The Duke School of Medicine Precision Genomics Collaboratory is offering pilot grants with the goal of forming new collaborations in genomic science between researchers and clinicians. While we will consider expanding existing collaborations, our priority is forming new collaborations.
The Precision Genomics Collaboratory (PGC) has as its fundamental mission to coalesce, convene, coordinate, and facilitate communication between Duke genomics scientists, engineers, and clinicians, with the goal of creating a community for collaborative, interdisciplinary science and translation. This pilot grant opportunity exists to enhance collaborations between basic and clinical science to address pressing challenges in genomics discovery, translation and/or implementation.
These pilot grants are open to School of Medicine faculty at all stages in their career; early career individuals are encouraged to apply. Applications should be from co-PIs, with one focused on genomics research (including but not limited to genetic epidemiology, genomic discovery, functional genomics, basic mechanistic science, gene therapy) and one a clinician (with or without a focus on genetics).
We anticipate awarding 2-3 grants of up to $15,000 each for a duration of one year. Proposals should include details about (1) how the co-PIs will work together, delineating how their combined expertise is necessary for the work; (2) brief methods; (3) any foundational or supporting studies/data; and a summary of the potential impact including how the pilot grant will support follow-on funding. A brief budget detailing general use of funds should be included.
We are particularly interested in proposals that build new collaborations and/or new teams that might lead to extended productive and externally funded collaborations.
Application submission deadline is April 15, 2022. Final selection will be made by June 1, 2022, with funding to begin as soon as awards are granted. Applications will be judged on the co-PI plan, innovation, scientific premise and approach, and potential to lead to future funding. One brief written progress report and participation in PGC research forums are expected.
To apply, please submit an application as a single PDF that includes the following information to genomicscollaboratory@duke.edu with the subject line “PGC Pilot Grant Application”:
- Applicant names, contact information, department, position, and mentor name (if applicable);
- Co-PI expertise and communication plan
- Collaborator names and departments (if any);
- Proposal abstract (200 words)
- Proposal research plan (2 pgs)
- Plan for how pilot data would lead to future studies/grants
- Brief budget