In this edition:

(Scroll down for more info and click on the links for additional details)

Funding Opportunities

• NEW Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards
• Interim Support Funding 23-3
• Simcere-MGB Collaboration 
• Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine
• Limited Submission Funding
• Foundation Funding Opportunities

Announcements:

• New Research Information Security Officer
• Genomic Medicine in Clinical Practice Course
• Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials
• MGH 20th Annual Clinical Research Day Invitations
• ChemDraw Software
• Mathworks Training
• NEW RISC/ERIS inquiry response and escalation process

Events:

• MGH Postdoc Retreat
• NEW Navigating the NIH Pathway to Independence (K99/R00) Award
• Research Tech Talk
• NEW MGH New (and established) Faculty Orientation
• 2023 Virtual Tumor Course: Registration Now Open
• Meditation Sessions available every week

NEW Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards

What is it?

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship program provides funding to the very best postdoctoral applicants, both nationally and internationally, who will positively contribute to the country's economic, social and research-based growth. The award is designed for Canadian Citizens, permanent residents of Canada and foreign citizens of Canada.

The objective of the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship program is to:

• attract and retain top-tier postdoctoral talent, both nationally and internationally
• develop their leadership potential
• position them for success as research leaders of tomorrow 

How much is each award?

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship is a stipend of $70,000 (taxable) per year for 2 years and does not support indirect costs (IDC). There are no additional funds provided for travel/research. This Fellowship is not subject to the MGH 20% IDC requirement. The award will start sometime between April 2024 and October 2024.

When is the deadline?

MGH Internal Application Deadline: Friday, August 11, 2023 at 5pm

Sponsor Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Interim Support Funding 23-3

What are they?

The Interim Support Funding (ISF) Program is open to Principal Investigators during a lapse or delay in their research funding from the NIH or another Federal agency (e.g., the National Science Foundation, the Department of Defense). Investigators must have applied for independent, long-term support (R01, R21, U01 and P01). The intent of the program is to rescue strong scientific programs that are in need of bridge funding in order to sustain their research. Applications will be accepted regardless of percentile or score, including applications that were not discussed.

When is the deadline?

Tuesday, August 1, 2023 - 5:00 PM

Simcere-MGB Collaboration 

The Simcere-MGB collaboration is an exclusive program with MGB aimed toward supporting early-stage projects across immunology, oncology and neurology. With this program, Simcere aims to fund cutting-edge research to support new discoveries that can deepen the research community’s knowledge in these areas and support future developments for patients. 

Awarded projects will receive:

• $250,000 research funding (including institutional indirect costs, the standard IDC for non-clinical industry SRA would apply) for 12 months
• Simcere R&D expertise and guidance

Research areas of interest: immunology, oncology and neurology. Please see details in the attached flyer. Please note: the number of bullets under each disease area is not indicative of a level of interest or priority – all areas are of equal interest to Simcere. 

Application Process (Please see the timeline in the attached flyer for more details) :

• July 21, 2023: Deadline for PIs to submit a non-confidential pre-proposal, along with an up-to-date CV, to Innovation at phsstrategicalliances@partners.org for review
• Please develop a pre-proposal using the attached template
• Note: The template allows for up to 5-pages, but 1-2 pages will be sufficient for the pre-proposal stage
• July 28, 2023: Deadline for the Innovation Office to submit approved pre-proposals and CVs to Simcere.
• Note: No third-party collaborators will be permitted.

Please reach out to Mark Fulton (mfulton3@partners.org) for further information.

Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine

The Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine, presented by the American Society for Clinical Investigation and the Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals – part of The Harrington Project for Discovery & Development – honors a physician-scientist who has moved science forward with notable achievements in innovation, creativity and potential for clinical application.

