the form of grant applications and publications, or
• generates models or reagents that will enable a larger area of research that has potential for extramural funding.

Funding levels

With few exceptions, funding will be for one year with a maximum budget of $10,000/year. Competitive renewals for a second year of funding will be considered but are in no way guaranteed. Leveraging of funds from other sources is encouraged but is not required.

Eligibility

All full or part-time salaried TCSVM faculty, including clinical and research faculty may apply. Collaborative proposals that pair an established basic science investigator with a clinician scholar are encouraged. Applications from new faculty members (hired within the last 3 years) with evidence of grant-seeking activity but no current extramural funding will be given preference.

Deadline for submission

A complete application with 6 copies is due by April 15 and should be sent to Sawkat Anwer, Associate Dean for Research, Administration Building.

Review of Applications

The TCSVM Research Committee will assign each application to at least 2 reviewers for confidential evaluation. Reviewers may be internal or external and will remain anonymous. The Committee will score each proposal either: 1) Outstanding, 2) Excellent, 3) Very Good, 4) Good, or 5) Fair. Applications from new faculty, or those in need of interim funding will receive special consideration. Applicants will receive a written Summary Statement patterned after the NIH.

Evaluation of applications

The Research Committee will consider the following criteria in its evaluation and encourages applicants to specifically address them in the proposal:

1. Significance of the problem.
2. Whether the experimental approach will adequately test the proposed hypothesis.
3. Whether the proposed analytical methods are valid and state of the art.
4. Whether the proposed investigation is realistic within the time and budgetary restraints.
5. Long- term plans for research and the potential for securing extramural funding.
6. Expertise of the investigating team to perform the work proposed.

Expectation

1. The proposed study be conducted during the award period.
2. Progress report including future plans (manuscript, grant application, etc) due 3 months following the end of the funding period. The report must include a summary of key findings, difficulties encountered (if any), and future plans (see application).
3. Faculty failing to submit a progress report on time will not be considered for future funding under this program.

Guidelines for submission of proposal

1. Be clear, concise, and well organized, paying attention to correct subheading, spelling and grammar. The format outlined below must be strictly adhered to. Applications that do not follow the format or are longer than the prescribed length will be returned to the applicant.
2. The application should include the following: (Use the attached NIH forms-each bulleted item is a form except appendix and letter of support)
   
   • Face Page: Fill out #1 to 8 only.
   • Description (Key personnel): Follow instructions on the forms
   • Table of Contents: Self explanatory
   • Budget: Include % effort of each participant including technicians and itemized supply cost. DO NOT include salary. Equipment purchases are not encouraged but will be considered if very well justified.
   • Budget Justification: Justify all budgeted items. Justification for equipment must include how equipment will be maintained and shared with other TCSVM investigators.
   • Biographical Sketch: Follow instructions on the forms
   • Resources: Follow instructions on the forms
   • Research Plan:(use continuation page): This section should not be longer than 7 printed pages.

     a. Specific aims (What do you want to do): Briefly describe the hypothesis to be tested or questions to be answered. One or two aims are usually sufficient for a one year study.
     b. Background and Significance: Link to previous published work by the investigator/group, other published work, the basis for the scientific questions to be addressed and how this proposal will advance the field, likely benefit, etc.) (2 pages)
     c. Preliminary Data (personal observations, other published and unpublished information relevant to the application, strength and expertise of the investigator/group, special technique(s) to be utilized, etc.) (2 pages).
     d. Experimental Design and Method: (for each aim provide an outline of the rationale, experimental design, analytical methods to be used, anticipated results and anticipated problems/alternative approaches. (2 pages).
     e. Time Line: Briefly outline the expected time line for completion of each component of the project.
     f. Vertebrate Animals (species, number per experiments, evidence of IACUC or Clinical Studies Review Committee (CSRC) approval, application submitted or pending). Note that studies cannot be initiated without prior IACUC/CSRC approval.
     g. Future Plans (Use continuation page): Briefly describe how you plan to use the data generated to:

     i. Obtain extramural funding and/or develop intellectual property. For grants be specific with regard to proposed sponsor, type of grant, time line for submission of application and, for intellectual property, note type of property such as a patent or license.
     ii. Make scholarly contributions in the form of published findings (including those that document improvements made to clinical services). Be specific regarding 1 - 2 journals appropriate for planned manuscript submission or national meetings appropriate for presentation of work.h. Literature cited (include full title)

   • Appendix (supporting publications of the PI, oversized 2-3 tables and/or figures)
   • Letters of support from collaborators and consultants

3. Completely fill out and include Tufts grant routing sheet (Tufts University Health Sciences Campus Internal Sponsored Coordination Form), which can be found at (http://www.tufts.edu/central/research/TuftsForms.htm. It should be signed by you, your on-campus collaborators, each investigator's Department Chair, Hospital Director (if research involves hospital patients or resources), and DTRR Director (if research involves DTRR animals or facilities). In this case, this form is for internal use only and will not leave the TUSVM campus.

4. Successful applicants must submit a final report within 3 months of completion of the funding period. The report will include a summary of key findings, difficulties encountered (if any), and plans for using the obtained results to procure additional support.

CHECKLIST

___ Tufts routing slip, including signatures of all investigators and relevant administrators at TCSVM

___ Documentation of final or pending IACUC/CSRC approval

___ Letters of intent from any off-campus collaborators or consultants

___ Six (6) copies of the completed proposal with appendix (if applicable)