University Fund Maurice Chalumeau
Program Call 2009
Sexual desire: an interdisciplinary sexology approach
Deadlines
Call: March 15, 2009
Proposal Submission deadline: June 15, 2009
Start of research: November 15, 2009
Duration: 4 years (from 2009 to 2013)
Guidelines: http://www.fondschalumeau.unige.ch/
Contact
Submit proposals by email to: Fabienne.Udry@unige.ch
AND by mail to:
Jean-Dominique Vassalli
Recteur – Université de Genève
Fonds Chalumeau
Rue Général Dufour 24
CH – 1211 Genève 4
Tél. 022/3797536
Important information
University Fund Maurice Chalumeau proposals must be submitted via email AND by mail. Submission of
proposals will be closed on June 15, 2009. Any incomplete proposal or any proposal sent after this
deadline will not be considered. After the review process, documents will not be returned to senders.
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Table of contents
1.0. Introduction
2.0. Thematics of research program
2.1. Clinical dimensions of sexual desire
2.1.0. Direction of research
2.1.1. Neurobiology of sexual ndesire
2.1.2. Genes and sexual desire
2.1.3. Pharmacology, endocrinology and sexual desire
2.1.4. Biotechnologies
2.2. Socio-psychological dimensions of sexual desire
2.3. Juridical dimensions of sexual desire
2.4. Cultural dimensions of sexual desire
3.0. Specific description of research program
3.1. Program goals
3.2. Program scope
4.0. Formal requirements
4.1. Call for proposals and submission deadlines
4.2. Distinctive characteristics of proposals and conditions of submission
4.3. Submission of proposals
5.0. Selection procedure
5.1. Evaluation criteria
5.2. Annual Report
5.3. Committee
6.0. Calendar
7.0. Other aspects
7.1. Copyrights
7.2. Scientific publications
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1.0. Introduction
On January 21, 2008, the University Fund Maurice Chalumeau (UFMC) decided
to launch a new research program to promote the development and research of
projects of the highest quality in Sexology, with a particular emphasis on
interdisciplinary approaches. This project is in line with one of the main objectives
of Mr. Maurice Chalumeau (i.e., the objective is « to promote surveys and
scientific research on human sexuality in the fields of psychology, psychiatry,
medicine, sociology and law; and to publish the results and promote their
diffusion»).
2.0. Thematics of research program
In order to sustain a scientific research program that can be interdisciplinary, it
has been decided to choose a topic representing a main center of interest in the
different disciplines that are related to sexology : sexual desire and its
implications for the sexual and reproductive behavior, in couple
relationships, in social and family relationships, in law, and human
sciences.
Epidemiologic studies on sexual dysfunctions reveal that a substantial number of
both men and women have sexual desire disorders. With the emergence of new
medications, notably for erectile dysfunction, social requests for information and
professional support to deal with the public health problem of sexual dysfunctions
are increasing. This public health problem is due to a broad variety of factors,
notably social evolutions (e.g., aging, demographic decline of marriages, etc.),
cultural factors (e.g., personal development, myth of performance, etc.), and
technologic factors (medical and pharmacological progress). As a frequent
phenomenological experience, sexual desire is one of the most complex and
difficult dimensions of sexual function to be studied. Current knowledge on
sexual desire is often contained within a few specific disciplines that do not
interact. Sexual desire is, nevertheless, at the intersection between a broad
variety of scientific and humanist disciplines.
The UFMC announces the availability of funds to support scientific
research on sexual desire to promote the development of an interdisciplinary
approach in sexology. Research can include populations with any type of sexual
orientation: heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual or asexual.
A particular emphasis on clinical and pre-clinical research projects on human
sexuality is being sought because of the critical importance of this topic on public
health. The UFMC will also encourage interdisciplinary research that includes at
least two of the following five dimensions of sexual desire: medical, psychosocial,
cultural (historical), juridical and ethics.1
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A non-exhaustive list of references that are related to this project is indicated at the end
of this document.
