Center for Studies of Host Response to Cancer Therapy
Request for Applications: Pilot Projects
Submission Deadline: June 15, 2021
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Background
The objective of the COBRE (Center of Biomedical Research Excellence) for Studies of Host Response to Cancer Therapy is to conduct basic and translational research aimed at developing strategies to predict and minimize early and delayed cancer treatment-related toxicities. This COBRE has funding available to support pilot projects for junior or mid-career faculty who would like to perform research within the theme of the COBRE. For more information about the COBRE, contact the principal investigator, Marjan Boerma, Ph.D., at mboerma@uams.edu.
Description of the Pilot Project Program
The COBRE Pilot Project Research Program provides up to $75,000 direct costs for one year’s support of basic or translational research projects that align with the COBRE focus. We anticipate being able to fund at least two pilot study awards. Funded pilot investigators will have access to the COBRE’s core laboratories and facilities free of charge. Applicants are also advised to take advantage of the expertise available within other existing COBRE project teams and interact/collaborate with them. Funded COBRE pilot investigators will be required to participate in local, regional, and national COBRE and IDeA (Institutional Development Award) meetings, to give periodic progress reports when requested, and to submit a comprehensive final written report detailing the studies performed and the findings.
Eligibility
- The application should be strongly focused on acute or chronic side effects to cancer therapy. Research may include, but is not limited to, understanding mechanisms by which cancer therapy side effects may occur, developing predictive biomarkers for cancer therapy related side effects, and new strategies to reduce them. Although both basic science and translational are allowed, translational applications will be given priority. Projects must have clearly defined deliverables to be competitive.
- The applicant must have a PhD, MD, or equivalent degree.
- Preference will be given to applicants who are early stage investigators in tenure track, with strong evidence of institutional support (designation of lab space, start-up funds, etc.), followed by young investigators with a clear path to obtaining an independent research position and mid-career faculty who are seeking a new direction for their research program.
- Applications should indicate a clear path for subsequent grant proposals for independent follow-up funding.
Projects that require the performance of work at more than one institution will not be accepted. Third-party subcontracts are unallowable.
Applicants are highly encouraged to reach out to Marjan Boerma at mboerma@uams.edu to discuss eligibility and fit of the proposed research in the theme of the COBRE.
Application Format
The application should include the following forms:
| Form | Page limit |
|---|---|
| NIH PHS 398 form – Face Page | 1 page |
| Project Summary | 1 page |
| Specific Aims | 1 page |
| Research Strategy | 6 pages |
| NIH Biosketch for the PI and each of the key personnel (please use latest NIH biosketch format: | 5 pages each |
| Budget Justification | No limit |
| Vertebrate Animals (if applicable) | No limit |
| Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information (if applicable) | No limit |
Research Strategy
The Research Strategy should include a clear description of the methods used in the project, the expected results, and how the milestones and deliverables will help the COBRE overall. A statistical section is required. The Research Strategy should include a statement of the relevance of the application to the focus of the COBRE A brief description of how the proposed pilot project will facilitate obtaining further funding should also be included.
Animal Strategies
Animal Studies: Institutional assurances (including review and approval by the UAMS IACUC) must be in place prior to funding if your project is selected. If animal studies are proposed, please be sure to include a completed NIH section “Vertebrate Animals” in the application (not subject to page limits).
Clinical Research
Clinical Research: Institutional assurances (including review and approval by the UAMS IRB) must be in place prior to funding if your project is selected. If the use of human samples is proposed, please be sure to include a completed NIH section “Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information” in the application (not subject to page limits).
Budget
There is a maximum of $75,000 direct costs available for each project. Personnel costs, including graduate student tuition should be no more than 50% of the total direct costs requested. Salary for the PI cannot be included in the budget.
Travel costs are only allowed for attending COBRE or IDeA meetings.
The following budget categories will not be supported:
- equipment $5,000 or greater in cost
- patient care costs
- third party sub-contracts
Project Period: Aug. 1, 2021 – July 31, 2022.
Reporting Requirements
Pilot project awardees are expected to present their research at the annual COBRE External Advisory Committee meeting and provide a final progress report no later than 30 days after the end of the pilot project.
All publications resulting from work done with COBRE resources must include an acknowledgment to NIGMS grant P20GM109005. Moreover, any grant award received directly or indirectly as a result of COBRE support must be reported to Dr. Boerma immediately upon receipt.
Application Submission
The submission deadline is 5 p.m., June 15, 2021.
Applications should be submitted by email to Marjan Boerma at mboerma@uams.edu, copying Ashley Lavender at AALavender@uams.edu. Electronic submissions are required. An application in one PDF document is preferred. Late or incomplete applications, or applications not conforming to the page limits will not be reviewed.
Questions
For questions, please contact Marjan Boerma, Ph.D. at mboerma@uams.edu.