This annual prize includes:

• An unrestricted $20,000 honorarium
• The Harrington Prize Lecture, delivered at the 2024 AAP/ASCI/APSA Joint Meeting
• Lecture at the 2024 Harrington Discovery Institute Symposium
• A personal essay, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation

This prize requires an institutional nomination; however, MGH is not limited in the number of nominees we can submit. If you are interested, please contact MGH ECOR at ecor@partners.org by August 1, 2023 to be considered.

Limited Submission Funding Opportunities

We ask that all MGH Investigators interested in applying for any limited submission award submit a Letter of Intent (see detailed instructions below) to the MGH Executive Committee on Research (ECOR) by the deadline indicated for each award to be considered to receive an institutional nomination. 

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES:

See full details for all awards on our website.

NIH Neuroscience Development for Advancing the Careers of a Diverse Research Workforce (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The NIH Research Education Program (R25) supports research education activities in the mission areas of the NIH. The overarching goal of this R25 program is to support educational activities that encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, to pursue further studies or careers in research. 

MGH LOI Deadline: 7/26/23

NIH LOI Deadline: 8/26/23

NIH Application Deadline: 9/26/23

Learn more

Cummings $25 Million Grant Programs

Award Amount:

• First-time and returning recipients: $30,000-$300,000 paid over 3 years
• Returning recipients: $300,000-$1 million paid over 10 years

The Cummings $30 Million Grant Program funds a wide variety of local causes, especially those related to human services, education, healthcare, and social justice.

MGH LOI Deadline: 8/04/23

NIH LOI Deadline: 9/09/23

NIH Application Deadline: 12/22/23

Learn more

Occupational Safety and Health Training Project Grants (T03) – NEW!

NIOSH / CDC invites grant applications for Training Project Grants (TPGs) that are focused on occupational safety and health training. NIOSH is mandated to provide an adequate supply of qualified personnel to carry out the purposes of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. 

MGH LOI Deadline: 8/08/23

Sponsor LOI Deadline: 9/19/23

Sponsor Application Deadline: 10/24/23

Learn more

Limited Competition for the Continuation of Cure Glomerulonephropathy (CureGN) Participating Clinical Centers (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)  – NEW!

The purpose of this Limited Competition is to extend the Cure Glomerulonephropathy (CureGN) Network by continuing to support the Participating Clinical Centers (PCCs). The CureGN Network is a multicenter observational cohort study of glomerular disease patients with the goal of improving care for all glomerular disease patients.

Only renewal, resubmissions, or revisions are allowed. This call does not accept new applications.

MGH LOI Deadline: 8/15/23

NIH LOI Deadline: 9/19/23

NIH Application Deadline: 10/19/23

Learn more

Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases (R25 – Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) 

The NIH Research Education Program (R25) supports research education activities in the mission areas of the NIH. The overarching goal of this R25 program is to support educational activities that encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, to pursue further studies or careers in research. 

MGH LOI Deadline: 9/05/23

NIH LOI Deadline: 9/25/23

NIH Application Deadline: 10/25/23

Learn more

The Warren Alpert Distinguished Scholar Awards

The Award will support individual postdoctoral scientists of exceptional creativity in the field of neurosciences. These transitional awards are to enable a postdoctoral researcher to advance to become a full-time faculty member at the Assistant Professor level or higher and to promote the development of a laboratory program that will lead to independent funding.

MGH LOI Deadline: 9/06/23

Sponsor Application Deadline: 11/01/23

Learn more

EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems Research Infrastructure Improvement Program (National Science Foundation)

The Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) fulfills the mandate of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to promote scientific progress nationwide.

MGH LOI Deadline: 10/09/23

Sponsor Application Deadline: 12/06/23

Learn more

Foundation Funding Opportunities

Please contact Corporate & Foundation Relations in the Office of Development at devcfr@mgh.harvard.edu if you wish to submit a proposal in response to any of these opportunities. Note that proposals are still routed through the standard InfoEd/Research Management process.

For all open foundation funding announcements, see the MGB Innovation External Funding Database



CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES:

See full details for all awards on our website.

