Funding Opportunities

The Office of Physician-Scientist Development offers Request For Applications (RFAs) to support medical student research, technician support and/or small grant programs.

For a comprehensive list of funding opportunities, visit the University Office of Research Support Funding Opportunities (ORS).  ORS provides an extensive, on-line database of funding opportunities as a resource for the entire Duke University research community.

In our effort to empower physician-scientists to launch successful research careers, OPSD would like to welcome you to the OPSD Weekly Funding Update.  Announcements on this page come from OPSD Partner Programs and the Office of Research Support.  Additional funding alerts may be found on the Duke Funding Opportunities website.

March 6, 2023


COVID-19 Related Funding

Access consolidated COVID-19 resources & services for your research, including these funding opportunities, in myRESEARCHhome.


DORI Offers Workshops on Finding Funding

Looking for funding? Seeking a fellowship to support research? Want to fund travel for a summer project? Need dissertation support? Take this opportunity to learn how to search for funding by using a variety of tools, including the Duke Research Funding database, MyResearchHome, and Pivot. Open to Duke grad students, postdocs, faculty, and staff.  Class size is limited, so register early! Zoom link will be provided after you register.


Trent Fund Accepting Proposals

Application Deadline:  March 31, 2023

The Trent Fund supports Duke faculty and staff with grant funding up to $10,000 per project. All projects must be related to one of our four funding areas:

  • Human Sexual Function
  • Medical History
  • Medical Ethics and Medical Humanities
  • International Studies 

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

These funding opportunities were posted 2/26/2023-3/4/2023:

MEDICAL OPPORTUNITIES

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

ENVIRONMENTAL & LIFE SCIENCES

INTERDISCIPLINARY OPPORTUNITIES

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW FUNDING

GRADUATE/PROFESSIONAL STUDENT FUNDING

INSTITUTIONALLY LIMITED

See all new opportunities


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Comments and Questions:

Duke University campus-based faculty, staff, and students should contact the Office of Research Support Funding Opportunities staff with comments and questions:

Alicia Korenman (Funding Opportunities Specialist & Funding Alert editor)

Duke University Medical Center faculty, staff, and students should contact the Office of Research Administration with comments and questions

See the Funding Opportunities website for subscription information.

 

Here are recently released NIH and other FOAs. The list of all active NIH RFAs and PAs, respectively, sorted by institute, can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/757qkez and http://tinyurl.com/c562oks.

 

Note: NIH FOAs now include information as to whether the FOA supports clinical trials.  Here, this is designated by the following abbreviations: CTNA - Clinical Trial Not Allowed; CTR - Clinical Trial Required; CTO - Clinical Trial Optional

 

Notices

Notice of Intent to Publish an FOA for Bioinformatics Resource Centers for Infectious Diseases (U24 CTNA) (NOT-AI-23-033) NIAID

Notice of Intent to Reissue PA-20-208, Substance Use/Substance Use Disorder Dissertation Research Award (NOT-DA-23-018) NIDA

Notice of Intent to Publish an FOA for Established Data Repositories and Knowledgebases (CTNA) (NOT-OD-23-099) Office of the Director, NIH

 

NIH Notices of Special Interest

Availability of Urgent Competitive Revisions to Add or Expand Research and Administrative Supplements on Cutting Edge Pain Research in Rheumatic, Skin, and Musculoskeletal Disease. (NOT-AR-23-015) NIAMS

Administrative Supplements to NIAMS-funded T32 Training Grants to Better Incorporate Pain Related Research in Rheumatic, Skin and Musculoskeletal Diseases Workforce Development (NOT-AR-23-016) NIAMS

Administrative supplements to examine the effects of digital tools and interventions on patient-provider communication across the cancer control continuum (NOT-CA-23-041) NCI

Administrative Supplements for NCI Division of Cancer Biology Research Programs (NOT-CA-23-045) NCI

Administrative Supplements to Leverage Network Infrastructure to Advance Multisite Research for Women, Children, Pregnant and Lactating Individuals and/or Persons with Disabilities (NOT-HD-23-005) NICHD, 

Administrative Supplements to NINR Institutional Research Training Grants (T32) to Increase Capacity for Research to Prevent Firearm Injury and Related Health Disparities (NOT-NR-23-009) NINR

 

Duke Funding Opportunities

Duke University Duke School of Medicine Biomedical PhD Student Research Pilot Grants (see here) Deadline: March 15, 2023

Duke University REACH Equity Research Vouchers Program (see here) Deadline: March 17, 2023

Duke University REACH Equity Research Scholars Development Program (see here) Deadline: March 17, 2023

Duke University REACH Equity Transdisciplinary Think Tank Program (see here) Deadline: March 17, 2023