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For further information about UFMC :
http://www.fondschalumeau.unige.ch/
2.1. Clinical dimensions of sexual desire
Problems related to sexual desire play an important role in clinical practice,
psychiatry, general medicine, gynecology, urology, and all medical disciplines.
Implications of sexual desire disorders are important. Major repercussions of
sexual desire disorders may occur in interpersonal relationships, couple life,
family, public health, and indirectly on social and cultural representations.
Problems related to sexual desire may be related to the following: i) an excess of
sexual desire (sexual addiction, compulsive sexual behaviors, risk behaviors,
sexual violence), ii) object of sexual desire (deviant sexual desire, paraphilia),
and iii) to a decrease or absence of sexual desire (sexual dysfunctions). Notably,
the decrease of sexual desire constitutes one of the most frequent reasons for
clinical consultations and concerns a large portion of the population. Surveys
indicate that sexual dysfunctions have a high prevalence in couples. Research
demonstrates that sexual dysfunctions are one of the main arguments in couple
after couples’ communication problems. The prevalence of sexual dysfunctions is
around 40% in the general population.
Sexual dysfunctions are characterized by either disturbances in the
mechanisms that are involved in the sexual response or pain during sexual
intercourse (DSM IV). Nevertheless, it is important to note that the causes and
origins of sexual dysfunction may be multifactorial (biological, psychological, or
relational), and may be influenced by the social and cultural context in which
individuals evolve. During the past years, a growing interest in male sexual
dysfunction occurred and with the arrival of phosphodiesterase inhibitors,
research and marketing have focused on erectile dysfunction. Nevertheless,
research demonstrates sexual dysfunctions are even more prevalent in women
than in men. The American National Health and Social Life survey (NHSLS)
reports that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction is 43% for women and 31% for
men. Older studies in married couples report that the prevalence of sexual
dysfunctions was 63% for women and 40% for men. Epidemiological studies
have found that decrease or lack of sexual desire are one of the most frequent
sexual complaints in women ranging from 31% to 49%.
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is characterized by a deficiency or lack of
sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity. This is considered a disorder as it
may cause a pronounced distress for the person or problems in the person’s
interpersonal relationships. This disorder is often the origin of a large number of
therapeutic requests and psychological consultations in sexology, gynecology
and general medicine. This disorder is often the origin of couples’ problems,
divorces and a significant decrease of the quality of life. Because of the high
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prevalence of disorders related to hypoactive sexual desire, concerted
investigation is called for. On the other hand, excess of sexual desire and
deviant sexual behaviors, such as paraphilias (e.g., pedophilia) needs also to be
seriously investigated because of its critical social implications.
2.1.0. Directions of research
Research in human sexology shows great perspectives in a broad variety of
dimensions. The clinical fields of research that are particularly promoted and
supported by the UFMC are the following:
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Neurobiology
Pharmacology
Endocrinology
Genetics
Biotechnology (RTA)
2.1.1. Neurobiology of sexual desire
Sexual desire involves a broad variety of endogenous and exogenous factors
that are integrated by the brain both at the cognitive and emotional levels. During
the past fifteen years, the astonishing development of techniques and methods of
investigation allows a better understanding of the neurobiology of sexual
function. The brain plays a central role in each phase of sexual response and
sexual behaviors. Thus, it may be hypothesized that alterations of
neurophysiology and neurochemistry of the central nervous system may induce
dysfunctions of sexual response and sexual desire. Nowadays, it is possible to
investigate the involvement of the brain in sexual function and dysfunctions
thanks to the development of techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG)
and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
An EEG is a recording of the electrical activity of the brain over a certain period
of time generally taken from the scalp’s surface. Because of its high temporal
resolution (millisecond), EEG constitutes a powerful brain imaging technique, to
investigate the temporal dynamics of human brain functions in response to some
stimuli. For example, EEG studies showed : i) hemispheric differences in EEG
between male and female participants or between heterosexual and homosexual
men in response to emotional stimuli, and ii) temporal differences between men
with or without paraphilia (fetichist, sadomasochist), in whom there is a difference
in right parietal areas and left frontal regions in response to erotic stimuli around
600 ms after stimulus onset. Nevertheless, the low spatial resolution of surface
EEG prevents researchers from using this method as a “gold standard” to study
the spatial representation of the neural basis of the sexual function. Thus,
neuroimaging techniques with a high spatial resolution, such as fMRI tend to be
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preferred over EEG. During the past years, only a limited number of
neuroimaging studies has been dedicated to the investigation of cerebral activity
during the different stages of sexual response. For example, fMRI studies on
sexual arousal showed the involvement of specific neural networks involved in
emotion and cognitive processing. Functional MRI and EEG constitute powerful
tools for investigating each phase of sexual function, notably sexual desire.
