In this edition:

Feature

Congratulations

Emory Department of Pediatrics Ranked No. 1 in NIH Research Funding

Emory University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics led the nation in federal research funding from the NIH in 2020 among pediatric departments, according to rankings from the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research. With Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as its clinical partner, the department received over $97 million to fight childhood diseases and work on cures. The Georgia CTSA Pediatrics program is designed to provide the necessary infrastructure for these investigators in conducting pediatric clinical research and offers training, pilot funding, and the resources needed to perform innovative research while providing patients and their families with increased access to leading-edge clinical trials.

Southeast Clinical and Translational Science Conference – March 4-5

Trainee Panel Discussion: What I Wish I Knew as a New Faculty Member

Hosted by the Georgia CTSA, mark your calendar and plan to virtually join us in 2021 as we bring together researchers from across the region to present the best new clinical and translational research and build collaborative partnerships. Register today!

Funding (* New Opportunities)

NIH Funding Opportunities Specific to COVID-19

This page contains a listing of active and expired funding opportunities specific to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

* Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Administrative Supplements for the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program to Address COVID-19 Public Health Needs

NCATS is issuing this NOSI to highlight the urgent need for projects that address the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. The CTSA Program is uniquely qualified to contribute to these efforts. NCATS expects to issue 1-4 awards for involvement with clinical studies and trials in support of COVID interventions, as well as providing clinical samples and assessing infectious or convalescent status. Applications will be accepted immediately and on a rolling basis through August 16, 2024.

Need Funding for Your Biomed Idea? – Meet with Biolocity by February 19

Biolocity provides a combination of funding, project management, and consulting resources to early-stage technologies that address an unmet clinical need and have compelling commercial potential. This includes innovations within any clinical discipline with the ability to impact patient health. Each funding cycle, over $1.5 million in funding and commercialization support is available for distribution. Technology development support is provided through project management, strategy and business planning, marketing, regulatory, and reimbursement consulting. There is no funding limit per project, however budgets are based on commercialization milestones identified as the most critical next step for development during the application process.

SYNERGY II Nexus Call for Proposals – Due February 28

Emory’s Provost’s Office, the Woodruff Health Sciences Center, SOM, and College of Arts and Sciences announce the 2021 cycle of “Synergy II Nexus” Awards. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the ability of many scholars to engage fully in their research. This year’s funding RFA is focused specifically on collaborative, multiple investigator initiated projects (1) that involve 2 principal (lead) independent scholars with at least one from a WHSC unit and one from ECAS, GBS, Law, Candler or Oxford, and (2) at least one of the two principal leads is at an early career stage (Assistant Professor, regardless of track).

Point-of-Care Technologies Funding Opportunities - LOI Due March 1

The NIH’s Point-of-Care Technology Research Network (POCTRN) drives the development of point-of-care technologies through collaborative efforts that merge scientific and technological capabilities with clinical need. POCTRN announces new solicitations from three of its four Centers: Atlanta Center for Microsystems Engineered Point-of-Care Technologies, The Center for Innovation in Point of Care Technologies for HIV/AIDS at Northwestern, and The Center for Advancing Point of Care Technologies in Heart, Lung, Blood, and Sleep Disorders.

Morningside Center for Innovative and Affordable Medicine Research Awards – LOI Due March 1

Emory’s Morningside Center for Innovative and Affordable Medicine focuses on affordable, effective, safe and readily accessible medical treatments that will reduce global disease burden. The Morningside Center anticipates awards across three areas: preclinical work critical to support clinical studies, biomarker development for repurposed drug studies and clinical trials ready for implementation. Additional details can be found by logging in to the Intranet.

Emory SOM I3 (Imagine, Innovate and Impact) Nexus Awards – LOI Due March 8

The I3 Nexus Research Awards will provide seed money to fundamental biological and translational investigators for obtaining sufficient data to ultimately develop external collaborative funding applications, and to investigators who may not otherwise engage in multi- and interdisciplinary research. These awards require interdisciplinary team collaboration, with at least one collaborator outside of the home department/division (within the Emory SOM) who brings a different discipline, expertise, or methodology to the project.

Basket Clinical Trials of Drugs Targeting Shared Molecular Etiologies in Multiple Rare Diseases (U44 Clinical Trial Required) – LOI Due March 13

The purpose of this FOA is to support basket clinical trials of drugs targeting shared molecular etiologies in more than one rare disease. To facilitate clinical trial start up, and leverage existing datasets, preference will be given to applications focusing on diseases that are under study by the Rare Disease Clinical Research Network (RDCRN), and that involve collaborations with RDCRN clinical investigators.

