NIAID/NIH Centers for Medical Countermeasures Against Radiation (CMCR) Program
Call for Pilot Project Applications 2023
[SUBMISSION IS CLOSED]
The Centers for Medical Countermeasures against Radiation Consortium (CMCRC) is now accepting applications for pilot projects. See CMCRC pilot project application instructions and forms.
Application due date: March 1, 2023
Anticipated project start date: August 1, 2023
Pilot project funding is intended to
- Foster novel/early ideas within and outside awarded CMCRCs
- Develop or incorporate new technologies as they become available
- Encourage collaborations among members of different centers and between the CMCRC and outside investigators (although research collaborations with existing centers are not required)
- Allow maximum flexibility for the advancement of exciting high-risk, high-reward projects
Principal Investigators of pilot projects funded through the CMCRC program since 2021 are not eligible as PIs of new projects, but may be included as collaborators. Junior investigators are especially encouraged to apply. Pilot projects must be within the scope of the original CMCRC request for applications (RFA) (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/rfa-ai-19-012.html).
Proposals should be sent by 3/1/23 to Margaret Zhu at mz2171@cumc.columbia.edu and should consist of items 1-13 below assembled in the following order into a single pdf document:
1. Face Page (Indicate if PI is an Early Career Investigator within 10 years of degree)
2. Abstract (30 lines)
3. Specific Aims and Milestones (1 page max.)
4. Research Plan: Background/Preliminary Results, Research Design and Methods (3 pages max.)
5. References Cited
6. Detailed budget for year 1 (may use NIH format)
7. Budget justification (one year only)
8. NIH format Biographical sketch (including other support) for key personnel
9. Resources and Equipment
10. Protection of Human Subjects, if applicable
11. Details of Vertebrate Animal Research, if applicable
12. Letters of support (optional)
13. Completed checklist
Proposals will be evaluated on standard NIH scoring criteria (Significance, Investigators, Innovation, Approach, and Environment), with weighting given to both innovation and significant translational impact 1) in the context of potential contribution to the overall goals of the CMCRC, and 2) in the field of the proposed research. Research Plans should address NIH rigor and reproducibility requirements.
Human and animal protection documentation will be requested as appropriate from projects selected for funding on a “just in time” basis. Individuals are required to comply with the instructions for the Resource Sharing Plans (Data Sharing Plan, Sharing Model Organisms, and Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS)) as provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide (version H).
Notes on the budget:
• The maximum award is $100,000 per year (direct costs).
• Funding will be awarded initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year.
• The milestones provided will be used to benchmark progress and future feasibility in the competitive review of first-year progress reports.
• As per NIH guidelines, pilot budgets may not include sub-contracts.
• As per NIH guidelines, the indirect rate for non-US applicants is capped at 8%.
If you have questions, please contact:
Margaret Zhu
Center for Radiological Research
Columbia University Medical Center
Click HERE to download application forms
