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Call for Proposals

Alzheimer Disease Research Center -- Call for Proposals
ADRC Seed Monies Grant Program
Funding Period: April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013


Introduction:
One of the research missions of the Alzheimer Disease Research Center (ADRC) at the University of Pittsburgh is to fund pilot grants to stimulate new and innovative research relevant to Alzheimer’s disease. Types of research can range from basic science to psychosocial in methodology, with particular attention given to novel approaches. Proposed research may involve humans, other animals or in vitro studies. The investigator is responsible for obtaining appropriate Institutional Review Board or Animal Care and Use Committee approval for the proposal. The patient population, clinical, and neuropathological databases of the ADRC are available resources for approved proposals. Additional resources include the database from the National Alzheimer Coordinating Center (NACC). Priority will be given to studies which have the highest chance of leading to subsequent external peer reviewed funding. Applications must clearly state the significance and innovation of the proposed research to Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders.

Eligibility:
Applicants must be post-doctoral fellows or full-time faculty of the University of Pittsburgh. Post-doctoral fellows must have a letter of support from their mentor and department chair indicating they will be at the University through 2013. Previous recipients of ADRC seed monies are not eligible.

Criteria for Review:
The following will be considered in evaluating the merit of a proposal:
  • Soundness of scientific principles.
  • Novelty of the scientific approach.
  • Scientific merit.
  • Likelihood of providing new and valuable insights into possible causes of treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Background and experience of the investigator(s)
  • Adequacy of the resources and environment.
  • Appropriateness of the budget for the proposed work.
  • Strong likelihood that the pilot work will lead to subsequent extramural peer reviewed funding.
Budget Limitations:
Direct cost budgets up to $25,000 will be considered. There is no allowance for travel, tuition, publication costs or major equipment. Please contact the ADRC Administrator, Leslie Dunn, MPH (dunnlo@upmc.edu) with budget questions.

Letter of Intent:
A brief paragraph describing the proposed pilot study should be e-mailed to Leslie Dunn, MPH, Center Administrator (dunnlo@upmc.edu) by September 9, 2011.

Application:
The proposal should consist of the following sections:
  • Title Page (ADRC version)
  • Abstract
  • Budget and Budget Justification
  • Biographical Sketch(es) (4-page version with personal statement -- PHS 398 Rev 06/09)
  • Resources and Environment
  • Other Support
  • Research Plan
    1. Introduction to Application (Not applicable)
    2. Specific Aims
    3. Research Strategy:
      Significance, Innovation and Approach (Preliminary Studies if applicable)
    4. Bibliography and References Cited
    5. Protection of Human subjects
    6. Inclusion of Women and Minorities
    7. Targeted/Planned Enrollment Table
    8. Inclusion of children
    9. Vertebrate Animals
    10. Select Agent Research
    11. Multiple PD/PI Leadership Plan (Not applicable)
    12. Consortium/Contractual Arrangements
    13. Letters of Support (e.g., Consultants)
    14. Resource Sharing Plan(s)
Please provide a list of three prospective reviewers. The specific aims and hypotheses are limited to one page and the research strategy is limited to a total of six single-spaced pages based on PHS 398 (Rev. 06/09) format and guidelines. Abstract, budget, biographical sketches and resources and environment sections should be on the standard forms for PHS grants (06/09 version).

Deadline: All applications must be received no later than October 3, 2011 with funding to start April 1, 2012.

Send application materials:
Via e-mail to adrcadmin@upmc.edu (Send Word documents. No PDFs please.)

Also send hard copy of the application to:
Leslie Dunn, MPH
ADRC Administrator
Alzheimer Disease Research Center
4-West UPMC Montefiore Hospital
200 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

For Further Information: Interested applicants should discuss potential submission with:
Center Director, Oscar L. Lopez, M.D., lopezol@upmc.edu
Center Co-Director, William E. Klunk, M.D., Ph.D., klunkwe@upmc.edu or
Center Administrator, Leslie Dunn, MPH, (412) 692-2731, dunnlo@upmc.edu
University of Pittsburgh, School of medicine
Alzheimer Disease Research Center
4-West UPMC Montefiore, 200 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213