* RWJF 2021 Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program - Due March 17

The Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program offers four-year postdoctoral research awards to physicians, dentists, and nurses from historically marginalized backgrounds. Scholars should be committed to working toward eliminating health disparities by achieving senior rank in academic medicine, dentistry, or nursing. The Foundation will fund up to 10 four-year awards of up to $420,000 each.

Chan Zuckerberg Initiative: Pediatric Networks for the Human Cell Atlas – LOI Due March 30

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative invites applications for three-year collaborative projects for the generation of healthy, single-cell reference data from pediatric tissue samples for the Human Cell Atlas (HCA). The Pediatric Networks should collectively generate new tools, open source analysis methods, and data from a diversity of donors and organs that provide valuable contributions to the HCA community.

Georgia CTSA Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Research Design Grants – Due March 31

Georgia CTSA’s Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Research Design (BERD) program is soliciting proposals to support novel methodological research in biostatistics, epidemiology, or health services research and related areas to advance clinical and translational research (CTR). Review criteria include quantitative methodological research to fill gaps in CTR, innovation, feasibility, and plans for dissemination and translation of results. Awardees are encouraged to disseminate any software developed in their research to relevant publicly available software repositories. Full-time faculty from Emory, Georgia Tech, Morehouse School of Medicine, and UGA may submit proposals. New investigators are encouraged to apply; meritorious applications from new investigators will be prioritized for funding. Two awards up to $20,000 will be awarded.

* The James S. McDonnel Foundation 2021 Opportunity Award – Due April 9

The James S. McDonnel Foundation Opportunity Award provides up to $250,000 in seed funds expendable over a flexible time period (between 2 and 4 years) as needed by researchers to design and carry out new studies motivated by questioning, revisiting, or re-examining the current state of academic knowledge of human cognition and behavior using a dynamic, context-sensitive lens.

* Russell Sage Foundation and William T. Grant Foundation Educational Opportunity Monitoring Project – Due April 29

Russell Sage Foundation seeks research projects that aim to deepen our understanding of educational opportunity and success in the United States by analyzing data on academic achievement from the Stanford Education Data Archive constructed by Sean Studies that can plausibly identify the effects of policies, practices, and conditions on achievement and achievement inequality, or the effects of achievement and achievement gaps on other outcomes and forms of inequality, will be preferred over descriptive or correlational studies.

* Russell Sage Foundation Research Grants Core Programs and Special Initiatives - Due May 4

The Russell Sage Foundation is especially interested in research at the intersection of behavioral economics and behavioral sciences and its other programs—Future of Work; Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration; Social, Political and Economic Inequality. Priority will be given to field experiments, as opposed to lab experiments.

* Screening for Conditions by Electronic Nose Technology (SCENT) (U01 Clinical Trial Optional) - LOI Due May 10

This FOA is seeking applications for a portable sensing device to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emanating from skin and to develop a catalog of VOCs as distinct signatures for at least 20 human diseases and conditions. These sensing devices must be able to associate VOC patterns using artificial intelligence to patients with various conditions for diagnostic purposes along with capabilities to incorporate and integrate vital signs. This FOA requires multidisciplinary collaborations and a team science approach. Groups may include a combination of the following: Biomedical engineers, material scientists, biosensing experts, software engineers, chemists, clinicians, clinical trialists, biostatisticians, data analysts and/or other relevant experts in academia and industry.

New Chemistries for Un-drugged Targets through A Specialized Platform for Innovative Research Exploration (ASPIRE) Collaborative Research Program (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trials Not Allowed) – LOI Due June 8

This FOA aims to promote partnerships between NCATS intramural investigators (e.g., those conducting research within the labs and clinics of NCATS) and extramural investigators (e.g., those conducting research in labs and clinics outside of the NIH). Specifically, The FOA will provide support for extramural investigators to take advantage of the unique research opportunities available at the NCATS ASPIRE Laboratory within the NCATS Division of Pre-clinical Innovation, and develop innovative ASPIRE modules that will facilitate identification of novel chemical entities targeted towards currently undrugged biological space.

