BIBS Pilot Research Awards
Application Deadline: March 15, 2013
The Brown Institute for Brain Science announces a call for applications for Pilot Research Awards. BIBS will award Pilot Research Awards to support risky, innovative projects in interdisciplinary brain science. Awards will be up to $30,000. Up to 4 awards will be made based on impartial reviews of research proposals. BIBS Pilot Research Awards are supported by the David Mahoney Flexible Research Fund and the Suna Kiraç Fund for Brain Science.
Proposals must clearly describe the interdisciplinary nature of the research project. Eligible projects must involve two or more disparate disciplines, preferably linking the life sciences (molecular, cellular, systems, or behavioral) and the physical sciences (mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry or engineering). Projects that expand the research training and expertise of students into an interdisciplinary arena are especially encouraged. Although co-PIs are not explicitly required, evidence of a genuine collaboration is essential. Collaborations within departments are not explicitly excluded, but the most competitive projects typically involve new collaborations that extend beyond a single department. Pilot research projects must ultimately lead to submission of proposals for external research funding.
Allowable expenses include supplies and reagents, equipment, and stipend/salary support for students or research personnel. Funds cannot be used for faculty salaries, tuition, travel to scientific meetings, publication costs, invited speakers, entertainment, or indirect costs. Travel for research purposes may be allowed, but the need for such travel must be clearly described and justified. Awards are for one year and cannot be renewed.
Pilot research projects must be sponsored or led by an affiliated faculty member of the Brown Institute for Brain Science.
The proposal must be submitted as a single PDF document and must include the following:
• Cover page – Includes the title of the project, name and affiliation of the PI or co-PIs, and key personnel
• Biographical sketches for project leaders and key individuals (NIH or NSF style)
• Research Proposal (no more that 3 pages). Research proposal must include the specific aim or aims of the project, background and rationale, and experimental approach. The proposal must describe how the project relates to BIBS' goals and core research areas, the interdisciplinary nature of the project, and explicit plans to apply for external funding based on the pilot project's results
• Budget – Provide a budget of required funds, broken out by personnel, supplies, equipment, and other. Provide a brief justification describing how the requested funds will be sufficient to achieve the aims of the project.
• If applicable, please provide evidence of appropriate IACUC or IRB approval. If not provided with application, evidence of appropriate approvals will be required before successful applicants can access funds.
Review – Applications will be reviewed and ranked by a committee of faculty members selected by BIBS.
The deadline for applications is March 15, 2013. Submit application materials to BrainScience@brown.edu. Please use the subject line "Brain Science Pilot Research Award Application” when you submit your application.
Note: BIBS and the Norman Prince Neurosciences Institute are also co-sponsoring a New Frontiers Award Program to foster collaboration between basic science and clinical faculty members. Both programs have the same submission deadline of March 15, 2013, and the same review committee will evaluate all applications. If you have questions regarding the more appropriate mechanism for your project, please contact BIBS Associate Directors John Davenport (John_Davenport@brown.edu) or John Robson (John_Robson@brown.edu).