University of Utah Neuroscience Initiative – Request for Proposals
Innovative Approaches to Neural Circuits
Deadline for submission: Friday, February 19, 2016 at 5:00 PM
Submit online through CompetitionSpace at https://utah.infoready4.com/
Overview
This Request for Proposals is for one year pilot projects focused on the study and manipulation of
cells, synapses, and neural circuits through innovative neural engineering technologies, techniques
(including neural modulation), and computational approaches. Projects responsive to this RFP will
align with the Neural Connectivity and Neural Engineering elements of the Neuroscience Initiative
at the University of Utah (www.neurogateway.utah.edu) and the White House BRAIN Initiative
(https://www.whitehouse.gov/BRAIN). Responsive projects will result in tools, techniques,
computational approaches for the study and manipulation of neural circuits, or will in and of
themselves result in a better understanding of cells, circuits, and neural dynamics.
The purpose of this request for proposals is to catalyze collaborative projects in neural engineering,
computation, connectivity, and neural modulation that will provide pilot data and make research
teams more competitive for extramural funding - particularly federal BRAIN Initiative funding thereby accelerating the pace of research and discovery in neuroscience. The initiative will provide
one year of funding for pilot projects involving at least two Principal Investigators from different
departments.
Proposal Preferences
Preference will be given to applications that:
 Have significant scientific merit and innovation
 Have a high potential for extramural funding
 Will build or strengthen interdisciplinary partnerships within the University of Utah
neuroscience community
 Align with the mission and goals of the Neuroscience Initiative
Application Instructions
Proposals must include at least two Principal Investigators from different departments. Each Principal
Investigator may only serve as the submitting applicant on one proposal, although investigators are
welcome to serve as an additional PI on applications submitted by other investigators. The proposed
project may be partially funded under another mechanism, and may be submitted elsewhere, but an
explanation of why Neuroscience Initiative funding is still needed is required. Gap funding to bridge
support between external grants or contracts, and support for existing facilities or resources will not be
considered.
Submission will open on Monday, February 1 2016. Applications are due by 5:00 PM on the due date,
Friday, February 19 2016. Applications must be submitted electronically through the University of
Utah’s CompetitionSpace interface at https://utah.infoready4.com/.
Applications must include:
1. Abstract (maximum of ½ page)
2. Specific Aims (maximum of ½ page)
3. Detailed proposal (maximum of 2 pages of text and images; a bibliography/reference list
may use additional pages as needed)
4. List of project personnel and their roles (maximum of ½ page)
5. A specific plan for extramural funding, including timeline (maximum of ½ page)
6. Proposed project budget (not to exceed $50,000), following the guidelines below
7. Biographical sketch for each Principal Investigator (5 pages max; NIH or NSF format
preferred)
8. List of current and pending support for each Principal Investigator, and a summary of
whether the project is partially funded under another mechanism, or submitted
elsewhere
Budget Guidelines
Please prepare a one-year project budget that allocates a maximum of $50,000 into the following
categories:
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Personnel: This may include technicians, postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduate
students. It may not include salary support for principal investigators or administrative support.
Supplies
Animal costs
Services: e.g. core facility fees
Travel (for trainees only, e.g. postdocs, graduate students, and fellows). This does not include
travel for principal investigators, staff, or other faculty.
Equipment up to $20,000, needed to develop or apply innovative tools (total cost for all
equipment purchased)
Review & Funding of Proposals
Proposals will be reviewed by the Neuroscience Initiative Scientific Advisory Board & ad hoc reviewers to
ensure research excellence and programmatic alignment. Applicants will be informed of the status of
their proposal approximately 4-6 weeks from the submission deadline, with funding to begin as soon as
possible following the notification.
Maximum funding per project is $50,000, with a project term of one year. Administration is the
responsibility of the submitting Principal Investigator.
At the end of the project period, funded proposals must provide a progress report of no more than
two pages in length describing the results of the research, future directions, and plans to secure
additional funding. Teams may also be selected to present at an on-campus symposium.
For questions regarding this RFP, please contact:
Rebecca Parker, Program Manager
(801) 585-0343
parker.becca@utah.edu
www.neurogateway.utah.edu