RPG Retreats help investigators refine competitive research proposals

RPG Retreats help investigators refine competitive research proposals

The Office of Research Development (ORD) is offering new and established investigators the opportunity to participate in Research Project Grant Retreats (RPG Retreats). Investigators at any phase of career development—from in-training to senior scientist—who want constructive criticism on a research proposal should sign up to present. In addition, anyone interested in competitive grant funding is encouraged to attend as an audience participant. The opportunity to learn by example is significant.

ORD offers RPG Retreats quarterly. The next date is Saturday, September 15th, 2007. The session starts with breakfast in the Gazes Institute Conference Room (Rm. 125) and concludes after lunch Presenters should plan to attend the full program, while audience members and other colleagues may be more flexible. RPG Retreats do not involve any fees or charges, as they are part of the Office of Research Development’s portfolio of institutional services.

The format involves individual presentations of 15 to 20 min. followed by 25 min. of critique and discussion with review panelists and audience participants. The review panel typically includes 4 established investigator-mentors with extensive peer review experience and a broad grasp of contemporary basic, translational and clinical biomedical research.

The usual number of presenters is 5 per session. Slots are available for the September 15 date. For more information, or to sign up as a presenter or audience participant, please contact Peggy Schachte, Director, MUSC Office of Research Development, 792-0868, e-mail schachte@musc.edu. Additional information and on-line registration are available at http://research.musc.edu/rpgretreat.html.