1. Alzheimer's Association Clinician Scientist Fellowship (AACSF) Program, Alzheimer's Association (ALZ). $250,000. LOI Deadline: September 6
2. Alzheimer's Association Clinician Scientist Fellowship to Promote Diversity (AACSF-D), Alzheimer's Association (ALZ). $250,000. LOI Deadline: September 6
3. Alzheimer's Association Research Fellowship (AARF), Alzheimer's Association (ALZ). $200,000. LOI Deadline: September 6
4. Alzheimer's Association Research Fellowship to Promote Diversity (AARF-D), Alzheimer's Association (ALZ). $200,000. LOI Deadline: September 6
5. Alzheimer's Association Research Grant (AARG), Alzheimer's Association (ALZ). $200,000. LOI Deadline: September 6
6. Tau Pipeline Enabling Program (T-PEP), Alzheimer's Association (ALZ). $750,000. LOI Deadline: August 30
7. Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant for Alternatives to Animal Research in Human Health or Sex Differences, American Fund for Alternatives to Animal Research (AFAAR). $40,000. Application Deadline: October 1
8. Collaborative Sciences Award, American Heart Association (AHA). $750,000. LOI Deadline: October 4
9. Established Investigator Award, American Heart Association (AHA). $400,000. Preliminary Proposal Deadline: October 5
10. Liver Scholar Award, American Liver Foundation (ALF). $225,000. LOI Deadline: July 31
11. Damon Runyon Fellowship Award, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. $260,000. Application Deadline: August 15
12. NEW! Pilot Grants in Basic and Clinical Research, Eagles Autism Foundation. $400,000. LOI Deadline: August 25
13. Parker B. Francis Fellowship Programme in Pulmonary Research, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. $225,000. Application Deadline: October 10
14. NEW! IASLC Adi F. Gazdar Fellowship Grant, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). $50,000. Application Deadline: September 5
15. NEW! IASLC/Novocure Tumor Treating Fields Research Grants, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). $100,000. Application Deadline: October 9
16. IASLC Young Investigator Grant, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). $50,000. Application Deadline: September 5
17. LCFA/BMS/ILCF Disparities in Clinical Oncology Research Grants in Translational Immuno-oncology, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). $200,000. Application Deadline: September 5
18. Job Syndrome Research Grant, Job Research Foundation. $200,000. Application Deadline: October 13
19. Career Development Program for Fellows and Instructors (multiple opps), Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). $625,000. Eligibility Phase Deadline: October 27
20. Career Development Grant, Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF). $300,000. LOI Deadline: August 10
21. New Investigator Grant, Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF). $50,000. LOI Deadline: August 10
22. NEW! Freezing of Gait (FOG) in Parkinson’s Disease Research Program, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF). $2 million. Preliminary Proposal Deadline: September 26
23. ULF Research Grant Program, United Leukodystrophy Foundation (ULF). $30,000. Application Deadline: October 3
24. Pilot Awards for Young Investigators, Vasculitis Foundation (VF). $50,000. Application Deadline: August 31
25. NEW! Mental Health Award: Understanding Anxiety- and Trauma-Related Problems, Wellcome Trust. ≈$5.2 million. Preliminary Proposal Deadline: November 14
26. Supporting Healthcare Equity in Communities of Color for Older Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Working for Inclusive and Transformative Healthcare (WITH) Foundation. $50,000. Application Deadline: August 15

Do you want to learn more about identifying external funding opportunities? Please click here to request a research consultation with Amy Robb or see ECOR’s website for information on the Pivot database.

New Research Information Security Officer

We are pleased to announce that Heather Carter has been promoted to the Role of Research Information Security Officer, assuming the role from Fabio Martins who left MGB in May. 

Heather has worked at Mass General Brigham for 16 years and has been instrumental in developing and improving the Mass General Brigham Research Information Security Program procedures for the last five years. Heather has a Graduate Certificate in Information Security and Assurance, CIPP/E, GSEC, and GSNA. She has gained a wealth of knowledge from her daily interactions and has become the go-to for research information security questions. We are looking forward to Heather leading the Research Information Security Program and continuing to streamline processes for researchers.

