Grand MMTI Young Investigator Award Application
2014-20145
UCSF Stephen and Nancy Grand
Multiple Myeloma Translational Initiative
Young Investigator Award
APPLICATION
For the past 4 years, the UCSF Stephen and Nancy Grand Multiple Myeloma Translational Initiative
(Grand MMTI) has been harnessing the talent at UCSF to build an outstanding team of clinical
investigators and basic researchers with the common goal of discovering and developing novel drugs for
multiple myeloma [http://cancer.ucsf.edu/research/multiple-myeloma/mmti]. The initiative has a highly
annotated tissue bank of patient samples and an established multiple myeloma translational core with a
panel of in vitro and in vivo multiple myeloma model systems. In the spirit of fostering a multiple
myeloma translational community, the Grand MMTI has monthly seminars as well as an annual Grand
MMTI retreat. To facilitate continued and new interactions, both past and present awardees are invited
to continuing attending Grand MMTI events.
Purpose of the call for proposals
The goal of this RFA is to support young investigators starting out in the field of multiple myeloma while
advancing the understanding of myeloma disease biology, treatment and drug resistance. Submitted
proposals must be for new projects, i.e. projects that have not received previous funding from the
Grand MMTI. Additionally, consistent with the mission of the Grand MMTI, the proposals must be
translational in nature and must include studies utilizing in vitro and in vivo models of multiple
myeloma or analysis of multiple myeloma cells. Translational research is defined as research involving
the flow of information from the clinic or clinical materials to the bench, and vice-versa. Priority for
funding will be given to translational research projects demonstrating interaction between clinicians and
research scientists. The program is most interested in research proposals that are focused on
developing new or important approaches for the improved treatment of multiple myeloma.
Targeted research areas include, but are not limited to, the following topics as related to myeloma:
 Development of new targets , treatment or agents that might prevent evolution of the disease.
 Novel methods for detection of residual disease
 New prognostic markers
Eligibility:
UCSF researchers with a PhD, MD or equivalent degree and have less than 5 years of experience from
the highest degree obtained are eligible to apply. Post-doctorate and medical fellows applying for the
award must work under the supervision of a research mentor with a commitment of working in the
multiple myeloma field. Investigators at the level of assistant professor who are beginning studies in the
multiple myeloma field must have a collaborator who is in the multiple myeloma field and can provide
guidance to the applicant in the area of the project proposed.
Review Criteria
 The significance and originality of the research goals
 The appropriateness and adequacy of the proposed experimental approach and methodology
 The availability of resources necessary to conduct the research
 The abilities and track record of the investigator
 The promise and potential for future external funding
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Grand MMTI Young Investigator Award Application
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The potential for clinical translation in a timely fashion
The appropriateness of the funding requested
Budgetary Guidelines
Awards will be up to $75,000 for 1 year. Detailed budget and justification must be provided. Funds may
be used for salary, supplies and other justifiable expenses. Not eligible for funding are capital
improvements (alterations and renovations), equipment or computers. Funds may be carried forward,
based on review of written request, progress to date and justification.
Review and Notification Process
Applications must be received according to guidelines specified in the application instructions. We
anticipate funding 2-3 young investigators in the coming fiscal year. All proposals will be peer reviewed
by a UCSF review committee formed specifically for this purpose and scored on the basis of scientific
merit and the degree to which the proposal meets the program’s primary purpose. In some cases,
members of the Grand MMTI Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) may be asked to evaluate an application.
(While the Grand MMTI SAB members are under confidentiality, we understand that certain applicants
may wish that their proposals not be evaluated by outside reviewers. On the cover page of the
application, it is possible to opt-out of Grand MMTI SAB evaluation.) All applicants will receive a
notification letter after the Grand MMTI Review and Steering Committee has met and discussed all
applications and the evaluations from the reviewers. Each funded applicant must contact the Program
Director to accept the award. Additional terms of the award are outlined below and will be restated in
all award letters.