Consequently, the UFMC will encourage studies in neuroimaging with a focus on
sexual desire.
2.1.2. Genes and sexual desire
Recent studies have revealed the crucial role of genetics in sexual desire. For
example, by examining 148 healthy students for the possible association
between the DRD4 gene and human sexual behavior (as assessed by a
questionnaire on human sexual response), Ben Zion et al. showed a correlation
between the DRD4 dopamine receptor and sexual desire. It is important to note
that these results were not specific to sexual desire, but also arousal. Further
studies need to be done to better comprehend the specificity of genetics in
sexual desire. UFMC will promote research that combines genetics and sexual
desire.
2.1.3. Pharmacology, endocrinology and sexual desire
The key hormones and neurotransmitters in sexual response are notably
testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin,
and acetylcholine. Nevertheless, the specific role of these hormones and
neurotransmitters on sexual desire remain controversial. To date, clinical
pharmacology research on sexual desire has mainly focused on women, since
pharmacology research in men has mainly centered on erectile dysfunctions.
Nevertheless, there still are no approved pharmaceuticals for addressing sexual
desire disorder. Interestingly, a few molecules and hormones have been shown
to improve hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Some of these molecules and
hormones are currently under investigation by several studies for their
effectiveness in treating sexual desire disorders. Together these studies provide
encouraging data to develop innovative pharmacology and endocrinology
research in the field of sexual desire.
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2.1.4. Biotechnologies
The astonishing development of biotechnologies in reproductive medicine opens
new avenues for research in sexology and addresses the need to study sexuality
in its entire complexity. Sexual desire is a central topic that is at the intersection
of reproductive technology act (RTA), sexual identity, sexual orientation, and
inter-sexuality. Biotechnologies, with new and innovative methods, have allowed
researchers to differentiate between hedonic and reproductive sexuality and may
contribute to the understanding of sexual desire. Reproductive medicine with its
use of sophisticated biotechnology tools is related to sexuality. Here “sexuality”
refers not only to sexual behaviors, but also to feelings of gender identity, and
sexual orientation. Every disturbance of sexuality may induce complications in
the field of reproduction, and reciprocally, every reproductive difficulty may open
the door to new sexual difficulties. Psychological and sexual problems are often
encountered in reproductive medicine when addressing the problems of infertility
and RTA. In this framework, desire plays a crucial role, since it is a determinant
force in sexual behavior (sexual desire) and reproductive behaviors (desire to
have a child). Infertility may disturb self-image and both personal and gender
identity. Thus, infertility may interfere with the most intimate spheres of an
individual. Access to paternity and maternity allows individuals and couples to
feel fertile, and socially integrated in an ensemble of symbolic and existential
meanings that play a critical role in the formation of the concept of identity. It also
provides a trans-generational feeling of self-expansion. Along these lines, desire
may be viewed as a dynamic vector guiding the concept of self towards other
people. Because of the multiple values (personal, social, moral and religious) and
symbols that may be attributed to fertility, the threat of infertility may be perceived
differently. In the context of assumed infertility, psychogenic factors may take
place. These factors may then induce psychological and sexual consequences
that may have a role on fertility itself. Although psychological distress has often
been studied in the framework of infertility, few studies have investigated the role
of sexological aspects on infertility. Sexological aspects on infertility may be
viewed either as the origin of infertility or as a consequence of infertility. For
instance, decreased sexual intercourse due to decreased libido has been shown
to play a potential role in infertility.