Duke University REACH Equity Medical Student Research Awards Program (see here) Deadline: March 17, 2023

Duke University Josiah Charles Trent Memorial Foundation Endowment Fund Grants (see here) Deadline: March 31, 2023

Duke University Ruth K. Broad Biomedical Research Foundation -- Ellen Luken Student Awards (see here) Deadline: April 1, 2023

Duke University Career Development Bridge Funding Program (see here) Deadline: April 15, 2023

Duke University OGA -- Faculty Global Engagement Fund (see here) Deadline: April 15, 2023

Duke Global Health Institute -- Pilot Research Topics in Global Health Equity (see here) Deadline: April 24, 2023

Duke Microbiome Center Development Grants (see here) Deadline: May 1, 2023

Duke Child Health Discovery Initiative – Duke Microbiome Center Joint Partnership Development Grant  (see here) Deadline: May 1, 2023

Duke MEDx-BME Medical Device Design Request (see hereApplications accepted on a rolling basis

 

External Funding Opportunities

Roybal Centers for Translational Research on Aging (P30 CTR) (RFA-AG-24-006) NIA, Application Date(s): June 23, 2023 

Roybal Centers for Translational Behavioral Research on Dementia Care, Caregiver Support, and Prevention of Alzheimers Disease and Related Dementias (P30 CTR) (RFA-AG-24-007) NIA, Application Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement. 

Edward R. Roybal Coordinating Center (R24 - CTNA) (RFA-AG-24-008) NIA, Application Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement. 

Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging (K76 Independent CTNA) (RFA-AG-24-014) NIA, Application Date(s): October 18, 2024 

Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging (K76 CTR) (RFA-AG-24-015) NIA, Application Date(s): October 18, 2024 

Research Network to Promote Multidisciplinary Mechanistic and Translational Studies of Sickle Cell Disease Pain (U24, CTO) (RFA-AT-24-001) NCCIH, Application Date(s): October 01, 2023 

Ex Vivo Models for Studies at the Intersection of HIV and Poly-Substance Use (R01 CTNA) (RFA-DA-24-001) NIDA, Application Date(s): August 13, 2025 

Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases (R25 Independent CTNA) (RFA-DK-22-037) NIDDK, Application Date(s): October 25, 2023 

Exploratory Grants for Climate Change and Health Research Center Development (P20 CTO) (RFA-ES-23-007) NIEHS, John E. Fogarty International Center NHLBI, NIAID, NICHD, NIMH,  NINR, Application Date(s): November 07, 2023 

Using Secondary Data Analysis to Determine Whether Preventive Interventions Implemented Earlier in Life Reduce Suicide Risk (U01 CTNA) (RFA-MH-23-275) NIMH, Application Date(s): October 10, 2023 

Advancing Integrated Models of Care to Improve Pregnancy Outcomes among Women Who Experience Persistent Disparities (R01 CTO) (RFA-NR-23-002) NINR,  Office of Research on Women's Health Application Date(s): May 01, 2023 

Evaluating the Impact of Pandemic Era related Food and Housing Policies and Programs on Health Outcomes in Health Disparity Populations (R01 CTO) (RFA-NR-23-003) NINR, NIMH, Application Date(s): May 01, 2023 

Clinical-Community Linkages to Address Social Needs and Social Conditions to Advance Health Equity among Populations Experiencing Health Disparities: The Bridge-to-Care Initiative (R01 CTR) (RFA-NR-23-004) NINR, Application Date(s): May 01, 2023 

Limited Competition: NIDDK Program Projects (P01 CTO) (PAR-23-121) NIDDK, Application Date(s): February 07, 2024 

Genomic Community Resources (U24 CTNA) (PAR-23-124) NGRI, NCI, Application Date(s): January 25, 2026 

Translational Research in Maternal and Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R01, R21 CTO) (PAR-23-130) (PAR-23-131) NICHD, NIAID, NIDA, NIMH, Office of Research on Women's Health Application Date(s): May 07, 2026 

NIMH Mentoring Networks for Mental Health Research Education (R25 CTNA) (PAR-23-263) NIMH, Application Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement. 

NIMH Short Courses for Mental Health Related Research (R25 -Independent CTNA) (PAR-23-265) NIMH, Application Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement. 

NIMH Research Education Programs for Psychiatry Residents (R25- Independent CTNA) (PAR-23-266) NIMH, Application Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement. 

