PURPOSE
The Regional Pilot/Feasibility (P/F) Grant Program is sponsored by the Michigan Diabetes Research Center (MDRC). Its purpose is to promote research in diabetes by new and established investigators at Wayne State University, Michigan State University, University of Toledo, Van Andel Institute, and Ohio State University, and to promote collaboration among investigators at these regional institutions and with MDRC members at the University of Michigan. The ultimate goal of the program is to enhance regional communication and collaboration among diabetes investigators, accelerate the pace of research, and enable awardees to generate sufficient preliminary data for successful applications for major research funding from the NIH or other national granting agencies.
Grant proposals may be in the areas of basic biomedical or clinical (Type T1 and T2 translational, bench to bedside) research and should address key questions regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diabetes, its complications, or related endocrine or metabolic disorders (for example: obesity, metabolic syndrome, counter-regulatory proteins). Clinical T3 and T4 translational research proposals are not eligible.
ELIGIBILITY
Individuals who hold instructional, research or clinical faculty positions at Wayne State University, Michigan State University, University of Toledo, Van Andel Institute, and Ohio State University are eligible to apply as Principal Investigators of Regional P/F proposals. Eligible applicants are: a) new investigators beginning careers in diabetes-related research; b) established investigators who have not previously worked in diabetes research but wish to focus their expertise on diabetes; or c) established diabetes investigators who propose innovative research in diabetes that represents a clear departure from their ongoing research. This new direction should represent a clear departure from research previously undertaken by the applicant. Priority is given to investigators in category “a” followed by investigators in category “b”.
The MDRC will consider applications for renewal for MDRC Regional P/F grants awarded in the prior two funding cycles (i.e., those awarded in 2022-23 or 2023-24). In addition to receiving a full external review for scientific merit, priority for funding for renewal applications will depend on progress made and the expenditure of funds during the prior award period.
To encourage interaction and collaboration between UM-based and Regional MDRC members, the MDRC Regional P/F program will also consider joint/collaborative projects between UM and Regional MDRC members. To apply for such an award, please use the MDRC DISP application forms.
PROPOSALS
Regional P/F proposals should be for one year of support, with requested funding up to $50,000 in direct costs ($40,000 from MDRC and $10,000 from home institution). Applications for joint/collaborative projects between UM and Regional MDRC members may request budgets of up to $100,000 total ($50,000 to faculty at each university) over 1-2 years. To apply for such an award, please use the MDRC DISP application forms.
The MDRC will consider applications for renewal (with additional budget up to $50,000) for MDRC Regional P/F grants awarded in the prior two funding cycles (i.e., those awarded in 2022-23 or 2023-24).
Each proposal will receive extramural peer review by recognized experts in the area of the proposal from the United States and abroad. Revised proposals from previous cycles are considered new applications and will be reviewed as such. The MDRC Grants Program Advisory Council of expert investigators reviews the P/F applications together with their respective peer evaluations and ranks the applications based on scientific merit and relevancy to diabetes research before final funding decisions are made. Funding for projects will depend on the successful renewal of the Michigan Diabetes Research Center application. Notice of planned awards for Regional P/F grants that receive favorable review is anticipated on or before December 1, 2024.
Regional P/F grant awardees are queried annually by MDRC administrative staff and are required to provide information on the publications and funding that stem from the Regional P/F grant as this information must be reported to NIH. Regional P/F grant awardees are also expected to present their research at the Annual Caswell Diabetes Institute Metabolism, Obesity, and Diabetes (CDI-MOD) Symposium . If awarded funding, junior faculty will need to identify a mentor and investigators outside the diabetes field will need to identify a diabetes advisor.
TO APPLY THROUGH COMPETITION SPACE:
Michigan Diabetes Research Center (MDRC) Regional Pilot/Feasibility Grant Program
- Download the Regional P/F Application and other Required Application Materials located on the right-hand side of the page under Supporting Documents. The Regional P/F Application file contains detailed application instructions.
- When you are ready to submit your application, select “Apply” from the right-hand menu in this Competition Space opportunity.
- All details are automatically saved as you enter them. When you are ready to submit, click "Submit Application" at the bottom of the page. You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been submitted.
Questions: Please contact Shay Aboutawila, shollamo@umich.edu or Brenda Phillips, blphil@umich.edu