Research Funding Opportunities

School Of Medicine (SOM) and Tulane National Primate Research Center Pilot Research Program - The purpose of the SOM and Tulane National Primate Research Center Pilot Research Program is to provide funds to facilitate and develop promising collaborative research projects between investigators in the Tulane School of Medicine and Primate Center, leading to the development of successful extramural grant applications. The Program will fund up to two pilot research projects per year depending upon receipt of meritorious applications, the availability of funds and resources to support the project. The direct cost for a single research project should not exceed $60,000 for no more than one year of support. Pilot research funds will not provide interim support for established projects or for any projects that have qualified for support from other sources. The proposed study must have potential for leading to a strong research grant application to outside funding agencies, such as NIH Institutes and Centers.

Investigators must be beyond the postdoctoral rank and must be based at Tulane University School of Medicine and the Tulane National Primate Center. Competitive applications will have a PI at the School of Medicine, with a Co- or MPI at Tulane National Primate Center. The overall purpose of the project must contribute to objectives of the School of Medicine and Primate Center’s research programs, and the projects themselves must have the potential of leading to an extramurally funded grant application. The proposal must be substantially different from the applicant’s funded projects. Of the two investigators, one, a contact PI, must assume responsibility for overall management, coordination and reports concerning the project.

For detailed information, click on the bolded program title above.

Key Dates:

Letter for Intent: August 1, 2019
Full Applications Submission: October 1, 2019
Performance Period: January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021

Letters of intent with biosketch(es), and applications should be submitted as two originals and an electronic copy to:

Pyone Aye DVM, PhD
Unit of Collaborative Research
Tulane National Primate Research Center
18703 Three Rivers Rd
Covington, LA 70433
Ph: 985-871-6486
Fax: (985) 871 6405
E-mail: paye@tulane.edu

School of Medicine Pilot, Bridge and Equipment funds – The School of Medicine provides funding annually to support pilot projects, bridge grants, and equipment purchases with the aim of increasing faculty research capacity in clinical and translational areas. For more information, please contact Rachel Cruthirds (rcruthir@tulane.edu).

The Lab Equipment program provides one-time support of up to $50,000 to assist investigators in purchasing critically needed equipment not available in core facilities. Faculty whose primary appointments are in the School of Medicine are eligible to apply.

• The Instrumentation/Core Equipment purchased must be shared among School of Medicine faculty, not for single investigator only usage
• Requires statements by multiple investigators defining need, in a list form, can be inter/intra-departmental at SOM
• Equipment can be something really innovative, cutting edge but also can be replacement for aging/obsolete core equipment
• A plan for a user fee must be included in the application that will cover the cost of maintenance/service agreement for the equipment
• Cost sharing is encouraged, letter of support from the Chair/Chairs, this may include cost share of the maintenance/service agreements of the equipment
• Applicants must submit the actual quote from the vendor from whom the instrument will be purchased

RFA Released: 7/15/19
Deadline: 8/14/19
Reviewed: Late August 2019

The Pilot Grant Program provides up to $25,000 to support new research and scholarly efforts which are likely to result in increased federal support. Preference will be given to investigators without significant funding and with a strong potential for obtaining successful external funding. However, we will consider funded investigators for applications that are distinct from his/her currently funded projects. Collaboration among faculty is strongly encouraged. The faculty submitting the application MUST BE a School of Medicine appointed faculty member. Previous applicants are eligible with appropriate justification and significant progress.

Expenditure categories for such projects are restricted to the following:

• Supplies and materials required for the project.
• Minor Equipment required for the project. Computers are not allowed.
• Salary support for technical staff, graduate students, undergraduate students or other trainees working on the project. Faculty salary may not be paid from these funds.
• Publication costs related to the project.
• Travel expenses are not allowed.

Fall RFA Planned Release: 9/3/19
Deadline: 9/30/19
Reviewed: Late October 2019

Spring RFA Planned Release: 2/3/20
Deadline: 3/2/20
Reviewed: Late March 2020

The Bridge Program provides one-time support of up to $25,000 to assist investigators in establishing or re-establishing external funding of projects which have already undergone peer review. Faculty whose primary appointments are in the School of Medicine are eligible to apply. These Principal Investigators should have submitted a project for external review and have received critiques within the last year. Priority is given to Principal Investigators who are striving to establish or re-establish funding and have already submitted grants for extramural funding/from major funding organizations. (ex. NIH, NSF,DOD,VA, et al)

Expense Categories Eligible for Assistance:

• Salaries/Benefits for research support personnel
• Supplies and Equipment
• Animal Care
• Travel expenses up to a maximum of $1,000

Bridge Program support may not be used for:

• PI and co-PI salaries (including Summer salaries)
• Budget overdrafts on other projects
• Administrative Costs

Fall RFA Planned Release: 11/1/19
Deadline: 12/2/19
Reviewed: Late December 2019

Spring RFA Planned Release: 4/1/20
Deadline: 4/30/20
Reviewed: Late May 2020