Community Research Van
2015 Application
Release date: 16 February 2015
The University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) Populations and
Community Engagement Core (PCE Core) announces the 2015 Community Research Van (the
Van). The Van is available to support pilot research and evaluation projects that address
important human health issues in the Twin Cities metro area and rural communities within
Minnesota and neighboring states.
VAN DESCRIPTION AND AVAILABLE EQUIPMENT
The Van is a 2007 Wi-Fi-enabled GMC Savana Cutaway Cargo Van with dimensions of ~8 ft
wide, 11 ft high, and 28 ft long. It includes a gas-powered generator and two 3-pronged external
power ports for powering the equipment in the van. It includes the following equipment
available to researchers:
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Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) - General Electric Lumina DXA specifically
cased and constructed for mobile use, offering total body composition assessment
(adipose tissue, lean tissue, bone density).
Note: MN Radiology certification is required.
seca body weight and height scale
Finger-stick blood sampling equipment (e.g. for blood sugar or cholesterol tests)
Automated blood pressure machine
Stair-stepper and heart-rate monitoring
Note: Additional space is available to accommodate a stationary bike or small treadmill
Laptop with 4G modem to run the DXA software, conduct surveys, enter and store data
Overhead ventilation
Thermostat to regulate temperature in the van
Private space for data collection and one-on-one interviews (includes table and chairs)
A $300 supply credit to be used at the discretion of investigators (e.g. for iPad rental,
fuel card, lab supplies, etc.)
ELIGIBILITY
Applications will be accepted from UMN investigators or UMN/community organization
collaborations. Junior investigators are encouraged to apply. Applications that generate new
partnerships or expand existing ones are strongly encouraged. Upon request, CTSI community
engagement staff will facilitate partnerships between UMN investigators and community
organizations. Requests for community-University matching services should be directed to
ocehfund@umn.edu
RESEARCH SCOPE
Given the nature of the Van, projects involving non-invasive and relatively brief study
procedures will be most appropriate. Even with these constraints, the Van provides a large
range of research possibilities: biomedical research (including biospecimen collection),
behavioral and social health issues, and research designed to either implement education
strategies or determine health care needs and disparities. The Van could even be used to
recruit and screen potential participants for eligibility in more involved studies at the UMN or
elsewhere.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Research projects must be interactive with the public, involving human subjects by collecting
data through surveys, focus groups, biospecimens, anthropometric measurements, or other
similar means.
Projects should:
1. Be designed to lead to publishable results.
2. Have the potential to significantly impact individual and population health in a
concrete and tangible way.
3. Hold the promise of securing external grant support in order to develop long-term
research and evaluation projects.
Successful applicants will:
1. Clearly state the significance and impact of the selected issue on the health of
individuals and populations.
2. Propose a realistic project plan including aims, study design, sample selection, and
evaluation.
3. Describe the specific needs for the mobile infrastructure and its resources (complete
attached checklist).
4. Propose appropriate data collection methods and analysis of quantitative and/or
qualitative measures.
5. Describe plans to disseminate study findings to study participants, stakeholders,
community members or other relevant audiences.
6. Outline a plan for continuing the research beyond the pilot grant phase, including
seeking external funding (i.e. NIH, HRSA, CDC, AHRQ, or national/local
foundations).
7. Include letters of support/collaboration if appropriate.
Applications for the use of the Van for new or existing research will be considered on a rolling
basis, with no set deadline or timeline.
Use of the Van is contingent on IRB approval, identification of a suitable driver, and all other
necessary training, certification and orientation. Please note: IRB approval is not required prior
to submitting an application for van use.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
The project narrative, not to exceed three pages, font size 11 or 12, single spaced, should
address the following:
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What health issue or priority is this project proposing to address?
What is the significance and relevance of the health issue to communities in Minnesota?
Why is the Van needed for the particular research study that is being proposed?
A brief description of the research plan including project design, study population, data
collection and analysis methods, and dissemination plan.
5. A plan for continuing the research beyond the pilot phase.
Submit the completed Van Application including the project checklist, project narrative, and any
letters of collaboration and support as a single PDF document to ctsivan@umn.edu.
REVIEW TIMELINE
Applications will be reviewed within four weeks of submission.
QUESTIONS
Questions can be directed to ctsivan@umn.edu or Sarah Rydell at 612-625-1017.