Grand MMTI Steering Committee
 Frank McCormick, PhD, Director HDCCC
 Marc Shuman, MD, Professor, Departments of Medicine and Urology
 Joan Levy, PhD, Director of Translational Research, MMRF
 Jeff Wolf, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology & Director, Grand MMTI
 Tom Martin, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology & Co-Director, Grand MMTI
 Stephanie Robertson, PhD, Director, Strategic Development, ITA
Human Subjects
Prior to the release of funding each awardee must provide:
 IRB, IACUC, or other relevant regulated institutional approval letter that is current and covers the
proposed research project
 Documentation demonstrating completion of the UCSF Human Subjects Protection course
 Material Transfers Agreement, if biological samples will be sent to or received from other
institutions
Progress and Final reports will include the use of Human Subjects, including the inclusion of: Women
and Minorities, Children, and a Benefits versus Risks assessment.
Presentation of Results and Renewal Requests
Awardees will attend the monthly Grand MMTI meeting and present their results at least once during
the year at this monthly meeting. In addition, investigators will present either a talk or poster at the
annual Grand MMTI research retreat. Funded research projects will be evaluated at Grand MMTI retreat
by the Grand MMTI Scientific Advisory Board. All final reports are due 30 days from the award end date.
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Grand MMTI Young Investigator Award Application
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The progress report and final report will address whether the original aims of the pilot project have
been met, will offer the likelihood of project expansion into productive myeloma translational
research and will detail plans for submitting grant applications based on this work.
The final report will address any feedback from the Grand MMTI Scientific Advisory Board
A copy of manuscripts in preparation or published will be attached to the final report.
Publications resulting from the grant should cite support from the Grand MMTI. Awardees should
contact the Program Manager for appropriate citation language.
Application Requirements
The following requirements must be met in the submission of an application for funds:
 The application must be submitted on the application form and meet the application guidelines.
 All applications must be signed by the applicant and the department chair.
 Applications do not require a Contract and Grants Approval form.
 If funded, a formal award document will be sent outlining terms of this award.
Submission
Applications are due March 28, 2014 at 5PM
Please email the applications to Cammie Edwards, Program Manager Grand MMTI,
cammie.edwards@ucsf.edu
Questions
Please contact Cammie Edwards, Program Director, Grand MMTI
Email: cammie.edwards@ucsf.edu
Phone: (415) 353-2073
Funding Period
May 2014 – April 2015
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Grand MMTI Young Investigator Award Application
Grand MMTI Research Funding
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
1.
COVER PAGE (Must be submitted on provided form)
1.
Project title.
2a.
Young Investigator (PI): The individual who will be primarily responsible for
implementing this proposal and for reporting to the Grand MMTI.
2b.
Research Mentor (if applicable):
2c-g. Information on PI: Self-explanatory.
3.
Site(s) where research project will be performed.
4a-c. Research on Human/Animal Subjects: Indicate whether human subjects or animals are
to be used in proposed study. The project must comply with University guidelines.
5.
Amount of funding requested. Awards are limited to $75,000 and will be based on merit
and justification.
6.
Project dates: May 2014 - April 2015.
7.
Option to opt-out of Grand MMTI SAB review
8.
Name and contact information of departmental administrator to be notified in the event
of an award.
9a-c. Signatures
2.
BUDGET AND JUSTIFICATION (Must be submitted on provided form)
a. Please provide a detailed budget and budget justification fully outlining specific needs
for professional and technical staff and itemized supplies by category.
b. Other Expense Lines: Equipment is not an allowable expense. Computers are not an
allowable expense. This award is not intended to fund capital improvements.
c. Please do not include indirect costs
All budget items should be explained under Budget Justification.
3.
ABSTRACT (must be submitted on provided form) - DO NOT EXCEED 250 WORDS
The abstract must state the applicant's immediate and long-term objectives and specific aims.
Avoid summaries of past accomplishments. The abstract is meant to serve as a succinct and
accurate description of the proposal when separated from the application. Underline 5-10 key
words that categorize and identify the major thrust(s) of the project.
4.
