The Amy Roberts Health Promotion Research Award
Application Instructions and Forms
I. DESCRIPTION
A. The Amy Roberts Health Promotion Research Award of $5,000 has been established to:
1. Provide funds to support the research activities of beginning investigators of the
Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI) faculty or MWRI faculty sponsored
trainees performing research related to health promotion. Health promotion is the
science and art of helping people change their lifestyle to move toward a state of
optimal health. Optimal health is defined as a balance of physical, emotional, social,
spiritual, and intellectual health. Lifestyle change can be facilitated through a
combination of efforts to enhance awareness, change behavior, and create
environments that support good health practices. Health promotion research can
include, but is not limited to, projects addressing exercise, nutrition, smoking
cessation, and obesity reduction.
2. Enhance the research program of Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI) in the
area of health promotion.
B. Use of funds:
1. The award will be used for research by young investigators including a summer
research project. (Note: For medical students, the stipend is identical to the medical
school award). Eligible candidates must be affiliated with the Magee-Womens
Research Institute (MWRI) or sponsored by a MWRI member at the beginning of their
careers (high school through faculty appointment of three years or less) and studying
health promotion and wellbeing. MWRI investigators are encouraged to sponsor a
high school, college, medical or graduate student or other trainee such as a resident or
fellow. In the case of students and trainees sponsored by a MWRI member the
proposal should be prepared by the student/trainee with the assistance of the
sponsor.
II. ELIGIBILITY
A. Beginning investigators of the MWRI faculty. A beginning investigator is defined as one who
is in high school to third year on faculty.
B. Residents, postdoctoral fellows, high school, college, graduate, and medical students are
eligible if sponsored by MWRI faculty member.
C. Only one application per year for a 12-month period for a maximum funding request. Total
funding cannot exceed $5,000.
III. APPLICATION PREPARATION
A. Proposal Format
1. Font Size and Margins – The type must be clear and legible, standard size (11 to 12
point), with 1-inch margins on each side and top and bottom.
2. Face Page – The application Face Page must be completed and signed by the applicant
and MWRI sponsor (if applicable), then scanned and included with the electronic
application submission.
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3. Abstract – 150 words, self-explanatory.
4. Proposed Budget - Describe the proposed use of funds. Funds must be used for the
proposed research project (or a component added to an existing research project).
Applicant must provide a breakdown of the budget into categories such as supplies,
technical support, and other. Whatever the proposed use of funds, the research project
that is relevant to the award must be described as follows.
5. Project Description – Use the headings listed below. The page limit is 4 single-spaced
(single-sided, 8 1/2” x 11”) pages, excluding references and appendices.
Describe the proposed project using the following (suggested) headings:
a. Background – Summarize the state of knowledge relevant to the proposal.
b. Hypotheses/Research Questions – State these clearly and concisely.
c. Methods – Give essential details of methods. Describe the data to be collected and
the method of data analysis proposed.
d. Originality and relevance to Health Promotion – State how the project will
advance knowledge in the area of health promotion if it is completed as planned.
6.
7.
8.
IV.
References - Compile these separately; they are not included in the page limit of the
Project Description.
Submit Curriculum Vitae and NIH formatted bio-sketch for Principal
Investigator/Applicant and for each Co-Investigator. Also include NIH formatted biosketch for MWRI sponsor, if applicable.
Consultant and Letters of Collaboration. Include letters from essential consultants and
collaborators, as required, confirming their availability and agreement to participate in
the project.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Please submit the completed Application and signed Face Page electronically to Ms. Lee
Rager at srager@mwri.magee.edu.
Applications must be received no later than 5:00pm, Friday, April 20, 2012.
V.
REVIEW CRITERIA
The Amy Roberts Health Promotion Research Award Review Committee will review all
applications. Decisions will be based upon: 1) scientific merit; 2) originality and creativity;
and 3) quality of the application text.
VI.
RATING OF PROPOSALS
An overall score will be assigned as well as an additional score to reflect the quality of the
application text. Poorly written applications will result in a proposal being less competitive.
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The Amy Roberts Health Promotion Research Review Committee members will
independently review all applications and cast individual scores. To ensure consistency, the
committee members will adhere to the following common scale.
Range
4.5 - 4.9
4.0 - 4.4
3.5 - 3.9
3.0 - 3.4
2.6 - 2.9
0 - 2.5
Description
Outstanding
Excellent
Very Good
Potentially Solid/Significant
Not Recommended for
Funding
In Its Present Format
Not Acceptable
The members of the Review Committee will convene for an open deliberation and discussion
of the applications. The averaged rating score of each application will be reviewed and the
final funding decision will be made.
VII. PUBLICATIONS/PRESENTATIONS
Any publications and/or presentations that result from research activities supported by this
Award, whether entirely or in part, must include the following written statement: “Supported
by Amy Roberts Health Promotion Research Award.” A copy of the manuscript must be sent to
the MWRIF Office of Research Administration.
VIII. TIMELINE
April 20, 2012
May 1-4, 2012
May 25, 2012
Application deadline
Review process
Award presentation
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2012 Amy Roberts Health Promotion Research Award
APPLICATION FACE PAGE
Title of Proposal
Applicant Name
Position/Appointment(s)
Department
Mailing Address
Telephone/Pager/Mobile
Email
MWRI Sponsor (if
applicable)
MWRI Sponsor Email
Applicant’s Signature:
Date:
MWRI SPONSOR (if applicable):
Printed Name:
Signature:
Date:
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PROPOSED BUDGET
A. Personnel – List all personnel to be involved in carrying out the proposed research, whether or
not salary is requested, beginning with P.I.
Name
%
Effort
Role
Principal
Investigator
Subtotals $
B. Equipment
Subtotal
C. Supplies
Subtotal
D. Other Expenses
Subtotal
Total $
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Salary
Requeste
d
Fringe
Benefits
Total
$---------
$---------
$---------
$
$
BUDGET JUSTIFICATION
Beginning with Section A of the Proposed Budget, please provide: 1) a description of the
responsibilities to be assumed by all individuals listed under Personnel and 2) a justification for
all equipment, supplies, and miscellaneous costs requested.
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