Genomic Medicine in Clinical Practice Course

August 2 - November 8

Genomics is a rapidly expanding field, with new research and applications branching into nearly every clinical specialty.

Genomic Medicine in Clinical Practice is geared towards clinicians, healthcare professionals, researchers, and medical students who are interested in learning more about the current and future applications of this field. 

This self-paced online course provides an overview, including family history collection and interpretation, fundamental genetic variations, laboratory selection and report analysis, indication-based and preventive testing options, and the ethical, legal, and cultural issues underpinning the field. ⁠

Learn how to integrate genetic testing into clinical care from clinical and molecular geneticists, genetic counselors, and sub-specialists who will lead participants through instructional videos, practical exercises, discussion board activities, and assessments.

Registration ends July 24, 2023. 

Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials

Tuesdays and Thursdays: September 5 – November 2, 2023 | 5:00 – 6:30pm

Online via OpenCourses

Applications due August 26, 2023

The Division of Clinical Research Education Unit, in collaboration with the MGH Infectious Disease Unit and the Department of Psychiatry, is offering a thirteen-session intensive course, Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials (DCCT), this September through November.

Physicians with a serious interest in clinical trials will be introduced to theoretical and practical issues facing clinical researchers. Course participants will learn how to envision, plan, develop and execute effective clinical trials. Study content includes research designs, protocols, ethical patient recruitment, informed consent, regulations, and clinical trial management. The course is ideally suited for clinical fellows starting their research years, junior faculty pursuing careers in clinical research, and physicians with an interest in becoming more actively involved in clinical research.  

All participants are expected to use the course curriculum to develop and present a trial design at the final session of the course.  

Enrollment is limited to facilitate interaction and individual attention. To ensure placement in the course, early application is recommended. All applications will be reviewed after the August 26th deadline.

Contact tla@mgh.harvard.edu  with any questions. 

MGH 20th Annual Clinical Research Day 

October 12, 2023

Invitation to Submit Abstracts for MGH Clinical Research Day 2023

MGH Investigators are invited to submit abstracts for MGH Clinical Research Day 2023. Abstract Submissions will open on June 1, 2023, with an EXTENDED DEADLINE of July 31, 2023. 

Mandatory Criteria for Abstract Submissions:

Abstracts must be about clinical research or educational research conducted at MGH.

Mandatory Criteria for Award Consideration: Data must represent novel research results published or accepted for publication between September 2021 and July 2023.

All abstracts that present novel results from a clinical research or clinical education project will be considered for the hospital-wide awards: Clinical & Outcomes Research, Translational Research, Team and Health Professions Education Research. MGH Departments will also be giving monetary awards.

Please, submit abstracts here by July 15, 2023. 

Invitation to Submit Nominations for the Mary "Kay" Ryan Award for Excellence in Support of Clinical Research at MGH

The Mary "Kay" Ryan Award for Excellence in Support of Clinical Research at MGH was established in memory of Mary "Kay" Ryan, a dedicated member of the MGH Clinical Research community for 15 years, who died on July 6, 2017. Kay, as she was known to her colleagues, is remembered for her devotion to helping Clinical Research Investigators and Study Staff. She selflessly did her work under the radar while making MGH great. A $500 award will be presented on October 12, 2023, during MGH Clinical Research Day, to honor MGH Clinical Research Staff for exceptional service.

All full-time MGH Clinical Research Study Staff (study coordinators, research assistants, program/project managers, and research nurses) are eligible for the award. Nominees must be able to attend (virtually) Clinical Research Day on October 12th for presentation of the award. Anyone may provide a nomination - supervisor, co-worker or colleague. A committee of MGH Clinical Research Staff and Investigators will select the honoree.

Please, submit nominations here by September 1, 2023.

