The Child and Maternal Health Program of the CCTSI funds one-year pilot awards meant to encourage cross-disciplinary and collaborative clinical-translational research focused on longitudinal research in pregnant women and children of all ages that will ultimately improve child and maternal health and prevent diseases that begin in early life. Awards are $20,000 maximum (indirect costs not permitted).
There are two award levels: The Mentored Pilot Award (requires co-mentorship) and the Junior Faculty Pilot Award (collaboration emphasized). Applications should detail a discrete research project that addresses the goals of the Child & Maternal Health Program. Significant research experience is required for all applicants. It is important to demonstrate how your research will take advantage of other CCTSI Key Functions
Eligibility:
- The proposed research must represent a cross-disciplinary effort.
- One proposal is allowed per faculty member, and each faculty member may participate in only one application (this is true across all three of the CCTSI Pilot Grant programs.
- Senior faculty members with a terrific translational research idea can consider mentoring a junior investigator who is eligible for a Mentored Pilot Award.
- Mentored Pilot Awards are for beginning investigators (including post-docs, instructors in the School of Medicine, and assistant professors in clinical, tenure, or research tracks) who partner with a more senior mentor investigator. Beginning investigators in community settings and at affiliated hospital and community programs are encouraged to apply as well if their research proposal specifically deals with child and maternal health issues.
- Junior Faculty Pilot Awards are for junior faculty who have not attained associate professor rank or above to obtain preliminary data for a larger application.
- Underrepresented and minority researchers (including women) who meet the program requirements are particularly urged to apply.
Basic Submission Process:
- Submit a CMH Pilot Cover page (attached to the RFA) with project title and investigator names as a Letter of Intent.
- Submit a completed application a shortened version of an NIH-style application, summarizing the overall goals, background, preliminary investigation, and methods of the proposed project within a four page limit (no Appendices are allowed)
- If your proposed research is clinical and will required COMIRB approval, that application should be submitted at the same time as well; for the COMIRB application.
Awardee Responsibilities: Awardees will be asked to provide a summary of the award’s impact at the end of the granting period, including a list of any publications, patents, follow-on support or other outcomes, and must recognize the funding from the CCTSI on all publications relevant to the award.
Review Criteria: The CMH Planning and Oversight Committee, co-chaired by Dr. William Hay and Dr. Peggy Neville, will review eligible applications and make awards. The review places a specific emphasis on research that furthers the Child and Maternal Health issues and the goals within the CCTSI. Factors that will be considered in the success of the application are: cross-disciplinary or collaborative focus, advancement toward stated CMH goals, and significance to the CCTSI.
For more information, contact Bonnie Savone.