Program Guidelines for Departmental Research Projects:

I.  General information:

  Support will be provided for research activities which aim to:  1) promote collaborative projects between clinical investigators and basic scientists, 2) develop new diagnostic tests and/or methods for better pathologic diagnosis, and/or 3) develop data that will promote opportunities for extramural funding.  Moneys for this program are derived from Shands HealthCare and from the Chair’s developmental funds.  Shands is most interested in funding research that will: 1.)  lead to novel tests and  2.)  develop technologies that will improve productivity, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of patient care activities related to pathology and laboratory medicine.  The program also supports translational studies aimed at applying of new knowledge from basic science to clinically relevant questions.

  Funding will be used primarily for technical support (including salary support for laboratory technicians), reagents and supplies, instrument costs, and use of core labs.
This program will not provide funding for established, well-funded investigators.  Under no circumstances can the funding mentioned above should be used for faculty salary support.

II.  A three-tiered system for the awarding of intramural research projects will be used.  Investigators should identify which group (A, B ,C) is most appropriate for their proposal.  Also, researchers should indicate if the grant is focused on diagnostic test development (per the Shands initiative) or if the studies are geared more towards basic discovery.

 Group A:

 1.  The purpose of these awards is to support investigators who will be seeking outside funding at the RO-1 or similar levels (NIH R series, National Science Foundation, Dept. of Defense, etc).  Ideally, such an individual would have preliminary data and needs to develop a solid database for a more detailed proposal.  These individuals will be expected to be principal investigators on their studies.  Current extramural funding would be considered a plus but is not required.  Success in obtaining outside funding will be considered favorably in providing additional grants of this type.

 2.  Outstanding proposals for test development could also be included in this category.

  3. Suggested amounts for Group A proposals:  $10 K– 20 K
 
 

 Group B:

  1.  Recognizing the importance of collaborative studies between basic science and clinical faculty, these funds will support translational work in which basic research findings are being applied to clinically relevant questions.  The goals are to foster collaborations which would strengthen “bench to bedside” types of projects, promote increased clinical input into scientific inquiry, and to ultimately strengthen the ability of clinically based pathology faculty to function as Co-PI’s (with salary support) on future departmental proposals or program projects.

  2.  Proposals should (must) include a co-PI from the basic research unit.  A letter of collaboration from the co-PI stating their specific role in the project would be required. Collaborative efforts within the Department are strongly preferred for this type of award.  Proposals involving collaborations outside the department may also be considered.  However, evidence of ongoing salary support for the pathologist or clear intent to provide such support must be provided in the letter of collaboration.

  3.  This category could be used for test development.  In this case, the need for basic science collaboration is still desirable but not necessary.

  4. Suggested amounts for second tier proposals:  $5 K – 10 K

Group C.

1. These are small grants ($2000.00) maximum to provide funds for descriptive, clinicopathological or translational studies for which outside funds are not available.
2. Funds could be used to support small projects by residents when mentored by pathology faculty

III. Format for Proposals:

 A.  An NIH style of proposal including the following components must be used for groups A and B:

  1.  Specific Aims   ½  page
  2.  Background and Significance 1.5  page
  3.  Preliminary Data    1 page
  4.  Experimental Design   1 page
  5.  Budget Summary   ½ page

  Specific plans for obtaining extramural support must be included in these proposals. For example, a second set of specific aims for the planned outside proposal could be stated in the intramural grant.

 B. For departmental funds, a detailed budget need not be submitted.  Applications for Shands funds should include the following budgetary criteria:  cost for development of new test(s) or technology, cost of implementation, and estimated benefit to the Hospital (as measured by increased productivity and cost effectiveness).  Budgets for both funding sources should include technical salary support, cost of reagents and supplies, and instrument costs.  The actual amount awarded will be subject to change based on recommendation of the Clinical Research Committee and the Department Chair.

 C. Appropriate animal use documents or IRB approval (or exemption) documentation will be required for all proposals.

 D.  Internal grants from Groups A through C will be reviewed twice a year with scheduled meeting of Clinical Research Committee.  Grants will be sent to Committee members for review prior to formal meeting.

1. Deadlines (for receipt of proposals):    April 1,  November 1
2. Outside reviewers (individuals from outside the department with expertise in the proposal subject area) may participate in review of Group A and B proposals.
3. Turnaround time for grant review:  One to two months

 E.  A follow-up report is required:

1. For departmental funds, a one page progress report will be required annually or within thirty days of the close of the grant award.
2. Shands-based funded projects require a ½ page semiannual report which should include an update of the cost/benefit ratio of the project (See IIIB above.)

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Last Updated August 20, 2003