University of Utah Neuroscience Initiative - Request for Proposals
Neuroscience Initiative Collaborative Pilot Project Grant
Deadline for submission of new applications: Friday, April 1, 2016 at 5:00 PM
Deadline for submission of competitive renewal applications: Friday, May 13, 2016 at 5:00 PM
Please note that applications submitted in response to the Innovative Approaches to Neural Circuits
RFP will NOT be accepted in response to this RFP.
Submit online through CompetitionSpace at https://utah.infoready4.com/
Overview
This Request for Proposals is for one year pilot collaborative projects that align with the
vision and goals of the University of Utah Neuroscience Initiative
(http://www.neurogateway.utah.edu/): deepening our understanding of the brain and
transforming this understanding into innovative solutions for patient care. The Neuroscience
Initiative will link basic, translational, and clinical research in five disease pillars: 1) Demyelinating
and neuroimmune diseases, 2) Mood and behavior disorders, 3) Neural injury and recovery, 4)
Neurodegenerative disorders, and 5) Episodic brain dysfunction. Five foundational elements of
neuroscience research are also central to the initiative’s mission: 1) Neural connectivity, 2)
Genetics, 3) Neural engineering, 4) Imaging and analysis, and 5) Clinical/translational science.
The purpose of this request for proposals is to catalyze the formation of research teams
which will become competitive for extramural funding and accelerate research in areas that align
with the mission and goals of the Neuroscience Initiative. The initiative will provide one year of
funding for pilot collaborative projects involving at least two Principal Investigators from different
departments at the University of Utah. At least one Principal Investigator must be from a School of
Medicine department. Proposals that include at least one clinical investigator are strongly
encouraged. Teams may compete for a second year of funding depending on progress and the plan
for extramural funding.
Proposal Preferences
Proposals for the pilot collaborative project grant may focus on a variety of topics, but must
align with the mission and goals of the Neuroscience Initiative. Applications must include Principal
Investigators from two or more departments, including a SOM department.
Preference will be given to applications that:
 Are translational in nature
 Have significant scientific merit
 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
 Include at least one clinical investigator
Application Instructions
Each Principal Investigator may only act as submitting applicant on one proposal, however,
investigators are welcome to serve as Principal Investigators on proposals submitted by others. 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.
Submissions will open on March 4 and are due at 5:00 PM on Friday, April 1, 2016. Applications
must be submitted electronically through the University of Utah’s CompetitionSpace interface at
http://utah.infoready4.com/
Applications must include:
1. Abstract (maximum ½ page)
2. Specific Aims (maximum ½ page)
3. Detailed proposal (maximum 2 pages. References/bibliography may be on additional
pages as needed)
4. List of project personnel and their roles (maximum ½ page)
5. A specific plan for extramural funding, including timeline (maximum ½ page)
6. Proposed project budget (not to exceed $50,000), following the guidelines below
7. Biographical sketch for each co-investigator (NIH/NSF format preferred; 5 pages max)
8. 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:
 Personnel: This may include technicians, postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduate
students, but not salary support for Principal Investigators or administrative support
 Supplies
 Animal costs
 Services: e.g. core facility fees
 Travel for trainees (e.g. graduate students, postdocs, and fellows) only. This does not include
travel for Principal Investigators or other faculty.
The budget may not include equipment (a single durable item with a value exceeding $5,000).
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 within 4-6 weeks of the submission deadline, with funding to begin as
quickly as possible thereafter. Maximum funding per project is $50,000, with a project term of one year.
Successful applicants may compete with new proposals for a second year of funding. Grant
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 for the Neuroscience Initiative
(801) 585-0343
parker.becca@utah.edu
www.neurogateway.utah.edu