Mentored Pilot Grant Program in Genomics and Personalized Medicine

Program Goals

The purpose of this funding opportunity announcement (FOA) is to support basic and translational pilot research projects in genomics and personalized medicine. The proposed project should utilize our COBRE Genome Acquisition and Analysis core, to acquire preliminary data needed for a planned federal grant application. Another goal is to demonstrate or advance research 

Eligibility

All full-time faculty in Nevada are eligible to apply. Applicants cannot concurrently hold a COBRE, INBRE or CTR-IN award. Applicants should not be a PI on a COBRE component

Use of Funds, Budget, and Allowed Expenses

Up to $25,000 may be requested. A budget justification should also state the effort commitment for the PI, although no salary is allowed for PIs. Expected uses are for laboratory staff, supplies, and use of the GAA core and other services.

Content and Format

A complete application has a Biosketch conforming to NIH forms, NIH-style specific aims page, budget justification, and reviews from the previous submission (if the grant was previously submitted). The Specific Aims page should be for the planned proposal that will be submitted to a federal agency, and the budget justification should indicate how the grant funds will be used to obtain needed data to make the proposal more competitive. If an application is accepted for funding other NIH forms will be required.

Expectations of Awardees

Awardees are expected to abide by NIH rules and policy, commit significant effort, and submit a grant application to a federal agency within six months of award completion. Awardees will be actively mentored by the COBRE center and external advisory board. Awardees will be required to complete surveys, present progress one their project, regularly attends COBRE weekly meetings, and complete a final progress report.

Review Criteria

A scientific review panel, which is similar to NIH panels, and an external advisory board will review the grant proposals. Reviewers will consider each of the NIH review criteria, and also assess how the PI will use the GAA core and take advantage of COBRE-sponsored mentoring to assess the scientific merit. The panel will summarize with an overall impact score that will be used to rank the applicants. PIs with grants that are favorably reviewed, but not funded, will be invited to submit in the next competition.