Request for Applications: Career Transition Award in Clinical/Translational Research 2007-2008

Purpose of the Award

The purpose of this award is to support junior faculty in their efforts to become independent clinical/translational investigators. More specifically, this award is designed to provide protected time and funds for research expenses to junior faculty members who have completed training/career development programs (K08, K12, KL2, K23, Masters Degree, etc.) and who have submitted at least one proposal for extramural funding, but who have not received significant, independent extramural support as a principal investigator (i.e., they are not the principal investigator of a federally-funded R award or equivalent award from a private foundation).

Description of the Award

The Mayo CTSA will provide up to $75,000 for one grant year that may be used at the discretion of the awardee for salary support and research expenses consistent with NIH guidelines. For 2007-08, all funds must be used by June 30, 2008. Up to two awards per grant year will be made depending on the merit of the applications received and the available funds.

Eligibility for the Award

Applicants must satisfy all of the criteria outlined below:

• Have a confirmed academic rank of Instructor or Assistant Professor as of January 1, 2008 and be within 5 years of their first faculty appointment;
• Have completed advanced training in clinical/translational research at Mayo (i.e., have completed the Masters degree program or a K08/K23/K12/KL2 career development program) or an equivalent program at another institution;
• Have submitted at least one application for extramural funding to a federal agency or private foundation which was scored but not funded;
• Have not received a notice of grant award for an R01 or equivalent for which they are listed as the principal investigator;
• Have ‹50% Category 1 time for research.

Application for the Award

Applicants are required to submit their applications by Monday November 19, 2007 to Ms. Sherry Bergeson, CTSA Education Resources, Harwick 6, 507-538-9047; bergeson.sherry@mayo.edu by 5:00 p.m. Applications must include:

• A research proposal in PHS398 format including budget (Note: the previously submitted, unsuccessful application for extramural funding may be submitted);
• Scores and summary statements or reviews for the previous submitted, unsuccessful application for extramural funding;
• A letter of support from their department chair;
• A cover letter from the applicant addressing the critiques included in the summary statement or reviews of their proposal and describing how the award will lead to independent funding;
• A budget prepared by Research Services;
• A budget justification for the funds requested.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by the Mayo CTSA Education Executive Committee. Criteria for funding will be the: The merit of the proposal as reflected by the score and summary statements for the previously submitted, unsuccessful application for extramural funding; The alignment of the proposal with the goals of the Mayo CTSA to foster translational research; The potential for the award to lead to independent funding; The support of the department chair. Preference will be given to graduates of programs sponsored by the Mayo Clinic clinical and translational research training programs (Certificate, Masters, K12/KL2 programs). Awardees will be notified by December 14, 2007.

Final Report

Awardees are required to submit copy of subsequent resubmission of the application for extramural funding, subsequent scores, and awards to Mayo CTSA Education Resources. Awardees are required to acknowledge the support of the Mayo CTSA RR 24150-02 in any publications arising from work supported by these funds.

More Information

For more information, please contact Karen Weavers, Director of Operations, Mayo CTSA Education Resources 507-284-1275; weavers.karen@mayo.edu or Dr. Charles Huskins, Associate Director, Mayo CTSA Education Resources huskins.charles@mayo.edu.