Research News - August 4, 2017

MGH has recently purchased licenses for the MGH research community for ChemOffice and PyMOL. ChemOffice Professional is an integrated suite of scientifically intelligent productivity tools that enables researchers to capture, store, retrieve and a share data and information on compounds, reactions, materials and their properties. PyMol is a molecular visualization system on an open source foundation, maintained and distributed by Schrödinger.  To use these resources, please follow the instructions provided below.

ChemOffice
The starting point for a ChemOffice download is http://sitesubscription.cambridgesoft.com/#M, which marks the head of a list of institutions with names beginning with M. Scroll down to the entry for Massachusetts General Hospital and click on the link. You must have an email address ending in mgh.harvard.edu to receive your activation code.

PyMOL
PyMOL may be downloaded from http://pymol.org/dsc. The invoice number is 23514, the username is 18jul16 and the password is tvcwoyc4.

Calling all researchers working in the fields of artificial intelligence, deep learning and digital health!

This is your chance to present at our Art of Talking Science Competition: Rise of the Machines on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at the Russell Museum.

It seems like everywhere you turn these days, people are talking about artificial intelligence, deep learning and digital health and what it will mean for healthcare, science and the delivery of medicine.
Are you conducting research in these dynamic fields? Think you can explain your science in simple terms to a live audience and a panel of celebrity judges?

Click on the link below to fill out our application form, and don't forget to send a first-person video describing yourself and your research. If you're chosen as a contestant, you'll have four minutes to present your science in a fast, fun and easy-to-understand way, then receive feedback from our panel of expert science communicators.

Last year's inaugural Art of Talking Science competition was tons of fun (and drew a standing room-only crowd), so don't miss your chance to take part in this HUBweek favorite!

Apply Now

Questions? Please email us at researchinstitute@mgh.harvard.edu

Thursday, August 10, 2017, 12:00 – 1:00pm, MGH Main Campus (details provided upon registration)

Would you like to know more about the Claflin Distinguished Scholar Awards?  This panel discussion is designed for women who are considering or preparing an application for the 2018 awards.  In this session you will learn about:

• Eligibility requirements
• Resources to improve your application
• Advice from recent Claflin Scholars
• How the award can advance your career

Please click here to register:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/20170810ClaflinPanel

Wednesday, August 9, 2017, 12:00-1:30pm, MGH Main Campus (details provided upon registration)

A seminar for MGH research faculty and fellows sponsored by the Office for Research Career Development.

Would you like to know what happens after you send your grant application to NIH?
This “mock” study section will provide a window into the NIH grant review process. Featuring MGH faculty with extensive NIH study section experience, this program will help you:

• Understand the NIH instructions to reviewers and the grant scoring process
• Experience the type of discussion that takes place on NIH review panels
• See examples of funded and unfunded grants being reviewed

Mock Study Section for NIH Grant Reviews
Panelists

• Staci D. Bilbo, PhD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics;
• Dennis Brown, PhD, Professor of Medicine, and Director, Office for Research Career Development;
• Darlene Dartt, PhD, Professor of Ophthalmology;
• Andrew A. Nierenberg, MD, Professor of Psychiatry

Please click here to register. If you have any questions contact us at orcd@partners.org.

Wednesday, August 16, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Simches 3rd Floor, opposite lunchroom

J-1 and J-2 visa holders must always have a valid travel signature on their DS-2019 (not more than a one year old) when travelling internationally. A PIPS advisor will be at MGH to provide signatures:
Please bring the DS-2019s for all family members, as well as your MGH ID.

Signatures are also available by appointment at our Somerville office.  Please note that PIPS will be closed on September 4, 2017 (Labor Day). PIPS Advisors recommend avoiding afternoon appointments on the workday preceding each holiday, as Partners offices often close early on those days.  See the PIPS website calendar http://pips.partners.org/ for additional sessions.

Tuesday, September 5, 12:00 - 1:00 pm, Simches Auditorium 3.110 & Video-conferencing to CNY

AGENDA

• ECOR Grants and Awards:  Tips & Guidelines for Applicants                          
• Insight 4.0 Update - Research

Following each Research Council meeting, there will be a Researcher Resource Room in Simches 3.120, adjacent to the auditorium. Over 15 representatives will be on hand to distribute materials and answer your questions.

**Please note that the September Research Council will be held on a TUESDAY!**

All MGH Researchers welcome!

Monday, September 11, 9:00am - 3:00pm, Simches Building, 3rd Floor, Simches 3.110

Sponsored by the Division of Clinical Research at MGH

Join us for this exciting course looking at complex challenges that have become widespread due to rapid advances in genomic technologies, large scale data sharing, and the emerging integration of genetic and biomarker findings into clinical setting.  Investigators throughout the Harvard community have increasingly expressed a need to adapt Responsible Conduct of Research training to this new and changing environment. 

