Research News - November 7, 2014

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Partners Research Management FY14 Annual Report

Click here for your copy of the FY14 Research Management Annual Report.

2. R&D Systems items now available from Fisher Scientific

Effective November 4, 2014 the portfolio of products from R&D Systems will need to be ordered through Fisher Scientific, and will no longer be available directly from R&D Systems. This change is significant for many who are using R&D Systems to procure life sciences products for research and labs. The primary reason for this change is the recent exclusive distribution agreement between R&D Systems and Fisher Scientific for the R&D Systems portfolio of products (previously available direct).

The benefit to ordering through Fisher Scientific is (1) access to more of R&D Systems product portfolio, (2) guaranteed same or better pricing, and (3) no-charge second-day shipping. Additionally, your search won't change; you'll still find the same products in the Marketplace Search under vendor Fisher Scientific, but you'll also have the added availability of going to Fisher's website through Supplier Websites to find your items.

During this transition to ordering R&D Systems products through Fisher Scientific there are going to be potential pricing anomalies. Partners Materials Management has a long standing, high profile relationship with Fisher Scientific, and will continue to manage these irregularities both proactively through typical processes, and reactively as they occur. At any time during this transition please send concerns related to Fisher Scientific pricing irregularities to the Materials Management Client Services team (mmclientservices@partners.org or 617-726-2142) for review. In most cases Materials Management will provide resolution with Fisher Scientific. However, in the case when resolution is not available with Fisher Scientific we will work to source a suitable replacement product and/or supplier.

3. Core of the Week: MGH Metabolic Imaging Core

MGH Metabolic Imaging Core 
Director: Martin Torriani, MD, MSc
55 Fruit Street - YAW 6048, Boston, MA 02129

The MGH Metabolic Imaging Core provides Mass General and Partners investigators with access to non-invasive metabolic imaging. We perform a wide array of imaging modalities including CT, MRI and multi-nuclear MRS, as well as have expertise in image acquisition, processing, display and data analysis. We perform state-of-the-art imaging for body composition analysis (MRS of muscle, liver, marrow and adipose tissue), high-resolution imaging of joints and soft tissues, and biochemical mapping of cartilage (T2, T1rho, T2* mapping).

Learn more by visiting the MGH Metabolic Imaging Core website.

4. The Latest from PCORI - Friday Deadline for Comments on Proposed Peer Review Process

Please click here to read the latest news from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

EVENTS

1. HMS Faculty Seminar - "Meet and Greet" Faculty Networking Lunch with Dr. Susan Slaugenhaupt

Tuesday, December 9, 2014, 12:00 to 1:30 pm, Location provided upon registration

The Center for Faculty Development's Office for Women's Careers presents a seminar for MGH faculty with HMS academic appointments.

The OWC's "Meet and Greet" networking series provides an opportunity for faculty to hear from a senior MGH faculty member about her career path, and is also a great way to meet colleagues in a relaxed setting. Susan Slaugenhaupt, PhD will join us as the guest speaker at this event. Dr. Slaugenhaupt is a Professor of Neurology in the Center for Human Genetic Research, a 2013 MGH Scholar, and was recently appointed as the first Scientific Director of the MGH Research Institute. Join us to meet Dr. Slaugenhaupt and network with your MGH colleagues.

'Meet and Greet" Faculty Networking Lunch with Dr. Susan Slaugenhaupt

Speaker: Susan Slaugenhaupt, PhD, Professor of Neurology, Scientific Director, MGH Research Institute, 2013 MGH Scholar

Please click here to register by Tue, Dec 2.

2. CRP Spotlight Series: Delegation of Responsibilities in a Clinical Research Study

Thursday, December 4, 11:30am - 12:30pm, Simches Room 3.120

Sponsored by the MGH Clinical Research Program and the MGH Clinical Research Center

Speaker: Kathy Hall, MS, APC-BC, NE-BC, Nursing Director, MGH Clinical Research Center

As part of a research study an investigator may decide to delegate certain tasks to a member of the study team, who is trained to perform such tasks. Please join Kathy Hall as she discusses the responsibilities that can and cannot be delegated to study staff. Kathy will discuss the following topics:

• What tasks can be delegated to a clinical research assistant or coordinator?
• What tasks can be performed by a clinical research nurse or nurse practitioner?
• What study-related activities can only be performed by an investigator?
• What to do if you have been asked to perform a task you are not qualified to perform.

Registration is required. Please contact Jillian Tonelli with any questions.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

1. The MGH Research Scholars Program

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 basic or clinical research at the level of Assistant, Associate or Full Professor.

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

When is the deadline?
Monday, November 10, 2014 - 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.

2. Center for the Human Immunology (CHI) Pilot Feasibility Program

The Center for the Human Immunology (CHI) invites investigators working in areas relevant to viral persistence or initiating a new area of research relevant to viral persistence to apply for support under the CHI's Pilot Feasibility Program. Pilot Feasibility Awards are one year awards for up to $50,000 direct costs.

The Center for the Human Immunology (CHI) is a multidisciplinary program funded by NIAID. CHI promotes the research of both basic and clinical scientists in areas related to the persistence of hepatitis C virus infection. These include, but are not limited to:

• Immune and Inflammatory Responses to Pathogens (including innate immune recognition and antigen presentation)
• Viral Pathogenesis (including virus-host cell interactions, but related to the immune response)

GOALS: Funds have been made available to support Pilot/Feasibility Study grants consistent with the overall goals of the Center. The goals of the CHI Program are to support:

• Young investigators (junior faculty or senior fellows*) working in areas that will improve our understanding of basic processes relevant to viral persistence.
• Established investigators initiating a new area of research in their laboratories relevant to mechanisms underlying viral persistence.