Mark Foundation for Cancer Research Emerging Leader Award (see here) Deadline: May 1, 2023

CDC Clinical and Applied Research Strategies for the Prevention and Control of Fungal Diseases (see here) Deadline: April 28, 2023

Simons Foundation SFARI -- Human Cognitive and Behavioral Science (see here) Deadline: May 4, 2023

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Research Grants (see here) Deadline: May 11, 2023

American Society of Hematology Scholar Awards (see here) Deadline: May 1, 2023

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 10, 2023

The Duke Office of Physician-Scientist Development (OPSD) and the Duke Burroughs Wellcome Fund Physician-Scientist Institutional Award (BWF-PSIA) are pleased to announce a request for applications for funding to offset tuition for enrollment in the Basic Science Research Track (BSRT) for the Master of Health Sciences (MHSc) in Clinical Research Program.

I. Purpose

Early career physician-scientists may face challenges with research productivity as they navigate both clinical and research training and responsibilities. This challenge may be ameliorated with formal training to prepare individuals for careers as physician-scientists pursuing a range of discovery sciences.

These need-based scholarships provide up to $30,000 (up to $15,000 per year for 2 years) to cover program tuition.  This RFA is open to physician-scientists preparing to enroll in the BSRT program, including medical students intending to pursue a second 3rd year experience; fellows working in basic science laboratories; early career-stage faculty and potential K award applicants.

Proposals should include:

  • Applicant’s CV
  • Research Summary (1- 2 pages)
  • Statement of need including a description of the impact the BSRT degree program is expected to have on the applicant’s ability to move their research forward
  • An overview of the applicant’s research and career plans
  • Letter of support from Mentor (for students and trainees) or Division Chief/Department Chair (for faculty) (1 page)

II. Key Dates

Application Submission Deadline: March 10, 2023
Final Selection: June 1, 2023
Funding Period: August 1, 2023 – July 31, 2025

III. Eligibility

Applicants:

Only applicants enrolling in the degree-granting BSRT track of the CRTP program who are conducting basic or translational (laboratory or big data/computational biology) research in the following categories are eligible to apply:

  • Duke School of Medicine students who are pursuing basic science research, including recipients of BWF Medical Student Scholarships and Poindexter Medical Student Scholarships
  • Duke School of Medicine trainees (resident or fellow) in any clinical training program who have set aside research time during their clinical training
  • Duke junior faculty who are within the first 5 years of a faculty appointment and are physician scientists
  • Note that applicants with alternate sources of funding (e.g. T32 grants) for tuition may not be prioritized. Potential applicants should explore these potential sources of funding with their mentors before applying for scholarship funds.

IV. Funding

Up to $15,000 per year for up to two years, applied directly to cover tuition costs for the BSRT program.

V. Selection Process and Review Criteria

Following submission, applications are reviewed by a committee composed of members of the BWF-PSIA leadership. The Review Committee will consider the following criteria when reviewing and scoring applications:

  • Potential impact of scholarship on applicant’s research trajectory
  • Documented need for financial assistance
  • Scientific impact of proposed research direction and potential for success

VI. Application Procedure

The completed proposal should be emailed to opsd@dm.duke.edu no later than midnight Friday March 25, 2022.

Applications should be submitted as one (1) pdf document.

VII. Budget Guidelines

Funds will be directly transferred to cover tuition expenses.
Any funds unspent as of July 31, 2024 will be returned to the OPSD.

IX. Post-Award Reporting

OPSD and the BWF-PSIA track significant events resulting from the funding. Any significant events should be included in the final report. Investigators will be responsible for providing an annual report to OPSD detailing any achievements linked to this award. Examples include:

  • Abstracts/presentations, manuscripts, published guidelines
  • Follow-on funding (e.g., grants from government or foundation sources, SBIR/STTR, angel and venture capital investment)
  • Milestones achieved in animal models or manufacturing
  • Career progression
  • Patents
  • Translation of models to other geographical areas
  • Translation of models to other therapeutic areas
  • Agreements with partners and strategic collaborators to translate the research
  • Commercialization (e.g. new intellectual property, license, commercial partnerships, start-up company)
  • Translation to clinical studies
  • Direct-to-consumer interactions (e.g. apps) 

When requested, all awardees will be expected to provide updates of publications and other successes that originated from the award. 

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information on this funding opportunity, please contact opsd@dm.duke.edu

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  March 10, 2023

The Duke Physician Scientist Institutional Award (BWF) Research Fellowship for Medical Students is designed to encourage rising third year medical students to undertake a basic/bench research project at Duke University, with preference given to those who plan to commit to doing a second third year.  There will be one $10,000 award given for the first year, and a $25,000 award for the second year, contingent upon satisfactory performance in the first year. MS2 applicants for the $10,000 award must apply submit by the application due date. In addition to this application, applicants must provide the name, position/title, and email address of three individuals other than your primary mentor who are knowledgeable about your accomplishments and/or research interests. This program is made possible through a grant from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF).