The course will provide a practical introduction to a range of challenges as they relate to research in genomics, bioinformatics, DNA sequencing, and functional genomics.

RCR Eligibility: Completion of this course will fulfill two lecture/discussion requirements.

This course is intended for individuals who are working in the field of genetics and genomics.
Registration is required. Light lunch will be available. Contact Tiereny Morrison-Rohlfs with questions.

Thursday, September 14, 12:00pm -1:00pm, Simches Building, 2nd Floor, Garrod/Mendel Conference Room

Speakers:  Sheldon Ratnofsky, Human Research Specialist
Learn how the Administrative Chairs (voting members of the IRB) review and consider ethical, scientific and regulatory aspects of human subjects research during full board review of new protocols. The Administrative Chairs will explain the commonly encountered Federal Regulations and how they can be addressed in your submission, as well as common deficiencies in protocol summaries.

This session is limited to 25 participants to facilitate interaction. Registration is required.
Please contact Tiereny Morrison-Rohlfs with any questions.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, September - October 2017, 5:00pm – 6:30pm, Potts Conference Room

Sponsored by the MGH Division of Clinical Research, the Division of Infectious Diseases, and the Department of Psychiatry

Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials is an intensive thirteen-session course offered from early-September through late October. Physicians with a serious interest in clinical trials will be introduced to theoretical and practical issues facing clinical researchers.  Course participants will learn how to envision, plan, develop and execute effective clinical trials. Study content includes research designs, protocols, ethical patient recruitment, informed consent, regulations, and clinical trial management.

The course is ideally suited for clinical fellows starting their research years, junior faculty pursuing careers in clinical research, and physicians with an interest in becoming more actively involved in clinical research.  All participants are expected to use the course curriculum to develop and present a trial design at the final session of the course. 

Enrollment is limited to facilitate interaction and individual attention. To ensure placement in the course, early application is recommended. All applications will be reviewed in mid-August.

To submit an application and/or view a course schedule, please go to: Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials. Contact Cassidy Peters with any questions.

October 17-20, 2017

Applications due September 11th

This four-day survey course offers an introduction to the skills necessary to embark on a career in translational research, with a focus on the principles of translational medicine as they apply to the development of a new drug (small molecules and/or biologics), device, or diagnostics.

Please click here to learn more: http://catalyst.harvard.edu/services/ittm/

Please email for more information.

Applications are now being accepted by the Executive Committee on Research (ECOR) for the MGH Research Scholars Program
What is it?
The Massachusetts General Hospital Research Scholars Program was established with the aim of supporting MGH research faculty who are pursuing either fundamental (basic) or clinical research at the level of Assistant, Associate or Full Professor.  The intent of these awards is to support the careers of outstanding MGH investigators doing cutting-edge research that is highly innovative and expected to result in fundamental scientific discoveries and/or clinical applications.  This year, we are asking applicants to choose one of three categories based on the research proposed in the application: Clinical research, Fundamental research, or Population and healthcare research.

How much is each award?
These awards are for $500,000 over 5 years; and will be funded at $100,000 per year, including 15% indirect costs.

When is the deadline?
Tuesday, October 17, 2017 – 5:00 PM

How do I learn more and apply?

• Click here to read more and apply online.
• Click here to see a list of past recipients.
• Visit the ECOR website for other funding opportunities.

The MGH Claflin Distinguished Scholar Awards
for Female Junior Faculty Investigators in Fundamental &
Clinical Research

Applications are now being accepted by the Executive Committee on Research (ECOR) for the
Claflin Distinguished Scholar Awards!

What are the Claflin Awards?
Although women scientists are recruited to Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) programs, their advancement to senior faculty positions is still far less frequent than that of their male counterparts.  In 1993, The Women in Academic Medicine Committee, originally chaired by Mrs. R. Morton Claflin, Honorary Trustee, was established to facilitate the academic careers of women in science at MGH.  Recognizing that a significant obstacle to career advancement is the difficulty of maintaining research productivity during the child-rearing years, this Committee, with the sponsorship of the Executive Committee on Research (ECOR), established the Claflin Distinguished Scholar Awards.  It is intended that this funding will increase opportunities for women to advance to senior positions in academic medicine.

How much is each award?
These are two year awards for $50,000 per year in direct costs, plus 15% for indirect costs.

When is the deadline?
Wednesday, October 11, 2017 - 5:00 PM

How do I learn more and apply?
Click here to read more and apply online! For additional information, attend the Claflin Distinguished Scholar Awards Informational Panel Discussion

(This award is designed for Canadian Citizens, permanent residents of Canada and foreign citizens of Canada.)

What is it?
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship program provides funding to the very best postdoctoral applicants, both nationally and internationally, who will positively contribute to the country's economic, social and research-based growth. The award is designed for Canadian Citizens, permanent residents of Canada and foreign citizens of Canada.

