NeuroDiscovery Pilot Grant Program
Call for Proposals Relevant to Parkinson’s Disease
Funding Period: July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017
Introduction: One of the missions of the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute (UPBI) is to give neuroscience faculty a chance to test high-risk, high-impact ideas that are too "early" for normal funding mechanisms. In this way, we intend to promote and enable discovery. The donor funding this round of grants seeks proposals relevant to Parkinson’s disease. The types of research can range widely from basic to translational neuroscience, with particular attention given to novel approaches. The principal investigator is responsible for obtaining appropriate Committee approvals (e.g., Institutional Review Board, Animal Care and Use Committee, etc.) for the proposal. Priority will be given to studies which have the highest chance of leading to subsequent external peer-reviewed funding. Applications must clearly state the significance and innovation of the proposed research to Parkinson’s disease or closely related disorders.
Criteria for Review: The following will be considered in evaluating the merit of a proposal:
· Soundness of scientific principles.
· Novelty of the scientific approach.
· Scientific merit.
· Likelihood of providing new and valuable insights into possible causes of or treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
· Background and experience of the investigator(s).
· Adequacy of the resources and environment.
· Appropriateness of the budget for the proposed work.
· Strong likelihood that the pilot work will lead to subsequent extramural peer-reviewed funding.
Eligibility: Applicants must be full-time faculty of the University of Pittsburgh.
Budget Limitations: Direct cost budgets up to $20,000 will be considered. There is no allowance for travel, tuition, publication costs, major equipment or indirect costs. Please contact the UPBI Administrator, Amanda Fetsick (acaito@pitt.edu), with budget questions.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Letter of Intent: A one-page description of the proposed pilot study should be e-mailed to Dani Stein (UPBINeuroDiscovery@pitt.edu ) by January 11, 2016. Please include the title of the proposal, names of investigators/co-investigators, a brief description of the project and a short statement of relevance of the proposed research to Parkinson’s disease. Investigators invited to submit a full proposal will be notified by February 1, 2016.
Deadline for Full Proposals: Full proposals must be received no later than March 14, 2016, with funding to start July 1, 2016. (Please follow application guidelines.)
Application Guidelines:
The proposal should consist of the following sections:
Title Page (Use UPBI form - attached)
Original Letter of Intent
Abstract (<30 lines)
Budget and Budget Justification
Biographical Sketch(es) (New NIH Biosketch format)
Resources and Environment
Other Support
Research Plan
1. Specific Aims (1 Page Limit)
2. Research Strategy: (3 Page Limit)
Significance, Innovation and Approach (Preliminary Studies, if applicable)
3. Bibliography and References Cited
4. Protection of Human Subjects
5. Inclusion of Women and Minorities
6. Targeted/Planned Enrollment Table, if applicable
7. Inclusion of Children
8. Vertebrate Animals
9. Select Agent Research
10. Letters of Support (e.g., Consultants)
Please provide a list of three prospective local reviewers.
All sections should be on the standard forms for NIH grants and follow NIH format guidelines.
Send application materials:
Via e-mail to UPBINeuroDiscovery@pitt.edu (as Word or PDF file)
For further information:
Dr. Peter L. Strick, Scientific Director, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, 4074 BST-3, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
Phone: 412-383-9961, email: strickp@pitt.edu
http://www.braininstitute.pitt.edu/