For more information contact: 

The Office for Physician Scientist Development (opsd@dm.duke.edu)

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  NOVEMBER 14, 2022

The Duke Office of Physician-Scientist Development (OPSD) and the NIH Stimulating Access to Research in Residency (StARR) R38 Programs are pleased to announce a request for applications for funding to support a laboratory technician or research assistant.

I. Purpose

Early career physician-scientists may face challenges with research productivity as they navigate both clinical and research training and responsibilities. This challenge may be ameliorated with the support of a laboratory technician or research assistant who can continue research activities while the physician-scientist is engaged in clinical activities. The intent of this RFA is to promote early career research productivity and continuity by providing funding to cover a portion of effort for a laboratory technician or research assistant who will be dedicated to the applicant’s research project.

Each award provides $25,000 for 1 year to cover a portion of the salary and associated fringe benefits for a laboratory technician or research assistant.  This award is renewable for an additional year with the demonstration of success in year 1 and need for year 2. This RFA is open to early career physician-scientists who are engaged in training as an R38 Scholar.

Proposals should include:

  • Applicant’s Biosketch
  • Mentor’s Biosketch
  • Mentor statement including current support for the applicant’s project (1 page)
  • Research Summary (1- 2 pages)
    • Statement of need including a description of the impact technical support would have on the applicant’s ability to move their research forward
    • An overview of the applicant’s research plans
    • A timeline for research activities
  • Plan for Technical Assistance (1/2-3/4 page)
    • Description of the technician’s responsibilities within the project,
    • Supervision plan, such as regular reports, meetings, etc., as well as plans for technical, safety, and regulatory training
  • A Memorandum of Understanding (using MOU template provided) signed by the applicant and the mentor/PI who will cover the remainder of the technician’s effort and indicating financial resources that will be used to cover the technician’s effort

II. Key Dates

  • Application Submission Deadline: November 14, 2022
  • Final Selection: January 31, 2023
  • Funding Period: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024

III. Eligibility

Applicants:

  • Only current R38 scholars in the Duke School of Medicine are eligible to apply via this RFA.

Technician:

  • The proposed technical support must be provided by a single person.  Such support may be provided by individuals in a number of job categories as long as it is appropriate to the proposed project and research environment including, but not limited to:
    • Laboratory technicians
    • Research assistants
    • Work-study students or other undergraduate students (with appropriate experience)
    • Clinical Research Specialist
    • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • The following are not eligible to be covered as technicians via this support mechanism:
    • Medical students
    • Other residents or fellows
    • PI/mentor or other faculty

IV. Funding

$25,000 applied directly to cover a percentage of a technician’s total effort (salary + fringe) with an expected hire/start date of July 1, 2022 and ending on June 30, 2023. The technician must be hired within 3 months of the award start; pre-identification of technician during the application period is strongly encouraged.

V. Selection Process and Review Criteria

Following submission, applications are reviewed by a committee composed of OPSD and R38 leadership. The Review Committee will consider the following criteria when reviewing and scoring applications:

  • Potential impact of technician support on applicant’s research trajectory
  • Scientific impact and potential for success of the proposed project
  • Appropriateness of timeline and Plan for Technical Assistance
  • Commitment of PI/Mentor to provide funding and projects to cover the remainder of the technician’s effort

VI. Application Procedure

OPSD uses the MyResearchProposal online application software to submit applications.

  • To apply visit http://bit.ly/myresearchproposal, click on “Create New User” (or log in if you already have an account).
  • A step-by-step user’s guide for applying via the MyResearchProposal software is available - Please review the guide here.
  • Enter Access Code “OPSD” and follow the instructions.

Applicants will enter general project information via the web-based form or via pdf upload as indicated under proposal guidelines in Section 1.

VII. Budget Guidelines

No formal budget is required.  If a technician has been identified at the time of application, an indication of the amount of effort (including fringe benefits) that will be covered by the $25,000 award should be included in the “Plan for Technical Assistance” as indicated above in Section 1 and should be determined by your departmental business manager to include both salary and federal fringe for FY 2023. This award will be applied directly to the technician’s effort. Please note, if a technician has not been hired by the award date of July 1, 2022, the $25,000 must be distributed across the remaining months prior to June 30, 2023. No-cost extensions are not permitted and award money not spent by June 30, 2023 must be returned to the OPSD.

We strongly encourage applicants to connect their business managers with the OPSD at opsd@dm.duke.edu to discuss preferences for receiving the award.

IX. Terms of the Award

Project Execution

Investigators agree to submit a detailed written report 12 months after the conclusion of the funding period as described below.  Technician support must be completed in the 12-month period; no-cost extensions are not permitted. However, awardees may apply for a second year of funding by completing and submitting an application.