PROJECT NARRATIVE. DO NOT EXCEED 3 PAGES (including preliminary data, figures and
tables), SINGLE-SPACED (using 11- or 12-point type)
Organize the section similarly to an NIH grant, including answers to the following questions:
What do you intend to do? What are your specific aims? Why is the work important and how
novel is this work? Why is the proposed research relevant to multiple myeloma? What is the
potential myeloma translational impact and in what area is it relevant (diagnosis, prevention,
prognosis, treatment, etc.)? What have you and others already done in research related to the
application? How are you going to do the work?
The suggested format is as follows:
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Grand MMTI Young Investigator Award Application
a.
b.
c.
Specific Aims: State concisely and realistically what the research is intended to
accomplish and/or what hypothesis is to be tested. List measurable objectives for the
proposed project.
Significance and Background: Describe the proposal in terms of its significance,
reviewing the most significant previous work and current status of related research.
State the rationale behind the approach. Include relevant long-term goals and
implications of possible results.
Experimental Design/Brief Methods of Procedure: Give condensed details for the
proposal including nature of human subjects (or animal), sampling procedures,
experimental methods, kinds of data expected, and data collection procedures to be
followed. Include estimates of sample sizes (numbers of animals, tissue of other
specimens, or human subjects), some indication of the statistical power of the study,
and proposed methods of statistical analysis. Where appropriate, adequacy of proposed
statistical analysis will significantly impact the review. When human subjects are
involved, describe the precautions to insure patient safety and confidentiality. Briefly
describe the facilities and resources available to the investigator for conduct of the
study.
5.
BIBLIOGRAPHY - ONE PAGE TOTAL
6.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Attach biographical sketch for the Young Investigator and relevant personnel, concluding with
present position, list in chronological order previous employment, experience and honors,
highlighting previous research experience. Include present membership in any local and national
professional organizations. List, in chronological order, the titles and complete references of
pertinent publications. Use NIH Biographical Sketch format.
7.
OTHER SUPPORT
Attach other support information for the Young Investigator and Research Mentor (if
applicable).
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Grand MMTI Young Investigator Award Application
UCSF Stephen and Nancy Grand
Multiple Myeloma Translational Initiative
Young Investigator Award
2014-2015
COVER PAGE
Project Title:
Young Investigator:
Research Mentor (if applicable):
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Fax:
Alt. contact:
Site(s) where research will be performed:
Will human/animal subjects be used in the
study?
Yes/No:
If yes: please specify
Amount requested:
Project Dates:
Check here if you do NOT want a Grand
MMTI SAB member to evaluate the proposal
Name and contact information of department administrator:
Signatures:
YOUNG INVESTIGATOR/DEPARTMENT CHAIR ASSURANCE: I certify that the statements herein
are true, complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I am aware that any false,
fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may subject me to criminal, civil, or administrative
penalties. I agree to accept responsibility for the scientific conduct of the project and to provide
the required progress reports if a grant is awarded as a result of this application.
Young Investigator
Date:
Research Mentor (if applicable)
Date:
Department Chair
Date:
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Grand MMTI Young Investigator Award Application
UCSF Stephen and Nancy Grand
Multiple Myeloma Translational Initiative
-Budget
Direct Costs Only
From:
Through:
Principal Investigator:
Personnel
Name
Role on
project
Base
Salary
Fringe
%
Effort
Total
Salary
Requested
Supplies
Description
Total
Travel
Reason for travel
Total
Patient Costs
Description
Total
Other expenses
Description
Total
TOTAL
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Grand MMTI Young Investigator Award Application
Budget Justification: Please provide justifications for the proposed expenses in the above budget.
8
Grand MMTI Young Investigator Award Application
UCSF Stephen and Nancy Grand Multiple Myeloma Translational Initiative
Abstract (not to exceed 250 words):
The abstract must state the applicant's immediate and long-term objectives and specific aims. Avoid summaries of
past accomplishments. The abstract is meant to serve as a succinct and accurate description of the proposal when
separated from the application. Underline 5-10 key words that categorize and identify the major thrust(s) of the
project.
Key Personnel on Project
Name
Department
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Role on Project