Systemic Sclerosis Center of Research Translation

Pilot and Feasibility Projects for systemic sclerosis

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS-SUMMER 2020:
SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS CENTER OF RESEARCH TRANSLATION (CORT) RFA

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disease associated with autoantibodies, vascular
disease and fibrosis. We are looking to fund pilot projects on topics related to any of these areas of
research, including basic, translational or clinical research.

PROPOSED PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

• That the proposed work is related to themes explored in the CORT including but not limited to: autoimmunity, fibrosis and vascular disease in systemic sclerosis.
• That the hypothesis to be tested has the potential for developing ground-breaking technology or methodology that may lead to significant expansion of biomedical research horizons, precipitate a paradigm shift in research, or lead to substantial improvements in human health.
• That the proposed work does not overlap with currently supported projects.
• That the investigator is clearly independent and has a faculty level appointment.

FUNDING
Two meritorious grants of up to $20,000 each will be awarded. The CORT Advisory Committee will review and recommend Pilot and Feasibility project support at their annual meeting. Only grants from the CORT home institution (University of Pittsburgh) will be considered.

Funding is for a 12-month period [Approximately, October 2020 through September 2021].

FORMAT AND TIMELINE
Proposal applications will utilize PHS 398 format with Specific Aims, Significance, Innovation and Research Plan limited to 3 pages. A brief budget and budget justification are also required, a statement of how the project relates to autoimmunity, fibrosis and vascular disease in systemic sclerosis. Preliminary data is not needed, and projects with extensive prior work will not be funded.

RFA RELEASE:  JULY 1, 2020
APPLICATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 31, 2020 at noon

Submit to ninamorse@pitt.edu subject: CORT RFA

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING: LATE JULY 2020
AWARD NOTIFICATION: MID – AUGUST 2020

REVIEW CRITERIA
Proposals will be reviewed by the CORT/P50 Advisory Committee.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Nina Morse · ninamorse@pitt.edu · 412-383-5223

For more information about the CORT please see our website at:

https://dom.pitt.edu/rheum/centers-institutes/scleroderma/systemicsclerosiscenter/