Post-Award Reporting

OPSD tracks significant events resulting from the funding. Any significant events should be included in the final report. Investigators will be responsible for providing an annual report to OPSD detailing any acheivements linked to this award. Examples include:

  • Abstracts/presentations, manuscripts, published guidelines
  • Follow-on funding (e.g., grants from government or foundation sources, SBIR/STTR, angel and venture capital investment)
  • Milestones achieved in animal models or manufacturing
  • Patents
  • Translation of models to other geographical areas
  • Translation of models to other therapeutic areas
  • Agreements with partners and strategic collaborators to translate the research
  • Commercialization (e.g. new intellectual property, license, commercial partnerships, start-up company)
  • Translation to clinical studies
  • Direct-to-consumer interactions (e.g. apps) 

When requested, all awardees will be expected to provide updates of publications and other successes that originated from the award. 

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information on this funding opportunity, please contact opsd@dm.duke.edu

Applications are now being accepted for the funding period January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023.

  • A brief, no-commitment, e-mail stating your intent to apply is due September 16, 2022.
  • Application Deadline October 14, 2022
  • Award Notification December 1, 2022
  • Due to the funding source for FRCS awards in this cycle, eligibility requirements have expanded to include individuals conducting animal research.

Junior faculty members often face the challenge of working to establish academic careers while simultaneously managing significant care-giving responsibilities. These competing demands make it challenging to succeed in an increasingly competitive grant funding environment, and indeed can be an obstacle to retaining physician scientists at research-intensive academic institutions. To support junior faculty at this critical tipping point in their careers, the Office for Faculty and Office for Physician Scientists Development are pleased to offer the Fund to Retain Clinical Scientists at Duke. Supported by an award from the American Heart Association, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and Dean Mary Klotman, the Fund provides supplements of up to $30,000-$50,000 per year to physician-scientists with significant care-giving responsibilities. Exact award amounts will be dependent upon the availability of funds in a given year.

Eligibility

Supplemental funds are available to physician-scientists, regardless of gender, who:

  • Demonstrate a compelling need for the supplement that is related to being a caregiver, with care-giving challenges were caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Typically, this would be childcare, partner care, and/or eldercare.
  • Are regular rank faculty members at the Medical Instructor or Assistant Professor level. Associate Professors are eligible only if they have been at the position for one year or less. Applicants must be full-time faculty members with a primary faculty appointment in a School of Medicine department.
  • Hold an MD or DO degree and an active US medical license
  • Have a career development award or research project grant with annual direct costs sufficient to provide both research and salary support. The FRCS awards are intended to supplement research projects; eligible faculty members must have active support for their research projects.
  • Have at least 50% protected time for research
  • Show evidence of strong research training and productivity
  • Are conducting an original and rigorous research project (*see definition below) that has the potential to address a health issue that poses a significant clinical burden (with considerable morbidity and mortality, whether it is a rare or common condition).

Possible Uses of Funds:

Applicants may request funds to be used in a variety of ways, for example:

  • Research support personnel* (e.g. clinical research coordinator or technician)
  • data extraction and analysis
  • image processing and analysis
  • assisting in grant or manuscript preparation
  • biostatistical support
  • buyout of clinical time
  • other “extra hands” support as proposed by the applicant

Funds cannot be used for research costs such as supplies or sequencing costs that would not directly help Scholars reclaim their research time. Such costs would be expected to be covered by a Scholar’s main research grant.

*Applicants conducting clinical research are strongly encouraged to consult the Duke Office of Clinical Research (DOCR) prior to application to discuss possible uses of funds. DOCR provides support for personnel performing clinicalresearch across the Duke organization and offers a wide array of services within that spectrum.

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to consult with DOCR about potential availability of resources for this program.

**Important Note: This grant cycle will utilize funds provided by the American Heart Association. Experiments that utilize animals or primary tissues derived from animals will be considered for support by this award.**

Application and Selection Process

Applications are online and consist of the following components:

  • Application form including project title, description (<200 words), contact information and % professional effort devoted to research.
  • Statement of individual need, including a description of care-giving responsibilities and how an award from the Fund would improve the balance between care-giving and professional responsibilities. Details such as the number of children/parents requiring care, any special needs of children/family members, spouse/partner career if applicable, proximity to family support, cultural expectations from family, and a clear explanation of how funds will benefit the faculty member will be helpful for the review.
  • Research plan in the NIH format of Specific Aims, Significance, Innovation and Approach (no more than 3 pages, including figures, images, tables, etc., but excluding references), written so that it can be readily understood by reviewers outside of the applicant’s research field. The research plan should give reviewers an understanding of the research that will benefit from this award.
  • NIH-style Biosketch (5-page limit) that contains information about the training history, faculty position, a personal statement, scientific impact of research to date, publications and current research support (source, type, summary of goals, PI and role) as well as the amount of current research support and the individual’s percent effort dedicated to each award listed.
  • Proposed budget for the supplemental award, using the NIH detailed budget format. Budgets must outline direct costs and include a budget justification for each requested person or item. The budget should be page 1, and the justification should follow. Requests for salary support must include fringe benefits. The total request (including fringe) must not exceed $50,000/year. More guidance on the NIH detailed budget is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/developing_budget.htm. A sample budget justification is available for download here. If a particular section does not apply to your application, please leave this section blank on your budget.
  • Letter of support from the individual’s Department Chair, Division Chief, or Center/Institute Director. Departmental support for the faculty member is expected, and applications should outline planned matching funds and any additional support being provided to the faculty member. Matching funds will be reviewed favorably by the selection committee. The letter should identify the applicant’s primary research mentor/mentoring team.

Please e-mail the Office of Physician-Scientist Development no later than September 16, 2022 to let us know if you plan to apply. This e-mail can be very brief and will help us gauge resources needed to facilitate the selection process.

To apply, visit http://bit.ly/myresearchproposal, log in if you already have an account, or click on “Create New User” (a step-by-step user’s guide for applying via the MyResearchProposal software is available here), and type “SOM” as the access code in the upper right- hand corner. For any questions or concerns with the MyResearchProposal system, please contact Anita Grissom at 919-668-4774 or via email at myresearchproposal@duke.edu.

Selection Criteria

Fund applications will be competitively selected through an internal peer-review process. Applications will be evaluated based on the following selection criteria:

  • Quality of the research plan
  • Strength of letter of support
  • Evidence of strong training and productivity
  • Personal need

Applicants should clearly outline plans to begin using awarded funds on or close to January 1, 2023.

Award Administration

Applicants will be notified of their funding status no later than December 1, 2022.  Funds will become available January 1, 2023. Awards will be for 1 year. Dependent upon the availability of funds, recipients may apply for one additional year of funding, and/or a no-cost extension. Click here to learn more about the process for extensions or and renewals.

Selected Fund scholars will be connected with a variety of mentoring resources, including up to 4 executive coaching sessions, priority registration for popular faculty development programs, and mentoring meetings with Associate Dean for Physician-Scientist Development Rasheed Gbadegesin, MD, MBBS. All scholars and applicants will be encouraged to enroll in the Office of Physician-Scientist Development Scholars program to receive concierge mentoring services and access to an array of professional development seminars. The School of Medicine’s Office of Research Development will prioritize Fund scholars for editing and critical review of their external grant application materials 5-6 weeks in advance of submission.

Questions?

Please contact the School of Medicine Office of Physician-Scientist Development at opsd@dm.duke.edu or 919.668.5028.

Application Deadline February 27, 2023

The Duke Office of Physician-Scientist Development (OPSD) and the Duke Burroughs Wellcome Fund Physician-Scientist Institutional Award (BWF-PSIA) are pleased to announce a request for applications for funding to support a laboratory technician or research assistant.

 I. Purpose

Early career physician-scientists may face challenges with research productivity as they navigate both clinical and research training and responsibilities. This challenge may be ameliorated with the support of a laboratory technician or research assistant who can continue research activities while the physician-scientist is engaged in clinical activities. The intent of this RFA is to promote early career research productivity and continuity by providing funding to cover a portion of effort of a laboratory technician or research assistant to be dedicated to the applicant’s research project.

 Each award provides $25,000 for 1 year to cover a portion of the salary and associated fringe benefits of a laboratory technician or research assistant.  This award is renewable for an additional year with the demonstration of success in year 1 and need for year 2. Up to $5,000 of this award may be allocated for research supplies. This RFA is open to early career physician-scientists, including residents, medical subspecialty fellows, and junior faculty who are conducting basic and translational research (laboratory or big data/computational biology).

Proposals should include:

  • Applicant’s Biosketch
  • Research Summary (1- 2 pages)
  • Statement of need including a description of the impact technical support would have on the applicant’s ability to move their research forward
  • An overview of the applicant’s research plans
  • A timeline for research activities
  • Mentor statement including current support for the applicant’s project (1 page)
  • Mentor’s Biosketch
  • Plan for Technical Assistance (1/2-3/4 page)
  • Description of the technician’s responsibilities within the project
  • Supervision plan, such as regular reports, meetings, etc., as well as plans for technical, safety, and regulatory training
  • A MOU template provided) signed by the applicant and the mentor/PI who will cover the remainder of the technician’s effort and indicating financial resources that will be used to cover the technician’s effort

If the applicant intends to use 5K for research supplies: a budget using the template provided.

