HOME
Pfizer is proud to introduce 2012 ASPIRE Young Investigator
Awards in Endocrine Research—A Global Program
.
Mission
The mission of the 2012 ASPIRE Young Investigator Awards in Endocrine Research is to advance the
medical knowledge of the fundamental mechanisms of disease, mechanisms of action of current and
potential future treatments, and to improve the care of patients with endocrine disorders.
The ASPIRE Program demonstrates Pfizer’s commitment to supporting promising young investigators
with an interest in advancing knowledge in defined disease areas of endocrinology.
Background
Scientific research continues to advance our knowledge and understanding of endocrine disorders and
their treatments. The 2012 ASPIRE Young Investigator Awards in Endocrine Research is designed to:
a.
Support young investigators working in the field of endocrinology.
b.
Advance the understanding of disease mechanisms or treatments through translational basic
science or clinical research in order to enhance the clinical care of patients with endocrine
diseases.
Request for Proposals
Pfizer invites junior faculty to apply for the 2012 ASPIRE Young Investigator Awards in Endocrine
Research by submitting basic science, innovative translational and clinical research proposals that
evaluate endocrine disease, disease mechanisms and outcomes primarily in the Growth HormoneInsulin-Like Growth Factor field.
Areas of Focus
Funding will be provided to research proposals that seek to explore basic, translational, or clinical
research in the area of endocrine disease in adults and children to address:

Understanding disease mechanisms

Genetic factors involved in disease development

Factors affecting the response to therapeutic agents

Identification of novel biomarkers

Identification of novel therapeutic targets or therapeutic approaches
Available Awards
Pfizer is funding up to 3 awards of $50,000 USD each for one year to conduct basic science, translational
or clinical research generating data that will help advance the science of endocrine diseases in adults and
children. **Please note that budgets should be submitted in USD and all grant awards will be paid in
USD.
ELIGIBILITY
The 2012 Awards in Endocrine Research are open to young
investigators globally.
All applicants should review applicable local laws, regulations, institutional policies, industrial rules, etc. prior to
submission. Applicants should also confirm with, and/or secure appropriate approval from, their institution
if there is any conflict of interest by receiving research award funding from Pfizer
Academic Eligibility
To be eligible for a young investigator award, applicants must
a.
have a professional degree (MD, PhD, PharmD or equivalent)
b.
be no more than 10 years post-graduate training
Investigators must be early in their career (or early stage), preferably within 10 years of completing his/her
post-graduate degree, or within 10 years of completing medical residency (or the equivalent).
Investigators must be qualified to carry out the proposed investigation. Assessments of investigator
qualification will be made on the basis of their commitment to research in this area, a dedicated faculty
assignment for at least one year and previous research and publication experience.
Research Requirements
Investigators are expected to generate exploratory data to better understand disease pathogenesis,
genetic risk factors, potential new therapeutic targets or clinical responses.
Criteria for Selection by an Independent External Panel
The ASPIRE review committee will be comprised of a independent panel of medical and scientific experts
in endocrinology.
In their evaluation, the Committee members consider:

Scientific merit of the research proposal

Qualifications of the Applicant

Relevance of proposed research to the program's mission

Evidence of the applicant's commitment to an academic research career

Evidence of a suitable research environment

Evidence of suitable mentors
Due to FCPA regulations, submissions selected for awards must go through an internal review at Pfizer to ensure
provision of the grant is appropriate and relevant information regarding potentially influencing government official
status, as well as beneficiaries and controllers information ,is captured, when applicable.
Other Funding
No other government, non-governmental, or industry-sponsored funding may cover the same work scope
as the grant application to the ASPIRE Program. However, an ASPIRE Program grant may be related to
other funding from foundations or government agencies, as long as there is no direct overlap. It is the
responsibility of the Applicant to justify the novelty of the proposal and provide evidence that the
application does not overlap with any current or pending funding.
Note also that, due to the competitive nature of these awards, Pfizer cannot provide any additional
funding and/or drug support beyond what has been requested and approved by the external independent
review panel.
Questions
questions.aspireresearch-Endocrine@pfizer.com
APPLY
Application Guide
For a printable version of the program APPLICATION GUIDE click here
Applicants
a.
have a professional degree (MD, PhD, PharmD or equivalent)
b.
be no more than 10 years post-terminal training
Deadline for Application

Applications must be received by June 15, 2012, 11:59pm Eastern Daylight Time.

