Pilot Projects
University of Iowa PRC Pilot Project Program
Background
In 2008, the UI PRC implemented a Pilot Project Program whereby we annually fund, through a competitive and peer reviewed process, pilot studies of investigators including doctoral candidates and post-doctoral trainees on campus. In 2011, the UI PRC extended the program to applicants from Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa. This program has expanded our research portfolio, our collaborative potential, and our reach into new communities.The primary objectives of the pilot project program are to encourage the development of new research projects consistent with the mission of the UI PRC and to attract new research partners to collaborate with us. The UI PRC is particularly interested in pilot projects focusing on Iowa communities and that in some way engage community members. Priority is given to pilot proposals that hold great potential for leading to a larger, externally funded research proposal.
2017-2018 PILOT PROJECT PROGRAM – REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
February 2017
Background
The mission of the UI Prevention Research Center (PRC) is to improve community health by enhancing community capacity for health promotion in rural Iowa. We accomplish this by establishing community partnerships and conducting research on community health. The primary objectives of the pilot project program are to encourage the development of new research projects consistent with the mission of the PRC and to attract new research partners to collaborate with us. The PRC is particularly interested in pilot projects focusing on Iowa communities and that in some way engage community members. Priority is given to pilot proposals that hold great potential for leading to a larger, externally funded research proposal.
Past and current examples of awarded projects can be viewed on our website under the pilot projects header.
Who May Apply
Any faculty member, research scientist, or post-doctoral trainee at the University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, or Iowa State University with an interest in conducting research on health promotion in rural settings is encouraged to apply. Proposals submitted by a fellow must have a faculty sponsor and a letter confirming that support. Study proposals involving animals, basic bench science, or evaluation of existing programs or services will not be considered responsive to this RFP.
FY 2017 Awards
One award will be given for the 2017-2018 funding cycle. The pilot project will be limited to one year in length and a maximum cost of $20,000 (direct) for each project. Funding is available for the usual categories of cost in an NIH grant, such as salary and fringe for research assistants, supplies, equipment, data analysis cost, participant remuneration, travel associated with research (but not to attend professional meetings), and office expenses. Faculty salary support is not eligible under this pilot project program. No funds shall be included for indirect costs.
Submission Procedure, Deadline, and Award Date
Funding announcement is made in February and applications will be accepted through April 28, 2017 with announcements made in June. Projects will begin October 1, 2017 and run until September 30, 2018.
Investigators are strongly encouraged to initiate the appropriate human subjects review processes as soon as possible. No funds will be distributed until this approval has been obtained. All investigators involved in the conduct of human subject research must have received University-approved education offered by the UI’s Human Subjects Office, or similar training at their home institution. Proposals should be sent via e-mail as a single document attachment to Heidi Haines, PRC Center Coordinator, Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa (heidi-haines@uiowa.edu).
Proposal Organization
Applications will follow the general NIH guidelines for research proposals. The proposal should be organized as follows:
Proposal Section Page Limit
Cover Page and Executive Summary (150 words) 1
Research Plan (5 pages total for plan)
Specific Aims
Background and Significance
Preliminary Studies (if any)
Design and Methods, Human Subjects issues
Potential for Future Grant
Support Budget and Justification 1-2
Schedule and Milestones 1-2
Biographical Sketch (NIH form)
for each Investigator 4 page max. for each
Letters of Support optional
Proposal Review
The PRC Executive Committee, with additional referees as needed, will evaluate each proposal using the following criteria: relevance to Center goals, significance, approach and originality, validity and reliability of methods, qualifications of investigator(s), and the likelihood of future extramural funding. Members of the Committee will not participate in the evaluation of applications submitted by them or when they are collaborators with another investigator. Investigators that believe an unfair or inaccurate peer evaluation process has occurred may submit a written appeal letter to the Center Director outlining specific concerns about the process. At the discretion of the Center Director, the appeal may be referred to outside consultants for an additional peer review.
Reporting Requirements
Each funded pilot project is required to submit a brief mid-year progress report and a final report. The mid-year and final reports shall be submitted according to instructions provided by the Center. Investigators are also asked to acknowledge PRC funding sources in all publications and presentations, and to notify Dr. Edith Parker, Director, of all publications, presentations, and subsequent grants related to the pilot work. Funded investigators will be invited to present their findings through a Community and Behavioral Health seminar or poster presentation.
Contact Information
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Ms. Heidi Haines (335-8350; heidi-haines@uiowa.edu) regarding scientific questions about the pilot project program and Mr. Rob Svetly (384-1473; robert-svetly@uiowa.edu) regarding budgetary and administrative procedures.