A Pilot Project Core is part of MUSC’s National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Neurobiology of Addiction Research Center (NARC). The NARC Pilot Core oversees the execution and development of basic science, translational and clinical pilot projects to bring new technologies and new investigators into the field of addiction research. The goals of the Pilot Core are to (1) provide a mechanism primarily to attract young faculty, and secondarily to recruit senior investigators, into the field of addiction and (2) identify novel technologies that will augment ongoing NARC investigations of long-term neuroadaptations produced by cocaine self-administration. 

The NARC has approximately $100,000 available annually to fund pilot projects related to addiction issues. Eligible projects may be either clinical or basic science studies. The purpose of the pilot funding is to provide an opportunity to collect preliminary data that will ultimately support an R01 application. 

Projects will be funded for one year with an opportunity for a one-year competitive renewal.

Individuals interested in submitting a pilot project for consideration should follow the guidelines below and submit their proposal by April 1, 2009 for funding in May 2009.

Guidelines:
Submit a 3-5 page description of your project using the following format:

1. Abstract 

2. Specific Aims/ Significance of Problem 

3. Preliminary Data (Progress Report) 

4. Experimental Design and Methods

Submit a budget and a brief budget justification (no travel or computers; up to 5% salary and benefits). Budgets must be no more than $25 K.

Submit proposals by email and address inquiries to Jacqueline McGinty, Ph.D., Program Coordinator, Neurobiology of Addiction Research Center.

Source: MUSC’s broadcast message, February 26, 2009.