The MUSC Office of Research Development offers Research Project Grant (RPG) Retreats approximately 4 times/yr. These interactive half-day sessions give individual investigators the opportunity to gain constructive criticism on a specific research concept or proposal. Researchers at any phase of career development are encouraged to present or attend. Click here for upcoming dates.

The purpose of an RPG Retreat is to provide objective review and constructive suggestions for competitive research proposals that will be submitted to NIH or another peer-review sponsor. While results cannot be guaranteed, many previous presenters have had success on their first or second submission.

Both new and experienced investigators can benefit by participating in RPG Retreats as audience, presenters or reviewers. The opportunity to learn by example is substantial. RPG Retreats do not involve any fees or charges.

The format involves 3 or 4 presentations, each lasting no more than 20 minutes, followed by 25 min. of critique and discussion with review panelists and audience members.  Presentations should summarize the project’s hypothesis and specific aims and provide a brief overview of experimental approaches, anticipated results and potential problems. Presenters receive a slide template to help prepare a presentation of suitable length

The review panel consists of three to five senior investigator-mentors with peer-review experience and a broad grasp of contemporary basic, translational and/or clinical biomedical or biobehavioral research.

A reviewer and a presenter may have organizational or scientific overlap, as this is a collegial rather than a competitive process. Presenters are encouraged to suggest individuals or expertise to serve as reviewers. They may also invite colleagues, mentors and collaborators to be invited to attend. Click here for a list of past presenters, panelists and audience members or select the cumulative list of presenters and reviews.

The Office of Research Development conducts a brief evaluation survey following each retreat, and distributes an annual survey each fall to request data regarding submissions and outcomes.

To SIGN UP or SUGGEST someone to participate in one of the RPG Review Retreats, please go to RPG Retreat Registration or contact Peggy Schachte, Director, MUSC Office of Research Development, 792-0868, e-mail schachte@musc.edu.