Addenda, supplemental materials, changes, or updates will not be accepted after the deadline.

Notification of Awards recipients will be in August 2012.
How to Apply
Applications are to be submitted to an external independent review committee through an online
submission website. Please click on the link below to be routed to Pfizer’s global investigator-initiated
research website. Click on “Submit an IIR Request” and follow the online instructions. If this is your first
time visiting the portal, you must first “Create an Account”.
When starting the online submission,, select “yes” when asked if you are applying for a competitive
program. A dropdown menu will appear. Select "2012 ASPIRE ENDOCRINE Young Investigator" to
ensure the submission is tagged and routed appropriately.
Completed submissions must be accompanied by the following documents:

Completed program application form (click here for application form)

An abbreviated curriculum vitae (CV) (limited to 3 pages)

Budget, submitted in USD, for proposed research
Due to uploading limitations, please condense the following documentation to no more
than six separate uploads.

Cover letter on institutional letterhead

A letter of nomination from the sponsoring department chairman, division director or equivalent, which
identifies appropriate mentor support for the project

The 3 most relevant articles from the applicant’s scientific publications (if applicable)

Listing of other research support with a description of overlap and, if applicable, a listing of consenting
collaborators (including abbreviated CVs)

Bibliography of relevant references
To Apply for a 2012 ASPIRE Award click here
Questions
questions.aspireresearch-Endocrine@pfizer.com
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ASPIRE research awards?

Who is eligible to apply for ASPIRE Endocrine Research awards?

What is the role of Pfizer in the ASPIRE Endocrine Research awards?

Who reviews, awards the research proposals?

How many ASPIRE Endocrine Research awards are available?

When will the ASPIRE Endocrine Research awards for 2012 be announced?

Is the funding a per-annum or per-study amount?

Does the funding include institutional overhead costs and direct costs?

What are indirect costs?

What are institutional overhead costs?

How are the funds dispersed?

How may the ASPIRE Endocrine Research award funding be used?

Can ASPIRE Endocrine Research funding be used to purchase equipment?

Are the ASPIRE Endocrine Research awards renewable?

Are the ASPIRE Endocrine Research awards open to researchers working outside the United
States and Canada?

What specific areas of research meet the criteria for ASPIRE Endocrine Research funding?

Are there any specific research areas that are excluded from ASPIRE Endocrine Research
funding?

What project deliverables are required?

Will non-drug research proposals be considered?

If the study uses a Pfizer drug, what are Pfizer’s procedures for reporting of Serious Adverse
Events (SAEs)?

I’m still not sure if my proposed research meets the criteria, how can I find out?

Is there a time limit for conducting the funded research?

How do I apply for a ASPIRE Endocrine Research award?

What if I don’t fully understand the ASPIRE application process?

I’m having difficulty submitting my application online; who do I contact for assistance?

What is the deadline for application?

When will I hear whether my application has been successful?

If my application is successful, when will the funding commence?

Will I receive a copy of the Review Committee’s evaluation of my grant proposal?

What if I have a question that is not covered here?

Does Pfizer sponsor other competitive grants programs?