Infertility investigations
Greil et al. (1989) showed that the majority of couples with infertility
difficulties were also dissatisfied with their sexuality. Dissatisfaction can be due to
treatment related issues, such as intrusion of the medical staff in their intimate
life, and scheduled sexual intercourse. In another study, diminution of sexual and
couple satisfaction was found in 104 couples who had undergone 2 years of
infertility investigation. Together these studies reinforce the hypothesis that
diagnostic investigations for infertility problems may have notable consequences
on the psychological and sexual sphere of couples. Infertility can represent a
symbolic castration for both men and women that may induce a decrease of
sexual desire.
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Infertility treatment
In RTA, both the treatment and the stress induced by the treatment may
induce (or increase) sexual difficulties. Hormonal treatments may have side
effects on physical performance and weight. These side effects may induce
changes in body image, which may secondarily affect sexual desire. Decreased
sexual desire may occur in both genders. In women, decreased sexual desire is
often combined with the loss of the erotism of sexuality (hedonic aspect). This
can happen when sexual intercourse occurs mostly during the ovulation period.
A study showed that infertile women with IVF treatment show lower scores of
sexual satisfaction, sexual desire and sexual pleasure in comparison with a
control group. Sexual disturbances in infertile women are often associated with
guilt. This guilt is related to some fundamental questions involving femininity,
identity and maternal capacities. After the treatment for infertility, if no pregnancy
occurred, sexual disorders often remain. Thus, the occurence of sexual disorders
is not related to the treatment only, but also to the incapacity to procreate, a
failure to have children, and the psychological consequences of this incapacity.
Biotechnologies in reproductive medicine may interact with sexual desire in a
bidirectional mode with sexual desire. The UFMC aims to promote further studies
on the understanding of this interaction.
2.2. Psycho-social dimensions of sexual desire
Literature on sexual desire shows that the standardized and validated
methods of evaluation of sexual dysfunctions rarely take into consideration the
psycho-social context. Questionnaires used for evaluation are often based on
samples comprised of stable heterosexual couples. Outpatients, however, may
have different profiles with more complex psychological (depression),
professional (burn out) or couple (divorce, etc) related problems. The validity of
an approach that does not take into account the context of sexual desire is
limited. This type of approach may provide problematic results, which are difficult
to interpret. Clinical diagnostics need to integrate psycho-social dimensions to
better understand individual problematics. Psycho-social approaches revealed
the high frequency of sexual dysfunctions and their associated relational and
social factors. It is important to note that the early attachment styles, which occur
during the formation of intense emotional relationships (when sexual desire
interacts with passionate love), may play an important role in the development
and consolidation of sexual orientation. From a general viewpoint, psychosocial
approaches can highlight the impact of couple dynamics on desire and sexual
dysfunctions over the life course. The link between aging and sexual desire is not
linear. The nature and development of sexual desire during the lifespan may vary
as a function of various transitions and events that occur in a couple’s
relationship, such as parenting. Parenting may modify the couple dynamics and
be associated with decreased conjugal satisfaction and a decreased frequency of
sexual intercourse. The dynamics between sexual desire and conjugal
relationships are of particular interest. Meanwhile, a growing number of couples,
in their daily relationship, allow personal accomplishment to occur at the expense
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of long-term commitments, employing the logic of autonomy and communication.
This style of interaction, which we here define as being “associative”, may
generate a high prevalence of intimacy problems that need to be better
understood, particularly in relation with the development of sexual desire and
sexual dysfunctions in the time course of the couple relationship. In addition,
insecure types of attachment may influence close relationships characterized by
anxiety when facing loss or shunning of intimacy. A psychosocial perspective is
indispensable to the medical approach of desire.
Psychotherapists report indeed that loss of sexual desire is often temporary, and
is associated with particular events or transitions, such as professional insecurity
or overload, problems of communication in the couple relationship, infidelity, etc.
Therefore, it is important to include empirical and systematic evaluations to both
the interpersonal dimension (development of attachment, conjugal and familial
relationships, and friendships) and the personal dimension (depression, selfesteem, self-image) in order to: i) capture the impact of biomedical and
psychosocial dimensions on sexual desire and sexual dysfunctions; and ii)
evaluate the interaction between these two factors. These dimensions allow for
validated and quantified measures of investigation in psychology and sociology.