II. Key Dates

Application Submission Deadline: February 13, 2023
Final Selection: May, 2023
Funding Period: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024

 III. Eligibility

Applicants:

Only applicants who are conducting basic or translational (laboratory or big data/computational biology) research in the following categories are eligible to apply:

  • Duke School of Medicine trainees (resident or fellow) in any clinical training program who have set aside research time during their clinical training
  • Duke junior faculty who are within the first 5 years of a faculty appointment and are physician scientists

The following are not eligible to apply

  • Medical students
  • Resident or fellow trainees who do not have research time during their clinical training
  • Faculty members with an R01 or equivalent funding
  • Faculty members who do not have clinical responsibilities

Technician:

The proposed technical support must be provided by a single person.  Such support may be provided by individuals in a number of job categories as long as it is appropriate to the proposed project and research environment including, but not limited to:

  • Laboratory technicians
  • Research assistants
  • Work-study students or other undergraduate students (with appropriate experience)

The following are not eligible to be covered as technicians via this support mechanism

  • Medical students
  • Other residents or fellows
  • PI/mentor or other faculty

IV. Funding

Two award options are available and must be declared at the time of application:

  • Option 1: $25,000 applied directly to cover a percentage of a technician’s total effort (salary + fringe) with an expected start date of July 1, 2023 or hire/start date and ending on June 30, 2024. The technician must be hired within 3 months of the award start, pre-identification of technician during the application period is strongly encouraged.
  • Option 2:  $20,000 applied directly to cover a pre-defined percentage of a technician’s total effort (salary + fringe) and $5,000 for budgeted research supplies transferred into an individual fundcode for use by the applicant.

*Please note, awards may be subject to G&A.  For more information, please check with your department business manager or grant manager.

 V. Selection Process and Review Criteria

Following submission, applications are reviewed by a committee composed of members of the BWF-PSIA leadership. The Review Committee will consider the following criteria when reviewing and scoring applications:

  • Potential impact of technician support on applicant’s research trajectory
  • Scientific impact and potential for success of the proposed project
  • Appropriateness of timeline and Plan for Technical Assistance
  • Commitment of PI/Mentor to provide funding and projects to cover the remainder of the technician’s effort

 VI. Application Procedure

OPSD uses the MyResearchProposal online application software to submit applications.

To apply visit http://bit.ly/myresearchproposal, click on “Create New User” (or log in if you already have an account).
A step-by-step user’s guide for applying via the MyResearchProposal software is available - Please review the guide here.
Enter Access Code “OPSD” and follow the instructions.

Applicants will enter general project information via the web-based form or via pdf upload as indicated under proposal guidelines in Section 1.

VII. Budget Guidelines

For Award Option 1, no formal budget is required.  If a technician has been identified at the time of application, an indication of the amount of effort that will be covered by the $25,000 award should be included in the “Plan for Technical Assistance” as indicated above in Section 1 and should be determined by your departmental business manager to include both salary and non-federal fringe for FY 2023. This award will be applied directly to the technician’s effort. Please note, if a technician has not been hired by the award date of July 1, 2023, the $25,000 must be distributed across the remaining months prior to June 30, 2024. No-cost extensions are not permitted and award money not spent by June 30, 2024 must be returned to the OPSD.

We encourage applicants to connect their business managers with the OPSD at opsd@dm.eduke.edu to discuss preferences for receiving the award.

 For Award Option 2, a budget totaling $25,000 must be submitted using the template provided and uploaded as a pdf.

The budget period is July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. No indirect or overhead costs may be included; the awardees receive direct costs only.
Grant funds may only be budgeted for:

  • Salary support of the technician, including fringe benefits
  • Up to $5,000 may be used for small equipment, research supplies, or core lab costs. A detailed budget, including per item cost and catalog numbers, must be provided for any funds requested for research supplies.

Grant funds may not be used for:

  • salary support for the PI or faculty collaborators
  • office supplies or communication costs, including printing
  • meals or travel, including to conferences
  • professional education or training
  • computers or audiovisual equipment
  • manuscript preparation and submission

All applicants and their mentors must provide documentation via the MOU showing that the remainder of the technician salary is supported.
Research supply money that is unspent as of July 1, 2024 will be returned to the OPSD.

IX. Terms of the Award

Project Execution

Investigators agree to submit a detailed written report 12 months after the conclusion of the funding period as described below.  Technician support must complete in the 12-month period; no-cost extensions are not permitted. Renewal of current award for a second year are contingent upon submission of annual progress report and satisfactory progress up review by members of the BWF-PSIA leadership.

