Application information for 2017 NIDUS Pilot Awards

Please note: the application cycle for the 2017 Pilot Grants is now closed.

View/Download NIDUS Pilot Grant Instruction PDF

Note: Application cycle for 2017 is closed.

NIDUS (Network for Investigation of Delirium across the U.S.) will be offering monetary pilot awards for new research projects related to delirium.  The purpose of these awards will be to support pilot studies to encourage innovative research targeting priority areas of delirium investigation. Two grants of $50,000 each (total direct costs) will be awarded in 2017. Indirect costs are supported. Awardees will be notified October 31, 2017. Two application tracks are available: junior investigator track and established investigator track.
Please note addition of required statement on establishing delirium research program (see 2d below 4/24/17).

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Junior Investigator Track: The Junior Investigator Track is aimed for new investigators who plan to dedicate a significant portion of their professional effort on delirium. The eligibility criteria for the Junior Investigator track are listed below:
  • No more than 10 years from completion of final training degree (e.g. physician board certification, PhD, nursing degree, etc.)
  • Not intended for investigators who have received significant extramural funding such as NIH R-awards, K23, K08, K12, KL2 or AHA Young Investigator Awards.
  • An appropriately qualified mentor with a mentorship plan is required.
  • Investigator should have at least 50% protected time to pursue research.
Established Investigator Track: The Established Investigator Track is aimed at experienced researchers who aim to use the pilot money to develop ongoing scientific investigations to further delirium research. Those who exceed or do not meet the Junior Investigator criteria should apply for the Established Investigator track.
Please note: Both U.S. and international (non-U.S.) researchers are eligible to apply for these funds.
The selected priority areas for this year will include: (1) risk factors, prognosis, outcomes; (2) pathophysiology, mechanisms, biomarkers, genomics and other –‘omics’ approaches; (3) diagnostic tools and phenomenology; (4) clinical interventions for prevention and treatment.
Eligibility criteria:
  1. Proposal must be related to delirium research
  2. Proposal must include the following sections:
    1. Abstract (1/2 page max)
      • Study title
      • Abstract
    2. Science (3 pages max)
      • Specific aims/hypothesis
      • Importance of project for the candidate’s career development (Junior Track) and/or for the overall research goals (Established Track)
      • Background and significance
      • Research design and methods: Include study design, sample inclusion and exclusion criteria, statistical analysis and sample size and power considerations
      • Study strengths and limitations
    3. Statement on Career Development Plans (1 page max – For Junior Investigator Track Only)
    4. Statement on how applicant will grow a research program focused on delirium (1/2 page)
      • How proposal will lead to future funding in delirium research
    5. Appendices
      • Reference list
      • Mentor statement (1 page max – For Junior Investigator Track Only) and NIH Biosketch
      • Applicant’s NIH Biosketch
      • Key research team members’ NIH Biosketches
      • Resources and Environment (1pg)
      • Budget for pilot (Up to $50,000)
      • Budget justification (2 page max), including description and justification of research team
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
  1. Significance
  2. Evidence of commitment to establishing/developing delirium research program
  3. Investigator(s)
  4. Innovation
  5. Approach
  6. Feasibility
  7. Environment
  8. Career Development (for Junior Investigator Track Only)

A sample review form is available here: NIDUS Pilot Grant Review Form.

Submission instructions:
Please submit your proposal in Microsoft Word format [abstract, scientific plan, delirium research commitment statement, appendices + 1 page career development statement if applicable].  Proposals should be in 11 point Arial font, with one inch margins on all sides. 
Note: Appendix materials (such as biosketches, budget, etc.) may be submitted in PDF or other formats as needed. Please contact the NIDUS program coordinator, KristenErickson@hsl.harvard.edu, if you need any clarification.
Please include a cover sheet containing the following information:
  1. Your name
  2. Your institution and mentor(s) for Junior Investigator only
  3. Contact information (email address, phone number, mailing address)
  4. Title of project
 Applications are due by Tuesday August 15, 2017, 5 p.m. ESTNo late or incomplete applications will be accepted. 
 Email your application to the NIDUS Program Coordinator, Kristen Erickson, at kristenerickson@hsl.harvard.edu.
Please use the subject line “2017 NIDUS Grant Award Application”
Please note: Proposals from investigators in the U.S. as well as internationally are welcome.

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