The UFMC promotes an interdisciplinary perspective on sexuality, including
socio-psychological dimensions.
2.3. Legal dimensions of sexual desire
Many aspects of sexual desire have legal ramifications. In this field, topics of
research are numerous, and offer an ideal pathway for interdisciplinary research.
First of all, sexual desire is often addressed in criminal law. Most particularly, law
is concerned with sexual desire when dealing with offenses that may occur
against sexual freedom and against family (notably incest). Treatment of sexual
offenders raises important topics with multiple facets concerning fundamental
rights, exemplified by the debate on life sentences. Nevertheless, this legal
dimension can only be completely understood in combination with other
analyses, such as medical, psychosocial, therapeutics, and so on. Similarly, the
understanding of topics (such as incest), that have not been well investigated
from a legal viewpoint, would greatly benefit from an interdisciplinary approach
integrating various dimensions from criminal and family law, to anthropology,
psychology, medicine, genetics, etc. Another topic of critical interest in law deals
with pornography. To date, there are several legal questions. Such questions
focus on the definition of pornography, repression of its “consumption”,
international laws, fundamental freedoms (e.g., comparative analysis of case law
of Human Rights between the European Court and the Supreme Court of the
United States; problems of repression of pornography on the internet, and so
forth). In addition, it would be very instructive to collect and to evaluate the
decisions made in the legal inquiry into « Landslide / Genesis », which caused
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hundreds of searches and only a few law convictions. In the field of pornography,
an interdisciplinary approach would also shed light on the challenges of
pornography, its use and its psychosocial, psychiatric, anthropological, social
dimensions, etc. The liberalization of the access of electronic pornography,
including the access by children and teenagers, has induced increased
regulation on the Internet, which has in turn, redefined the parameters. Another
possible topic of research on sexual desire and law might deal with sexual
mutilations. This topic, which is at the interface between criminal law, medical
law, family and personal law, would benefit from an interdisciplinary approach
combining gender and cultural studies as well as anthropology, medicine, etc.
Interpreted more largely, the topic of sexual desire could also give rise to new
research in other fields of law: marriage law, divorce law, filiation law, legislation
in terms of medically assisted procreation, etc. Here again, an interdisciplinary
approach to the study of sexual desire will enrich juridical thoughts on this topic.
2.4. Cultural dimensions of sexual desire
Differing approaches evoked by the interdisciplinary field of sexology can both
engender complementary links between approaches, and create fundamental
contradictions between hypotheses, experimental presuppositions or accepted
theoretical models.
Each discipline concerned engages not only a distinctive methodological
orientation, but also a specific concept of "sexual desire", which it defines, at
times tacitly, while at the same time making it the object of study.
A large field of study thus remains open, at the cross-road of disciplines, leading
to a confrontation of different models of sexual desire and putting them in
perspective, epistemologically and historically. Each approach benefits by being
understood through the history of its methods and progress, and in its sociocultural implications. For example, the recent achievements in the field
of neurobiology, supported by cutting edge investigatory techniques, are the
result of a materialistic line of thought, in play since the medicalization of sexual
desire at the end of the XVIII century.
Putting what is known about sexology into historical perspective highlights the
logical development of not only the various disciplines but also the associated
epistemological, ethical and political debates. Additionally, it also begs the
understanding of how this knowledge is incorporated into the culture, determined
by trends in thinking and determining in turn, the ways in which sexuality is
conceived and experienced. Today, a broad pharmacology for the treatment of
sexual desire is available with the goal of ideally putting within everyone's reach
the satisfaction of a desire to desire. It is not surprising that along with this trend
of pharmacological treatment, the norms and subjective modalities of desire are
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being set without the full understanding of what constitutes sexual desire, or
how it varies in varied cultures.
However, these imperious somatic representations are by no means exclusive.
Other models interfere and impose themselves, stemming from different
orientations or firmly bound to psychological theories of desire too quickly
judged as obsolete.
