Pilot & Feasibilty Studies In Basic Urologic Research

The NIDDK-sponsored George M. O’Brien Urology Research Center in the division of urology, department of surgery at Penn has funding for two Pilot & Feasibility (P&F) projects. The George M. O’Brien Urology Research Center is an inter-institutional, multidisciplinary program that focuses its research on the molecular mechanisms underlying smooth muscle dysfunction in partial urinary bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO). The Pilot & Feasibility grants are open to investigators from Penn and other medical schools in the Philadelphia area.

Grants are available for investigators interested in directing their research to urinary bladder function and dysfunction. The scope of the research is broadly defined, including applications that address a wide range of topics in urology and the pathogenesis of urologic diseases. Investigators working in the area of smooth muscle biology, signal transduction, ion channel proteins, calcium regulation or epithelial cell biology are encouraged to spend a minimum of 10 percent effort to study the lower urinary tract and male genital system.  The support through the P & F grant is expected to generate sufficient background and preliminary data to submit an independent research grant.

Awards for $50-60k per year will be granted based on scientific merit. These P & F grants are awarded for one year and are eligible for one year renewal based on competitive review. The initial award period is September 1, 2005 to August 31, 2006. The present research projects in the George M. O’Brien Urology Research Center at Penn are listed on the web site www.uphs.upenn.edu/urolab/index.html.

In the spirit of pilot funding, support is intended for junior investigators who are establishing their independent research careers or senior investigators seeking to perform research in an area that they have not previously pursued. The final grant proposal should have no more than five pages (to include all figures and references). The application should be approved by the applicant’s department chair. 

A letter of intent, including biosketch in the NIH-format, other support, letters of collaboration (if appropriate), a title, and a one-page summary of the proposed research should be sent to Dr. Samuel K. Chacko. Principal Investigators need to devote at least 10 percent effort to the project and equipment is not an allowable expense. Photomicrographs and manuscripts may be submitted in a separate appendix. Letter of intent deadline is April 30, 2005 via e-mail to chackosk@mail.med.upenn.edu. Application deadline is May 30, 2005; possible funding start date is September 1, 2005.

All application materials must be submitted electronically. Specific instructions will be issued upon receipt of letter of intent. Direct all questions to: Dr. Samuel K. Chacko, professor of pathology & director of basic urology, 3005 Ravdin-Courtyard-HUP, Penn, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Tel. (215) 662-6870; e-mail: chackosk@mail.med.upenn.edu.