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Scientific Review Panels

To ensure that CTSA Research Resources are available to the widest range of investigators with scientifically meritorious projects, three Scientific Review panels have been established. These panels, under the overall direction of L. Joseph Melton, III, M.D., are responsible for reviewing proposed protocols, awarding and administering intramural research funding and allocation and review of resources, including the use of the Clinical Research Unit and Translational Technology Cores.

The three review panels have discrete areas of responsibility:

  • Novel Methodology Review Panel – this panel oversees the Novel Methodology Development Award (NMDA), a new intramural funding mechanism established through the Mayo Clinic CTSA. The NMDA offers protocol funding up to $50,000 and up to 10% Category I time (protected research time) for one year. There are two award cycles per year. The CTSA Service Center provides dedicated staff to assist investigators with budget preparation and ongoing management of their award.
  • Pilot and Feasibility Study Review Panel – this panel oversees the allocation of approximately $3 million in annual intramural funding for clinical research. Formerly known as the CR20 program, these awards provide 20% Category I time (protected research time) as well as varying amounts of protocol funding over a two-year period. The focus of the award is to help investigators with promising pilot studies to generate preliminary data that will allow them to secure extramural funding. The CTSA Service Center provides dedicated staff to assist investigators with budget preparation and ongoing management of their award.
  • Research Resources Review Panel – this panel reviews all requests to use CTSA Research Resources, carefully allocating those resources based on the scientific merit of proposals as well as their potential for timely translation to “real-world” medical practice. The goal of the Research Resources Review Panel is to make CTSA resources available to widest possible range of clinical investigators, and to continuously evaluate resource usage to ensure appropriate allocation of the Mayo and NIH investment in research infrastructure.