The objective of a Pilot/Feasibility Study grant is to enable an investigator to complete sufficient preliminary studies to enable successful application for more substantial funding from other sources. Pilot/Feasibility Study grants are not intended to supplement ongoing or currently funded projects.

FUNDING: The CHI will be funding grants of up to $50,000 direct costs through this program. Pilot/Feasibility Study awards are made for a one-year period; a second year may be considered on a competing basis.

APPLICATIONS: May be obtained by sending a request to Barbara Steele via telephone at 617-724-7554 or via email at bsteele@mgh.harvard.edu. The deadline for receipt of applications is December 1, 2014.

*Fellow must be in the final year of training and must have a documented commitment to a faculty appointment by the sponsoring unit or department.

3. The George and Mary Vergottis Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship

HMS Deadline: December 15, 2014
Number of Harvard Nominations: up to 2

Description: The George and Mary Vergottis Foundation will provide financial assistance in the form of a postdoctoral fellowship to postdoctoral fellows who are Greek nationals.

Amount of Support: $50,000/year for 2 years (potentially renewable) that may be used for salary support or materials and supplies.

Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must -
1. Be at the postdoctoral training level at time of award
2. Be a Greek national

Application Instructions: 
Materials -
1. CV
2. Letter of reference
3. Statement of interest
4. Letter of commitment from an HMS faculty member

Materials must be emailed to Betty_Carbunari@hms.harvard.edu by 5:00pm on December 15, 2014.

Additional Notes: Harvard Medical School is the sole nominating institution for members of the HMS community. Faculty at affiliated hospitals may apply only through HMS. This award may not be used for a clinical fellowship.

Please contact Betty Carbunari with any questions at Betty_Carbunari@hms.harvard.edu, or via phone at 617-432-7463.

4. Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation Clinical Investigator Award

HMS Application Deadline: November 25, 2014 by 5:00pm

Funding Amount: $450,000 over 3 years plus debt repayment program

The Clinical Investigator Award program supports early career physician-scientists conducting patient-oriented research. The goal of this innovative program is to increase the number of physicians capable of moving seamlessly between the laboratory and the patient's bedside in search of breakthrough treatments.

Clinical Research is defined as:
1. Patient-oriented research: research conducted with human subjects
2. Epidemiologic and behavioral studies
3. Outcomes research and health services research

Excluded from this definition are in vitro studies that utilize human tissues but do not deal directly with patients. This award is designed to support physicians who adhere to "The Handshake Rule," meaning that he/she will conduct research studies that directly involve patients.

Eligibility Criteria:
1. Applicants must be an instructor or assistant professor.
2. Applicants must have received an MD or MD/PhD degree(s), completed his/her subspecialty training and be board-eligible.
3. Applicants must be within the first four years of assistant professor appointment (cut-off July 1, 2011).
4. Applicants must apply in conjunction with a mentor who is established in the field of clinical translational cancer research, cancer prevention and/or epidemiology and can provide critical guidance during the period of the award.
5. Must commit 80% time to research.
6. Applicants may not concurrently hold another physician-scientist career development award from a private source. See foundation website for examples. Candidates holding or awarded R01s at the time of application are not eligible to apply.
7. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Applicants are encouraged to review the Foundation website as well as the list of most recently awarded grants.

To apply please use the HMS Foundation Funds application. Please note that this is a limited submission funding opportunity and all MGH investigators must apply directly through HMS to be considered.

If you have any questions, please contact Betty Carbunari at betty_carbunari@hms.harvard.edu, or via phone at 617-432-7463.

5. Limited Submission Funding Opportunities

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@mgh.harvard.edu. In addition to your LOI, please include an NIH Biosketch.

The letter of intent should include:
1. Name of the Principal Investigator with appropriate contact information
2. A descriptive title of the potential application
3. Brief description of the project
4. Brief description of why you specifically should be selected to receive institutional nomination for this award

In the event that there is more than one MGH investigators 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.

• The Midlife in the United States Study (U19)
• NINDS Institutional Center Core Grants to Support Neuroscience Research (P30)
• Clinical and Translational Science Award (U54)
• NIH Director's Early Independence Awards (DP5)

If there is a limited submission funding opportunity you do not see listed above or you have any additional questions, please contact Erin McGivney at 617-643-6471.

6. Private Funding Opportunities

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.

• AAF Scholar Awards, American Asthma Foundation (AAF)
• Keith Michael Andrus Memorial Award, Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA)
• Glenn/AFAR Breakthroughs in Gerontology (BIG) Awards, American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR)
• NARSAD Independent Investigator, Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
• New Investigator Awards in Alzheimer's Disease, American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR)
• Research Grants, A Kids' Brain Tumor Cure Foundation (aka The PLGA Foundation)
• Julie Martin Mid-Career Award in Aging Research, American Federation for Aging Research

Please click here for further details on these funding opportunities.

7. NIH Update for Week Ending November 7, 2014

For the latest National Institutes of Health notices, requests for applications, and program announcements, follow this link: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/WeeklyIndex.cfm

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Reminders of recently posted funding opportunities, deadlines and events

MGH ECOR Formulaic Bridge Funding
Application Deadline: 7th day of each month

NIH Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs)
Application Deadline: November 17, 2014

Pilot Funding Opportunity: Early Clinical Data Support for Grant Submissions
Application deadline: November 20, 2014

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

The Warren Triennial Prize & Symposium - November 24

Introduction to Proteomics and Metabolomics - December 18

Save the Date! SAC 2015 - April 1 & 2, 2015

Executive Committee On Research (ECOR) Massachusetts General Hospital

50 Staniford Street, Suite 1001, Boston, MA 02114

ecor@mgh.harvard.edu