Even more broadly, there is a whole cultural stratum that governs sexual desire
with a complexity of suggestions for, and norms of, what constitutes acceptable
sexual behavior and fulfillment. A rational examination should simplify these
seeming complexities.
Art and literature play a preponderant role as a place for representing sexual
desire in its richness and diversity, as suppliers of portraits, and as a reservoir of
examples for the constituted disciplines to draw from. They also serve as a type
of narrative, providing symbolic and fictional links, which unite love, imagination
and desire.
These modalities of aesthetic knowledge, as specific as they may be, are by no
means divorced from scientific knowledge. The relationship between literature,
art, medicine and psychology has a long history, made up of integrations, joint
debates, collaborations and breaks. Conceptions about sexual desire no doubt
contribute to this history and imply a cross-bred approach, an open and
demanding interdisciplinarity, in which cultural dimensions are fully taken into
account.
3.0. Specific description of research program
3.1. Program goals
The goals of the UFMC Program are the following ones:
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To promote advancement of knowledge about sexual desire disorders;
To promote scientific research in human sexology of the highest quality with a
particular emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches;
To maintain and consolidate the position of the UFMC and University of
Geneva in sexology;
To sustain research that may strengthen and enrich the field of sexology
among all the various disciplines that are represented at the UFMC; i.e.,
Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Economical and Social Sciences, Faculty of
Psychology and Science of Education; Faculty of Law;
To stimulate research that could provide valuable implications in clinical
sexology as well as beneficial implications in the general population that is
known to have a high prevalence of sexology disorders with associated
familial, social and financial consequences.
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3.2. Program scope
The research Program of the UFMC (PUFMC) allows the most to be made of the
potentials that are offered in the domains of high-level scientific research.
This interdisciplinary approach of sexual desire allows the development of a
strong field of research by requiring combined efforts from different groups of
researchers who use different infrastructures and methodologies. The various
projects are selected on the basis of a public call that is open to all groups of
researchers who: i) are supported by their home institution and a Swiss home
institution, and ii) have a proven track record in research work in human sexual
research at the national and international level.
4.0. Formal requirements
4.1. Call for proposals and submission deadlines
Call:
March 15, 2009
Proposal Submission deadline:
June 15, 2009
Total funding: The UFMC assumes a total contribution of CHF 1 million for all
projects.
4.2. Distinctive characteristics of proposals and conditions of submission
PUFMC project proposals may vary in size, structure, functioning mode and
annual budget as a function of the specific needs and resources that are required
to conduct the research in the field of sexual desire.
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The investigator shall have to prove that: i) he/she holds a permanent post at
a recognized institute of higher education in Geneva (or from Canton of
Geneva; Switzerland); or ii) he/she is in institutional collaboration with the
University of Geneva (Switzerland); or iii) exceptionally he/she is from another
center that has recognized competencies in research work, notably in
research in sexology. In this latter case, research in foreign countries has to
be directed by a principal investigator who has to be committed and holds a
permanent post at the University of Geneva (Switzerland). Principal
investigators must have a proven track record in research work in sexology
and/or in human sexuality. Proposals may be submitted from co-investigators
from other countries than Switzerland, if the principal investigator is hired and
plays an active role at the University of Geneva (Switzerland). International
collaborations are highly recommended.
Every submitted proposal is required to fulfill the following conditions:
 To be based in a host institution with long-term support;
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To be directed by one person who is highly qualified in the field of sexology
and/or in human sexual research, and who is hired as a member of the host
institution (e.g., faculty member);
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To include a center of competencies in the host institution; the center of
competencies directs a network of researchers, groups of research and other
institutions (other university institutions; institutes of specialized higher
education; services of public health);
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To give priority to an integrated approach (from fundamental research to
applications) in the field of sexual desire; and to guide promising scientific
research in sexology and in human sexual research;
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To provide resources and intellectual environment in favor of an
interdisciplinary and innovative approach;
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To facilitate interactions between research in sexology and teaching;
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To stimulate the national and international collaboration with qualified groups
of research; and collaborate with groups of research from other countries;
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To provide supplementary funds from a third party who is interested in the
promotion of the results.