Virtual Approaches Towards New Chemistries for Un-drugged Targets through A Specialized Platform for Innovative Research Exploration (ASPIRE) Collaborative Research Program (U18 Clinical Trials Not Allowed) – LOI Due June 8

This FOA will support intramural - extramural collaborations to develop virtual modules that will enhance the platform’s capabilities. The anticipated outcome includes identification, design, synthesis, and validation of new chemical entities as starting points for drug development of novel targets, and the expansion of chemical space available for drug screening.

Education

Georgia CTSA TL1 (T32-like) Training Grant Clinical & Translational Research Training - Predoc Due February 15, Postdoc Due March 15

The TL1 program is focused on providing innovative didactic and mentored research training to individuals interested in careers that encompass clinical and/or translational research. The TL1 program supports predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees (medical and PhD students, resident and fellow physicians, PhD postdocs, and PharmD residents).

Fulbright Scholar Program Info Session – February 17

Join us via Zoom at 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM for a live Fulbright U.S. Scholar information session. Faculty interested in applying for a Fulbright are encouraged to join this information session to learn about opportunities for global teaching and research.

Georgia CTSA KL2-Mentored Clinical and Translational Research Scholars Program – Due March 1

The goal of the KL2 Scholars program is to support and enhance career development for junior faculty (MD, PhD, MD/PhD, or PharmD) committed to a career in clinical and/or translational research. The Georgia CTSA is committed to assisting junior faculty at partner institutions to become independent, established, and ethical clinical and/or translational research investigators.

Emory BIRCWH Program – Due March 1

The Emory BIRCWH program, short for Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health, is a highly selective career development program for junior faculty interested in women's health research and/or sex/gender science. The ultimate goal of the BIRCWH program is to train junior faculty, through a mentored research and career development experience, to become independent investigators who use novel, interdisciplinary approaches to advance the science of women’s health and sex/gender research. Communicable disease research is one area of focus for the Emory BIRCWH program.

Phlebotomy 101 Introduction to Venipuncture – March 25 & 26

Phlebotomy 101 is a two-day classroom and clinical, hands-on training to venipuncture offered through the Georgia CTSA Clinical Research Centers (GCRCs). The course is offered bi-monthly to research coordinators from Emory, MSM and UGA.

National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) Research Study Cohort 3 – March 25 – 26

NRMN SETH will be offering Grant Writing Coaching and Mock Study Section for Junior Faculty, and Early-Stage Investigators who are actively writing NIH style research proposals. The randomized controlled study is specifically designed to meet the needs of diverse investigators at RCMI, CTSA, IDeA and other NIH funded emerging research institutions committed to workforce diversity. Early-Stage Investigators will learn grant writing techniques developed at Northwestern University while working in small coaching groups with up to 5-6 study participants and 1 coach.

Certificate Program in Translational Research (CPTR) – Due April 30

The Certificate Program in Translational Research (CPTR) is a formal 16-credit Emory Laney Graduate School program for trainees who seek to conduct research at the interface between basic and translational science and clinical medicine. Despite the explosive growth in biomedical knowledge, it has been increasingly difficult to translate this knowledge and discovery into applications for the treatment of disease and to benefit human health by addressing gaps between biology and medicine and promoting multidisciplinary team science. The CPTR enhances and transforms translational research training for predoctoral PhD students, postdoctoral fellows (PhD or MD) and junior faculty at Emory, MSM, Georgia Tech, and UGA.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Program

The BMSF DCTCDP is a 2-year program designed to support the career development of early-stage investigator (as defined by NIH) physicians underrepresented in medicine, or physicians who have a demonstrated commitment to increasing diversity in clinical research, to become independent clinical trial investigators who are engaged in advancing health equity through their research and mentoring. The DCTCDP provides an award for salary support to protect time for all program-related activities. The application is a two-step process, beginning with a Letter of Intent (LOI). The application portal is open now and will close on July 2.

Research Resources

N3C - COVID-19 Analytics Platform Now Open

Researchers studying COVID-19 now are able to access an innovative new analytics platform that contains clinical data from the electronic health records of people who were tested for the novel coronavirus or who have had related symptoms. Part of the NCATS National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) Data Enclave, the centralized and secure data platform features powerful analytics capabilities for online discovery, visualization and collaboration.

Video Provides Overview of Georgia CTSA Clinical Research Centers’ Services

Georgia CTSA Clinical Research Centers (GCRCs) offer dedicated space, experienced staff, and resources to support research at a competitive cost. GCRCs assist investigators of all experience levels from Emory, Georgia Tech, Morehouse School of Medicine, UGA, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. We serve adult and pediatric patient populations in Georgia. Watch this new video to learn more about how we can help you with your research.

