Vanderbilt Digestive Disease Research Center
Pilot and Feasibility Program Application Guidelines
Introduction: P/F applications should be focused proposals, the aims of which can be clearly accomplished within two
years of funding. The extent to which Research Core laboratories of the DDRC are utilized should be emphasized in the
proposal. DDRC funding is limited to two years support at a maximum level of $25,000 each year. Exceptional
applicants with a high likelihood for progression to extramural funding and a successful career in investigative
gastroenterology are eligible to be named DDRC Young Investigator. Salary support for this individual is limited to 24
months and cannot exceed $50,000/year and 80% effort. There is a 5-page limit for the body of the application (Specific
Aims, Background/Significance, Preliminary Studies, Experimental Design and Methods). The deadline for completed
application submission is December 6, 2010. The applications must contain the following, in order:
1.
2.
3.
4.
DDRC Pilot and Feasibility Program Face Sheet (attached below).
NIH PHS 398 Page 2 (Description, Performance Sites, and Key Personnel)
NIH PHS 398 Page 4 (Detailed budget for the initial budget period )
NIH PHS 398 Page 5 (Detailed budget) for the entire proposed period of study with a maximum of two
years. The Pilot and Feasibility Program Projects should utilize DDRC Research Core laboratories.
Specific plans to use the cores on a fee-for-service basis should be included in the budget, where
applicable. In general however, Core charges for new investigator P/F applications will be waived.
Identify any sources of funds currently available to support research on this or closely related topics by
the applicant and/or senior investigator with whom the applicant is associated. If funds exist clearly
indicate why DDRC Pilot and Feasibility Program funds are being requested. Duplication of funds will
not be permitted.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Body of Application (maximum of 5 pages for items a-d)
a. Specific Aims (1/2 page: Remember this is a 1-2 year pilot project)
b. Background and Significance (1-2 pages: Include a thorough, but concise description of the work
leading to your current hypothesis review of the literature)
c. Preliminary studies (1 page: You are not required to have preliminary data since this is a pilot
project. Briefly describe relevant preliminary work that you have done supporting this
application)
d. Research Design and Methods (1-3 pages of study design, methodology, data analysis and any
problems anticipated and potential solutions. Include rationale for experimental design and
reasons for favoring one methodology over another. Describe how you will analyze data; identify
potential problems and solutions.)
Literature cited. Provide full details of literature cited including full title and authors. ( not included in 5
page limit).
Brief description of long-term goals of the research project you plan to develop. Include rationale
for the planned research program based on past experience of the applicant. What are the plans for future
funding if the line of investigation is successful? Describe how the project relates to one of the themes of
the DDRC:
a. Growth Proliferation, & Apoptosis
b. Epithelial Integrity
c. Gastrointestinal Development and Function
d. GI Physiology, Obesity and Metabolism
Brief description of the use of DDRC research cores:
a. Genomic Sciences
b. Cellular and Animal Modeling Core
c. Cell Imaging Core
d. Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Core
e. Flow Cytometry Core
(Version: September 7, 2010)
9.
10.
11.
Biosketch (NIH format)
Appendix materials
Protocols for use of Human Subjects or Vertebrate Animals. (May Be Listed as Pending)
Applications require the signature of the chair of the applicant’s department or division director on the VDDRC
P/F Program Face Page. This signature confirms that all physician-scientists who are Principal Investigators will
have protected time to perform research. If the applicant is the DDRC Young Investigator, the requirement is for
80% protected time.
Applications for the DDRC Young Investigator Applicants require three letters of recommendation; one should be
from the Division Director and one from the Department Chairman documenting laboratory space and protected
time commitment (80%).
Trainees in their last year of fellowship who are recipients of an NRSA individual award (F32) or an institutional
training grant (T32) are eligible for P/F funds if they have had at least two years of research experience, and have
suitable expertise and independence to carry out the planned experiments. A trainee applicant must have a letter
of commitment from a senior scientist to sponsor the project.
Applicants who have completed training within one year and remain affiliated with a mentor must have a letter
stating the independence of the applicant.
Submit electronic copy of grant to Scharneitha.britton@vanderbilt.edu; along with three copies of complete grant
to Scharneitha Britton at 1065C MRB IV (0252).
Forms available on-line: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html or by contacting Scharneitha Britton at 322-4225.
(Version: September 7, 2010)
THE VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY DIGESTIVE DISEASE RESEARCH CENTER
Pilot and Feasibility Program Face Sheet (submission deadline December 6, 2010)
Name of PI:
Degree:
Department:
Division:
Phone #:
Fax #:
Academic Rank:
E-mail:
Short Title of Project (do not exceed 56 characters):
Type of Application:
BUDGET:
Pilot Project
Supplies: $
Other: $
Collaborative Project
Small Equipment: $
TOTAL BUDGET:
Personnel: $
$
Has the PI of a pilot project application recently been part of a group led by a more advanced investigator?
Yes
No (If yes, please include a letter citing independence of the PI)
CHECK APPLICABLE BOXES:
Yes
No
Human Subjects:
Radioisotopes:
Yes
No
Biohazards:
Animals:
SUMMARY: (Write a short Paragraph, not to exceed the space below, describing major aims of the project and
the approach to be used. This abstract will be provided to all members of the Committee.)
APPLICANT’S SIGNATURE:
DIVISION DIRECTOR OR DEPT. CHAIR SIGNATURE:
DATE:
DATE:
For additional information, please contact Keith T.Wilson@343-5675 or Scharneitha Britton @ 322-4225.
(Version: September 7, 2010)