4.3. Submission of proposals
The submissions (proposals) have to comply with UFMC guidelines and are to be
submitted electronically (as an attachment in a recent word format, or PDF
format) and by standard registered mail by the stipulated deadline.
The submissions are to be written in French or in English.
The proposal content needs to include the following sections in the order
specified below (the specified maximum number of pages is to be strictly
observed):
1. Cover letter;
2. List of the Principal investigator, co-investigators, and project title;
3. CV and list of the publications of every investigator;
4. Summary of the project (max. 1 page);
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5. Project (max. 10 pages) including:
a. Literature review describing the state of research in the field
b. Research description
c. Scientific objectives and hypotheses
6. Detailed research plan describing the methods and procedures:
a. Detailed budget (including contributions from other funding sources)
b. Ethical considerations (it is the responsibility of the researcher to
assess the legal framework applying to the studies);
c. Time schedule of the research
d. Organizational structure and procedures (number of inestigators,
their role in the team of research)
7. Appendix:
a. List of potential reviewers (at least six)
b. Letter of support from the Home Institution
5.0. Selection procedure
5.1. Evaluation criteria
The UFMC organizes and schedules the evaluation of the projects; selects the
projects that deserve to be funded after peer-reviewed evaluations; and finally
make an offer for funding for the selected proposals. The UFMC board of
directors will select the projects after a peer-review evaluation process that will
be performed by international experts, who work in sexology or in human sexual
research and who are not related to UFMC. Proposals will be evaluated
anonymously by external and foreign experts. A blind review process will be
applied (no author name will appear on the proposals).
On the basis of the UFMC guidelines, the following evaluation criteria shall be
applied at the proposal stage:
 Significance of the research topic for UFMC research;
 Scientific relevance for the research in sexology;
o Scientific quality
o Originality
o Innovation potential
 The potential of the project to promote interdisciplinary research. The
UFMC encourages interdisciplinary projects including at least 2
dimensions in Medicine, Psychology, Sociology, Cultural studies and Law;
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 Scientific reputation of the UFMC principal investigator and every
investigator at the international level,
 Leadership experience and qualification of the principal investigator for the
research project management;
 Experience and qualification in the field of sexology and/or human sexual
research
 Support by the Home Institution.
Applicants will be notified of the acceptance or rejection of their proposal no later
than 4 months after the final date for submission.
Beginning of funding: November 15, 2009.
The funds for the research project will be transferred to the account of the person
responsible for the project upon receipt of the proper invoices.
5.2. Annual report
The principal investigator of a UFMC project will be required to: i) submit an
annual progress report, and ii) to provide all information that will allow a complete
evaluation of the progress and efficiency of their project by the UFMC.
5.3. Committee
Applications are evaluated by the Board of directors of UFMC based on peer
reviews by experts working in the field of Human Sexuality independently of
UFMC. The Board of directors of the UFMC evaluates reviewers’ comments and
checks that project proposals are in line with UFMC Program guidelines,
requirements and objectives.
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6.0. Calendar
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Call:
Proposal Submission deadline:
UFMC Decision:
Start of research:
March 15, 2009
June 15, 2009
October 15, 2009
November, 15, 2009
7.0. Other aspects
7.1. Copyrights
In accordance with its policy, the UFMC renounces its rights to commercial
benefits that may result from a project performed in the framework of the present
call. However, the UFMC requires that all partners of the project settle clearly this
matter with the legal authorities.
7.2. Scientific publications
It is required that all published scientific articles and books that report data
obtained with the support of the UFMC acknowledge the UFMC.
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References
Agmo A, Turi AL, Ellingsen E, Kaspersen H. Preclinical models of sexual
desire: conceptual and behavioral analyses. Pharmacol Biochem Behav
2004; 78: 379-404.
Althof SE, Leiblum SR, Chevret-Measson M, Hartmann U, Levine SB, McCabe
M, Plaut M, Rodrigues O, and Wylie K. Psychological and interpersonal
dimensions of sexual function and dysfunction. Journal of Sexual Medicine 2005;
2:793–800.
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