Pilot projects in metabolic syndrome and health disparities are due July 1

Pilot projects in metabolic syndrome and health disparities are due July 1

Project EXPORT has issued a call for pilot project proposals focusing on patient-oriented research in metabolic syndrome and health disparities. The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and South Carolina State University (SCSU) are partners in one of 20 NIH-funded Centers of Excellence in Partnerships for Community Outreach, Research on Health Disparities and Training (Project EXPORT). The focus of MUSC/SCSU EXPORT Center is the metabolic syndrome, a cluster of disorders, including hypertension, diabetes, lipid abnormalities and obesity that have a strong impact on health disparities.

The MUSC/SCSU EXPORT Pilot Program provides support for one year of support for 1 or 2 pilot projects (up to $25,000/yr per project) in patient-oriented research for graduate or post-graduate students, clinical fellows, or junior faculty at MUSC or SCSU.

Eligible applicants must be minority investigators who have not yet received independent funding. The pilot projects should be designed as vehicles to collect preliminary data for subsequent competitive application (e.g. K-awards, R03, and R01 awards). The focus of the pilot research should be patient-oriented research on the metabolic syndrome in underrepresented minorities. Patient-oriented research includes clinical research, nursing research, education research, health services research, epidemiological studies, and community-based interventions. Priority will be given to pilot project proposals that tie into EXPORT Cores and programs or other sponsored minority research projects at MUSC and SCSU.

Applications must be submitted by July 1, 2005 and must include: (1) research proposal (up to 3 pages) containing a statement of the problem (including specific aims and background/rationale), methods to be used, anticipated results, and discussion of how planned efforts will lead to future funding; (2) biographical sketch for the investigator on the PHS 398 form; (3) 1-page signed letter from the applicant summarizing career development plans and committing to at least a half-day/wk (10% effort) for career development activities on site at MUSC or SCSU; (4) 1-page letter of support from a primary mentor; and (5) budget and justification on the PHS 398 form.

Three independent reviewers will review all applications. Selected applicants will be notified in mid-August for funding that will begin on September 1, 2005. Please send application materials to:

Leonard Egede MD.
Medical University of South Carolina
135 Cannon Street, Suite 403, P.O. Box 250837
Charleston, South Carolina 29425
Tel: 843-792-2969
Fax: 843-876-1201
E-mail: egedel@musc.edu

Source: Broadcast message, June 6, 1005