Can I be notified when future ASPIRE competitive grants program become available?
What are the ASPIRE research awards?
The Advancing Science through Pfizer - Investigator Research Exchange (ASPIRE) program is a
competitive grants program sponsored by Pfizer. ASPIRE seeks to support basic science, translational
and clinical research that advances medical knowledge in the pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of
selected diseases. (top)
Who is eligible to apply for ASPIRE Research awards?
Each ASPIRE research award program has established its own eligibility & research criteria. Check with
the specific ASPIRE Endocrine Research award program for more information. (top)
What is the role of Pfizer in the ASPIRE Endocrine Research awards?
Pfizer is fully funding the ASPIRE Endocrine Research awards. Additionally, Pfizer is providing the
infrastructure and administrative support required to facilitate the application process. (top)
Who reviews, awards the research proposals?
The ASPIRE applications will be reviewed by an independent, external review committee comprised of
medical and scientific experts. (top)
How many ASPIRE Endocrine Research awards are available?
In 2012, Pfizer is funding three research awards up to a maximum of $50,000 USD each for one year,
inclusive of overhead costs. (top)
When will the ASPIRE Endocrine Research awards for 2012 be announced?
The successful awardees will be notified in August 2012. (top)
Is the funding a per-annum or per-study amount?
Each award funds the entire research period, and is not a sum paid per year. (top)
Does the funding include institutional overhead costs and direct costs?
Yes, the maximum funding for each type of award ($50,000 USD) includes direct costs, and institutional
overhead costs. Final budgets of those studies awarded a grant will be reviewed for fair market value
before the contracting process begins. (top)
What are indirect costs?
Indirect costs are additional study expenses such as costs for publication, IRB/IEC review fees, supplies,
software license fees, and travel. (top)
What are institutional overhead costs?
Institutional overhead costs, are costs to the institution for the support of your study. They are not easily
identifiable in an economically feasible way as exclusively related to a particular project but are necessary
to conduct the grant. Some examples of these costs are human resources department costs, payroll
processing and accounting costs, janitorial services, utilities, property taxes, property and liability
insurance, and building maintenance. (top)
How are the funds dispersed?
The awards will be paid in milestones. Initial payment will be up to 50% of the total grant and there will be
payments made based on enrollment or other milestones depending on study type. Final payment will be
a minimum of 15% upon receipt of study results. (top)
How may the ASPIRE Endocrine Research funding be used?
Funds may be used to cover the awardees’ salary and fringe benefits, as well as other direct expenses
incurred during the research project. Direct expenses may include the salary of technical associates; the
purchase of relevant laboratory supplies; direct expenses necessary for proper conduct of research (e.g.
subject-related costs, study-related personnel costs, diagnostic fees/services, data management
expenses). Indirect costs may include and travel expenses to scientific meetings, software licensing fees,
publication costs etc.
No other government, non-governmental, or industry-sponsored projects may cover the same work scope
as the grant application to the ASPIRE Program. However, an ASPIRE Endocrine Research Program
grant may be related to other funding from foundations or government agencies, as long as there is no
direct overlap. It is the responsibility of the applicant to justify the novelty of the proposal and provide
evidence that the application does not overlap with any current or pending funding.
**Due to the competitive nature of these awards, Pfizer cannot provide any additional funding and/or drug
support beyond what has been requested and approved by the external review panel. (top)
Can ASPIRE Endocrine Research funding be used to purchase equipment?
No. ASPIRE Endocrine Research funds may not be used to purchase equipment, although the purchase
of relevant laboratory supplies is allowed. (top)
Are the ASPIRE Endocrine Research awards renewable?
No. Each ASPIRE Endocrine Research award is a one-time, non-renewable research grant. (top)
Are the ASPIRE Endocrine Research awards open to researchers working outside the United
States and Canada?
Yes. The 2012 ASPIRE Endocrine Research awards are open to researchers from all over the world.
(top)
What areas of research meet the criteria for ASPIRE Endocrine Research funding?
The 2012 ASPIRE Endocrine Research Program seeks to generate exploratory data to better understand
disease mechanisms and could include any of the following: genetic factors involved in disease
development, factors affecting the response to therapeutic agents, identification of novel biomarkers,
identification of novel therapeutic targets or therapeutic approaches(top)
Are there any specific research areas that are excluded from ASPIRE Endocrine Research
funding?
The following topics fall outside the scope of the ASPIRE Endocrine Research Program:

General education and / or training

Support for ongoing clinical programs that are part of an organization’s routine operations
What project deliverables are required?
Projects are expected to yield results that will enhance the understanding of endocrine diseases in
children and adults as described above. It is expected that results will be presented at scientific meetings
and published in peer reviewed journals. (top)
Will non-drug research proposals be considered?
Yes. Both drug and non-drug proposals will be considered for funding. (top)
If the study uses a Pfizer drug, what are Pfizer’s procedures for reporting of Serious Adverse
Events?
For All Studies Using a Pfizer Product and/or Device: Pfizer requires that, within 24 hours of first
awareness of the event (or immediately if the event is fatal or life-threatening), the principal investigator
will report to Pfizer by facsimile any Serious Adverse Event (SAE) that occurs during the SAE reporting
period in a study subject assigned to receive the Pfizer Product. In addition, for studies using a Pfizer
device or Pfizer product packaged with a device, reportable events include not only SAEs but also Device
Incidents and Device Near-Incidents.

Reporting Forms: The principal investigator will report such SAEs using the Pfizer IIR SAE reporting
form or the approved local regulatory form (i.e., FDA MEDWATCH form, CIOMS, etc.) and the
Reportable Event Fax Cover Sheet provided by Pfizer. SAEs should be reported as soon as they are
determined to meet the definition, even if complete information is not yet available.

Reporting Period: The Reportable Events that are subject to this provision are those that occur from
after the first dose of the Pfizer product through 28 days after discontinuation of the Pfizer product.

Follow-up Information: The institution and/or principal investigator will assist Pfizer in investigating
any SAE and will provide any follow-up information reasonably requested by Pfizer.

Regulatory Reporting: Reporting an SAE to Pfizer does not relieve the institution and/or principal
investigator of the responsibility for reporting it to the FDA or local regulatory authority, as required.
(top)
I’m still not sure if my proposed research meets the criteria, how can I find out?
Please contact the ASPIRE Coordinator with a brief description of your proposed research area.
Email: questions.aspireresearch-Endocrine@pfizer.com (top)
Is there a time limit for conducting the funded research?
Study results are expected before December 31, 2013. (top)
How do I apply for a ASPIRE Endocrine Research award?
Applications are to be submitted through the Pfizer online submission website accessible via the link
below. Once redirected, Click on “Submit an IIR Request” and follow the online instructions. If this is your
first time visiting the portal you must first “Create an Account”.
When starting the application form, select “yes” when asked if you are applying for a competitive program.
A dropdown menu will appear. Select "2012 ASPIRE ENDOCRINE Young Investigator" to ensure the
submission is tagged and routed appropriately. Complete all required fields and upload documents as
required for the program, (top)
What if I don’t fully understand the ASPIRE application process?
Please refer to the application guide. If you still have questions, please e-mail the coordinator
questions.aspireresearch-Endocrine@pfizer.com (top)
I’m having difficulty submitting my application online; who do I contact for assistance?
Receive assistance by contacting iir@pfizer.com or call the IIR Hotline in US: 877-IIR-5670/877-447-5670
(Mon – Fri 9:30am to 3:30pm EST);
Outside the US, call: 203-316-9059. (top)
What is the deadline for application?
Applications must be received by 11:59pm EST on June 15, 2012. (top)
When will I hear whether my application has been successful?
Successful applicants will be notified in August 2012. (top)
If my application is successful, when will the funding commence?
Awards will commence on or around November/December, 2012, pending receipt of all required
documents (executed contract, IRB/EC, Regulatory Approval, as required). Contracts that are unable to
be executed by the end of the calendar year are subject to loss of funding. (top)
Will I receive a copy of the Review Committee’s evaluation of my grant proposal?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide applicants with comments by the ASPIRE Review Committee.
Our objective is to keep our administrative costs as low as possible, preserving the bulk of our budget for
actual grants. (top)
I have a question that is not covered here?
If you require clarification on an issue not addressed here, please contact the ASPIRE Coordinator,
email: questions.aspireresearch-Endocrine@pfizer.com
Does Pfizer support other competitive grants programs?
Yes. Therapeutic areas, application dates, deadlines and eligibility vary between programs. Please visit
www.aspireresearch.org for more information. (top)
Can I be notified when future ASPIRE competitive grants program become available?
Visit www.aspireresearch.org and complete the contact information section to receive future program
notifications. (top)