Georgia CTSA Ethical Dilemma of the Week

Informed Consent: The Right to Participate in Research (PDF)

Innovation & Translation

Bench2Market Talks: Curious about FDA Strategy? – Feb 17

Join our February webinar from 11:30 - 12:30 led by Richard DiMonda who will discuss differing regulatory pathways based on technology type and classification, variables in cost and timeline, and what they mean to you and your technology. This talk is part of the Bench2Market series covering commercialization topics important to university innovators co-sponsored by the Georgia CTSA and Biolocity.

Community

Georgia CTSA Community Engagement Forum – April 1–2 (Abstracts Due: February 15)

We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to share your research and/or program or policy experiences related to academic and community partnerships. The Georgia CTSA Community Engagement program is an inter-institutional collaboration focused on accelerating the translation of science and research discoveries to application at the community level towards advancing population health. Professionals, students, and community members who would like to share research, policy work, or programs that address health or healthcare in Georgia are encouraged to submit an abstract by February 15.

Participants Needed for COVID-19 Vaccine and Therapeutic Trials

Adults 18 and older, from all races and ethnicities, are needed to participate in COVID-19 trials. Please spread the word to help recruit minorities, especially for vaccine trials.

Events

Emory SOM FAALI Lecture Series: Time Management and Improving Efficiency – February 16

Join us via Zoom from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM to learn more about Time Management and Improving Efficiency with Professor Andi Shane MD, MPH, MSc, and Professor Marianne Celano, PhD, ABPP.

AiR Webinar – February 16

Join AiR (Advances in Research) via Zoom from 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM to learn more about “Identifying Novel Therapeutic Targets in Wilms Tumors” with Postdoctoral Karuna Mittal, PhD and “More than Just a Meal: Delineating the Impact of Obesity on B-ALL Pathogenesis" with Assistant Professor Curtis Henry, PhD.

Join Assistant Professor W. Hong Yeo, PhD at 8:00 AM via Zoom to learn more about “Smart and Connected Soft Bioelectronics for Advancing Human Healthcare.” Webinar is part of the Jay E. Berkelhamer, M.D., Pediatric Research Grand Rounds.

Team Science Skill Series: Leading Teams – February 19

Join Assistant Professor Julie Dinh, PhD from Baruch College for an interactive workshop via Zoom from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM. At the end of this session, participants will be able to define leadership and its structures within work teams, identify common behaviors that develop and inhibit effective leadership within teams, and develop strategies to maintain leadership in current work environments, including within virtual settings.

CTID Seminar – February 19

Join CTID (Center for Transplantation and Immune-mediated Disorders) via Zoom from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM to learn more about “Genetics of Childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Manifestations and Complications” with Assistant Professor Linda Hiraki, MD, FRCPC, MS, ScD.

Southeast Regional Clinical and Translational Science Conference - March 4 - 5

Hosted by the Georgia CTSA, mark your calendar and plan to virtually join us in 2021 as we bring together researchers from across the region to present the best new clinical and translational research and build collaborative partnerships.

International GMP Conference – March 8 – 11

The International Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Conference was established in conjunction with the FDA in 1976 to create an annual ongoing dialogue between regulatory agencies and the pharmaceutical industry on important issues in drug compliance and quality. Attendees will leave the conference with valuable information and ideas that will facilitate the production of safe, high quality drugs for consumers.

HSRC Seminar Series – March 17

Join Health Science Research Center via Zoom from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM to learn more about “Using Evaluative Frameworks to Assess Implementation Outcomes: Lessons in School Mental Health for Students with Autism" with Assistant Professor Katherine Pickard, MD.

HIV & Aging: Mitochondria to the Metropolis - Population Determinants of Health – April 14 -16

This multidisciplinary conference will provide a venue for all attendees to build scientific partnership and contribute useful knowledge to the quality of care and life of persons aging with HIV. Call for Abstracts and applications for the Mentoring Workshop EXTENDED to February 12.

7th Annual Health Services Research Day – May 5 (Abstracts Due: March 8)

Health Services Research Day is going virtual! Join us for this symposium and networking opportunity where researchers across Georgia will learn about ongoing quality, effectiveness, and value-based research activities. Oral and poster presentations will be selected from submitted abstracts.

Southeastern Pediatric Research Conference – June 11 (Abstracts Due: March 1)