Post-Award Reporting

OPSD and the BWF-PSIA track significant events resulting from the funding. Any significant events should be included in the final report. Investigators will be responsible for providing an annual report to OPSD detailing any achievements linked to this award. Examples include (but art not limited to):

  • Abstracts/presentations, manuscripts, published guidelines
  • Follow-on funding (e.g., grants from government or foundation sources, SBIR/STTR, angel and venture capital investment)
  • Milestones achieved in animal models or manufacturing
  • Patents
  • Translation of models to other geographical areas
  • Translation of models to other therapeutic areas
  • Agreements with partners and strategic collaborators to translate the research
  • Commercialization (e.g. new intellectual property, license, commercial partnerships, start-up company)
  • Translation to clinical studies
  • Direct-to-consumer interactions (e.g. apps) 

When requested, all awardees will be expected to provide updates of publications and other successes that originated from the award.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information on this funding opportunity, please contact opsd@dm.duke.edu

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  March 10, 2023

The Poindexter Scholars in Basic Sciences Program is designed to encourage rising third year medical students to participate in research projects under the guidance of basic science faculty members in the School of Medicine. This program is focused on basic science research, and priority will be given to those who identify laboratories in basic science departments, though applicants doing basic research in Clinical departments are also encouraged to apply. There will be one $10,000 award given for the first year, and a $25,000 award for the second year, contingent upon satisfactory performance in the first year. MS2 applicants for the award must complete the Duke Internal Scholarship Application form and submit by the application due date. In addition to this application, applicants must provide the name, position/title, and email address of three individuals other than your primary mentor who are knowledgeable about your accomplishments and/or research interests. This program is made possible through the generosity of Dr. John Poindexter, an alumnus of the School of Medicine. For more information please visit Internal Scholarships Website or contact: The Office for Physician Scientist Development (opsd@dm.duke.edu)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 

OCTOBER 3, 2022

The School of Medicine (SoM) and the Office for Physician-Scientist Development (OPSD) are pleased to announce the annual RFP for the Duke Physician-Scientist “Strong Start” Award. The goal of this program is to nurture the careers of junior, laboratory-based physician-scientists at Duke. By offering substantive mentoring and financial resources, this award will support junior, physician-scientist faculty during a critical period of their career, the transition to research independence.

This award program is intentionally designed to integrate and complement Duke initiatives that train physician-scientists at even earlier points in their career, such as the Medical Scientist Training Program (MD-PhD students) and the R38 Stimulating Access to Research during Residency Program (StARR, clinical residents). In this way, the “Strong Start” Award Program will ensure that Duke University School of Medicine remains a leader in the training of outstanding physician-scientists, a group uniquely committed to the advancement of the medical sciences in our own community and in the nation.

FUNDING: In 2023, the SoM will grant approximately five awards of $75,000/year, renewable up to three consecutive years ($225,000 total/awardee).  It is anticipated that this award will be offered on an annual basis. The funds are to be used at the discretion of the individual recipient to support their research program.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • At the time of application, candidates will be faculty members within a department in the Duke University School of Medicine, prior to advancement to the rank of Associate Professor.
  • Candidates will be physician-scientists (M.D., D.O.) who have completed clinical training (residency/fellowship) after receiving their doctoral degree.
  • Candidates will be leading laboratory-based research programs in basic or translational research.
  • Expectation of departmental support for significant protected research time (up to 70%).
  • Candidates with significant internal/external funding (R01 [or equivalent] or >$500,000 in start-up funding) are not eligible for funding.
  • Please see OPSD Partner Programs: Strong Start for program metrics.

 PROCESS: Applications should include the following:

  • NIH biosketch with other support (including internal funds available to candidate)
  • Research proposal/Career development plans (not to exceed 3 pages): Written summary of
    • Past research experience
    • Future research proposal
    • Specific plans to transition to scientific independence (e.g., securing independent research funding, developing independent scientific program)
  • Letter of reference from the primary department chair specifying percentage of protected time to pursue laboratory-based research.
  • Name and email address of 2 faculty (if applicable, former/current mentors or individuals with knowledge of candidate’s research capabilities)

Applications must be submitted no later than October 3, 2022. Proposals are submitted via Duke’s MyResearchProposal online submission system. To apply, visit http://bit.ly/myresearchproposal, click on “Create New User” or log in if you already have an account (do not create a 2nd account). 

  • Here is a Step-by-step user’s guide for applying via the MyResearchProposal software.
  • Enter Access Code ‘OPSD’ then select the “Strong Start 2023” funding opportunity and follow the instructions.
  • For questions concerning MyResearchProposal (passwords or system issues), please contact Anita Grissom at myresearchproposal@duke.edu or 919-668-4774.

AWARDS NOTIFICATION: Successful applicants will be informed by early January 2023.