The Cross-Campus Collaborative Research Fund (CCCRF) aims to stimulate pilot research projects between School of Medicine and Reynolda Campus faculty that will generate extramural funding for both institutions. Up to $20,000 ($25,000 if applying for IIEF) will be awarded for each project, with a potential additional $5,000 supplement from the Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund (IIEF). The number of projects awarded is contingent on the availability of funds.

The project period is 1 year, with the possibility of a 1-year, no-cost extension. When the grant is awarded, accounts will be established on each campus and the budget divided accordingly. Funds will be disbursed on the written authority of the investigators or designated representatives. Unless an extension (without additional funds) is requested in writing 10 days prior to the end date, any unexpended balance will be returned to the main account. Within 90 days after the grant terminates, a final progress report must be submitted to the Reynolda Campus Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. It should describe how the CCCRF contributed to the preparation and/or funding of extramural grant applications.

ELIGIBILITY
CCCRF awards are restricted to collaborative efforts between full-time faculty (including 9-month appointments) or research support staff with adjunct faculty appointments, with preference to projects that are not yet competitive for external funding.

Applications will be evaluated on scientific merit, originality, significance, potential to generate extramural funding, and the benefits of, and need for, the collaboration.

INTERDISCIPLINARY INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP FUND (IIEF) SUPPLEMENTS http://entrepreneurship.wfu.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=99&Itemid=79 Projects with entrepreneurial potential will be considered for up to a $5,000 supplement on top of the $20,000 CCCRF awards, contingent on availability of funds. Check the appropriate box on the application form and attach an additional one page narrative addressing these 3 questions:

1. Why should your project be considered innovative and interdisciplinary?;
2. Why should your project be considered entrepreneurial?;
3. How will your project be sustained after the funding period?

Applications to the IIEF should contain a separate budget page covering the entrepreneurial aspects of the project. Allowable expenses include, but are not limited to, technical assistance, consultant costs, marketing analyses, attendance at entrepreneurial meetings, and web site development. For more information see the call for proposals at the link above.

APPLICATION
Applications must be typed. Type width should be no smaller than 15 characters per inch. The following format is required for all applications:

I. Cover Form - The 2-page cover form should be completed and signed by both principal investigators and their respective department chairs.

A. Abstract: A one-paragraph (250 words) summary of the proposed activity, suitable for publication. Clearly address in separate statements the intellectual merit and broader impacts.

B. Resubmissions: If this application is a revision of a previously submitted proposal, include a one-page response to the reviewers' comments.

II. Project Description - The proposal should be sufficiently detailed to be clear to a committee of general scientists. Figures, tables, and other graphic representations may be included to enhance clarity.

A. Objectives and Significance: State precisely and realistically what the research aims to accomplish and/or what hypotheses are to be tested. Include a rationale for the project and the collaboration. (1 page)

B. Background: Review the most pertinent previous and current work related to this proposal. Include your own relevant preliminary data. Critically evaluate existing knowledge, specifyiny the gaps that the project is intended to fill. (3 pages)

C. Methods: Describe the experimental design and methods in terms that can be grasped by a generalist in the field. How will they test each hypothesis? Describe experimental procedures in sufficient detail to allow assessment of their feasibility and relevance. If proposing new methods, describe their advantages. If several experiments are proposed, indicate their priority in a timeline. Explain how the data will be analyzed (e.g., statistical design and analysis). Note how you will address potential pitfalls or limitations in procedures and interpretation of data.(5 pages)

D. Project Relevance: These grants are intended to generate pilot data to enhance extramural applications that will support the applicants’ long-term research programs. Describe why the proposed studies will achieve this objective; the likely aims of the planned extramural grant; a timeline for submission; and the agencies from which funding will be sought.(1 page).

E. References: Include only the most pertinent references.

III. Personnel - Designate all associates, research assistants, technicians, or students involved in the project and describe their expertise.

IV. Research Support - List facilities, equipment, and funding from other sources. If departmental or other support is available or pending, explain the need for CCCRF support.

V. Budget - ($20,000 maximum, $25,000 if applying to the IIEF) Funds can be requested for research supplies and services, technical assistance, publication expenses, equipment, animal costs, and travel between campuses, including parking fees. If funds are requested to support technical staff, include appropriate fringe benefits. Attach a detailed budget and a budget justification page. If additional funding will be needed for the collaboration, indicate the source and amount of this support. Clarify how the budget will be divided between the two campuses.

VI. Biosketch - Attach a current biosketch, in NIH format, for each principal investigator.

Applications to CCCRF in spring 2009 will be coordinated by the Medical School Office of Research. Please email a complete copy of the application form and proposal as one (1) pdf file to Susan Edwards(edwardss@wfu.edu) and Penny Gatsis (pgatsis@wfubmc.edu). In addition, submit the signed original and 3 paper copies no later than 5 P.M. on March 6, 2009 to the research office on either campus. A copy of the signed cover form must be attached to each copy.

Please allow several weeks for the review process.

Reynolda Campus:
Susan Edwards
758-4189
edwardss@wfu.edu
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
117E Reynolda Hall
or
Bowman Gray Campus:
Penny Gatsis
716-0780
pgatsis@wfubmc.edu
Office of Research
E Floor, Gray Building