Rheumatology research center issues call for pilot projects

Rheumatology research center issues call for pilot projects—due Oct. 31

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) directs one of nine Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Centers (MCRC) funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. One component of this center supports the MCRC Pilot Project Program, a one-year program that provides support for pilot projects (up to $50,000) in patient-oriented research for graduate or post-graduate students, or junior faculty from MUSC or other institutions, with funding provided by the MUSC Office of the Vice President and Provost.
Eligible applicants may not yet have received R01 funding. The pilot studies should be designed as a vehicle to collect preliminary data for a subsequent competitive application (e.g. R03, R01, and K-awards).

The focus of the pilot research should be patient-oriented research on rheumatic diseases with an emphasis on health disparities affecting under represented minorities. Examples of appropriate disease research areas include (but are not limited to): systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Patient-oriented research includes: (a) mechanisms of human disease; (b) therapeutic interventions; (c) clinical trials; (d) development of new technologies; (e) epidemiologic and behavioral studies; and (f) outcomes research and health services research.
Applications must be submitted by October 31, 2005, and must include: (1) a research proposal (maximum of 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) a Biographical Sketch for the investigator on the standard PHS 398 form; (3) a 1-page signed letter from the applicant summarizing career development plans and committing to set aside one day per week for career development activities on site at MUSC; and (4) budget and justification.

All submitted proposals must be pre-reviewed by the MCRC Methodology Core prior to formal review. Contact: Paul Nietert, nieterpj@musc.edu. The MCRC Steering Committee, chaired by Dr. Richard Silver, will serve as the review committee, and will select those to receive funding by January 31, 2006.

Please send application materials to:
Richard M. Silver, M.D. Medical University of South Carolina
96 Jonathan Lucas Street, 912CSB, PO Box 250637 Charleston, South Carolina 29425
Questions should be directed to Ann Donaldson at 843-792-2009 or donaldsa@musc.edu. Applications from racial/ethnic minority individuals and women and persons with disabilities are encouraged.

Source: Individual e-mail and Broadcast Message