Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases Pilot and Feasibility Grant Program 2013 Competition	Print Issue
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Purpose and Research Focus

The purpose of Penn’s Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases is to unite investigators with interests in digestive and liver physiology and disease and to stimulate others in the biomedical community to enter this area of research.  One of the most important aspects of this effort is the funding of Pilot/Feasibility Projects.

The Pilot/Feasibility Project should be related to the focus of the Center, which encompasses molecular studies on the biology or disease of the alimentary tract, pancreas and liver. Relevant investigations include those in developmental biology, nutrition, regulation of gene expression, growth, differentiation and carcinogenesis, the biology of stem cells, molecular genetics, gene therapy and immunology, including growth factors and cytokines.

They are also accepting applications for a joint Pilot grant with ITMAT that will increase funding to $45,000/yr. Applications are being solicited in the broad areas of biochemistry, biomedical engineering, developmental biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, neurosciences, pharmacology and physiology linked to digestive, liver and pancreatic diseases with a translational impact, either pre-clinically or clinically.

Eligibility

All faculty members of the University scientific community who meet the eligibility requirements below are invited to submit proposals. Applicants must be a US citizen or have a permanent visa.

1. New investigators who have never held extramural support (R01 and P01).
   
2. Established investigators in other areas of biomedical research who wish to apply their expertise to a problem in digestive and liver disease.
   
3. Established digestive and liver investigators who wish to study an area that represents a significant departure from currently funded work.
   

Pilot project awardees are eligible for two years of funding; renewals are evaluated competitively.

Proposal Preparation

1. Submit a PDF via email to kimmeyer@mail.med.upenn.edu Complete proposals due by Friday, May 3, 2013 in the Gastroenterology Division, rm. 954, BRB.
   
2. Format
   • Cover page: includes abstract of up to 250 words and list of approved or pending IACUC/IRB protocols.
   • NIH biographical sketch
   • NIH other support
   • Budget and justification: one year, $20,000 ($45,000 for joint RFA); one page only
   • Background, preliminary results, estimated core usage, research plan, and future directions; up to four pages total.
   • Senior Investigators should indicate how this project represents a new direction in their research.
   • References: one page only.
   • Appendix: pertaining to preliminary data only, no reprints.

For additional information, please contact: Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases, tel: (215) 573-4264, fax: (215)  898-0573, email: kimmeyer@upenn.edu