The objective of the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship program is to:

• attract and retain top-tier postdoctoral talent, both nationally and internationally
• develop their leadership potential
• position them for success as research leaders of tomorrow 

There is no set cap on the number of applicants MGH can endorse, however there is a significant amount of institutional involvement required for this application process.  The internal application will be used to confirm the applicant's eligibility and to assist the applicant with obtaining the required institutional letter of endorsement. 

How much is each award?
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship is a stipend of $70,000 (taxable) per year for 2 years and does not support indirect costs (IDC).  There are no additional funds provided for travel/research.  This Fellowship is not subject to the MGH 15% IDC requirement.

When is the deadline?
MGH Internal Application Deadline: Monday, August 21, 2017
Sponsor Application Deadline: September 20, 2017

How do I learn more and apply?

• Click here to read more and apply online.
• To review the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship application guidelines and process, please click here.

We ask that all MGH Investigators interested in applying for any limited submission award submit a Letter of Intent (see detailed instructions below) to the MGH Executive Committee on Research (ECOR) by the deadline indicated for each award to be considered to receive an institutional nomination.

Process
Submit a one- to two-page Letter of Intent (LOI) to the MGH Executive Committee on Research (ECOR) via email to ecor@partners.org.  In addition to your LOI, please include an NIH Biosketch.

The letter of intent should include:

• Name of the Principal Investigator with appropriate contact information
• A descriptive title of the potential application
• Brief description of the project
• Brief description of why you specifically should be selected to receive institutional nomination for this award

If there is more than one MGH investigator interested in applying for each limited submission award, the LOIs will be used to assess candidates and a review and selection process will take place.

Current Limited Submission Funding Opportunities
Please click here for more information and for our internal deadlines.

• Clinical and Translational Science Award (U54)
• NIAMS Rheumatic Diseases Research Resource-based Centers (P30)
• Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (P30)
• George M. O'Brien Kidney Research Core Centers (P30)
• Population Dynamics Centers Research Infrastructure Program FY 2018 (P2C) – NEW!

If there is a limited submission funding opportunity you do not see listed below or you have any additional questions, please let us know at ecor@mgh.harvard.edu.

Please note that any grant that brings in less than 15% in indirect costs (IDC) will need to be supplemented up to the 15% equivalent by existing investigator or departmental sundry funds. Resolution of this issue must occur prior to submission of the award.

Please contact Corporate & Foundation Relations in the Office of Development at devcfr@mgh.harvard.edu if you wish to submit a proposal in response to any of these funding opportunities.  Note that proposals are still routed through the standard InfoEd/Research Management process.

Week of 8/4/17

• In-Cycle Grant Opportunities:  Pilot and Feasibility Grant, Alpha-1 Foundation (A1F)
• In-Cycle Grant Opportunities:  Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Grant, Alpha-1 Foundation (A1F)
• In-Cycle Grant Opportunities:  Research Grant Alpha-1 Foundation (A1F)
• Open Call for Research Proposals, Angelman Syndrome Foundation, Inc. (ASF)
• AFTD Pilot Grants - 2017 AFTD Pilot Grant for Basic Science Research, Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD)
• AFTD Pilot Grants - 2017 AFTD Susan Marcus Memorial Fund Pilot Grant for Clinical Research, Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD)
• Clinic and Laboratory Integration Program (CLIP) Grants, Cancer Research Institute (CRI)
• Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowships, Cancer Research Institute
• Grants, Caplan Foundation for Early Childhood
• Pilot Projects for a Human Cell Atlas, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
• Charles & Daneen Stiefel Scholar Award, Dermatology Foundation
• The Hilda and Preston Davis Foundation Awards Program for Eating Disorders Research: Junior Faculty, Health Resources in Action (HRiA)/The Medical Foundation
• The Hilda and Preston Davis Foundation Awards Program for Eating Disorders Research: Senior Postdoctoral Fellows, Health Resources in Action (HRiA)/The Medical Foundation
• Research Initiatives:  Basic Research Grants Program and Fellowships, Hereditary Disease Foundation
• SWOG Early Exploration and Development (SEED) Fund, The Hope Foundation
• Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, Life Sciences Research Foundation (LSRF)
• Accelerator Award, Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF/NET Research Foundation)
• Petersen Investigator Award, Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF/NET Research Foundation)
• Pilot Awards, Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF/NET Research Foundation)
• Project Research Grant, Wings for Life (WFL) Spinal Cord Research Foundation

MGH ECOR Formulaic Bridge Funding Support
Application Deadline: August 7, 2017; 7th day of each month

Boston Biomedical Innovation Center (B-BIC) Accepting PILOT & DRIVE Grant Pre-Proposals

MGH Clinical Research Day - October 5

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