If you have any questions, please contact Tiereny Morrison-Rohlfs.

ChemDraw Software

ChemDraw licenses are offered at a discounted rate through the ERIS Research Computing Core. ChemDraw is a powerful, yet easy-to use, tool for producing chemical and biological drawings. You can create your own drawings or use those provided in the library of available templates.

This is a subscription service with an annual fee, which must be renewed each May 25th, to continue access. Once ordering you will receive an email with installation instructions (new users) or an activation code (renewals). Request through the ERIS Research Computing Core Service Catalog.

MathWorks Training

Online training is available, offered by MathWorks.

NEW RISC/ERIS inquiry response and escalation process

MGH Postdoc Retreat

Date: Sept 6, 2023 (8:30-6pm)

Location: MGB Assembly Row 

The Postdoctoral Division has organized a one-day retreat for Mass General Postdocs. Planned talks and events:

• Applying for Academic Faculty Positions
• Transitioning to Industry – Moderna HR rep will be present!
• Mock NIH Study Section
• Networking with MGH Faculty and Administrators

The event will be in-person and, therefore, will have a cap on the number of postdocs that can attend. Please click below to sign up if you are interested in attending.

Feel free to email pdd@partners.org if you have any more questions.

NEW Navigating the NIH Pathway to Independence (K99/R00) Award

Wednesday, August 16 | 10:00 – 11:00 am

Speaker: Hassan S Dashti, PhD, RD, Assistant Professor, Dept of Anesthesia, MGH

This 1-hour online Zoom presentation will focus on the specifics of the NIH Pathway to Independence (K99/R00) Award, including important considerations, eligibility criteria, tips on writing a competitive K99R00 application, and preparing for a timely K99 to R00 transition. This session is meant to complement the "Conquering the K" course and, therefore, will not discuss general aspects of K awards, including how to write specific aims, career development plans, etc., Intended audience members include current postdoctoral research fellows within ~4 years of earning a terminal degree and current K99 awardees preparing to transition to the R00 phase of their award.

Research Tech Talk

September 28, 2023



The next virtual Research Tech Talk is Thursday September 28th, 2023 - 12:00pm to 2:00pm. 

Topics:

• MGB Digital Information Security will provide updates, current and future initiatives.
• MGB Digital PEAS and Enterprise Mobility Management will present updates, current and future initiatives.

NEW MGH New Faculty Orientation

Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 12:00 – 2:00 pm, Zoom 

An opportunity for new (and established) faculty to learn about the various offices and networks that support our clinical and research faculty. While this is designed for those who are new to the MGH faculty, all faculty members are welcome to attend. This two‐hour session is designed to provide an overview of the MGH environment and faculty resources focusing on: MGH and MGPO; Center for Faculty Development; Key Executive Committees; and other important resources such as EAP and Harvard Catalyst.

2023 Virtual Tumor Course

Tuesday, Oct. 24 to Friday Oct. 27, 2023

The 38th Annual Critical Issues in Tumor Microenvironment: Angiogenesis, Metastasis and Immunology course will continue to offer the best in critical analysis of what is currently known about the tumor microenvironment, angiogenesis, metastasis, immunology. This will include chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, tumor metabolism, and the role of microbiome.

The internationally recognized faculty speakers will present their latest findings from the clinic and the lab and highlight key gaps in the knowledge of cancer and outline future directions for research at the bench, in the clinic, and in drug development.

The course will continue its four-day online webinar-based live lecture format. Learning formats will include didactic lectures, Q&A and group case discussions.

The faculty will encourage an open discussion and will provide critical comments on challenges and future opportunities in research in cancer and in establishment of novel therapy approaches and biomarkers to guide treatment. The aim of this course is to analyze and synthesize the most up-to-date findings.

Faculty will present valuable information in a systematic and comprehensive framework, along with a critical review of the latest techniques. This course is dedicated to helping to improve clinical translation of this knowledge and competence, leading to improved cancer treatment.

Two Meditation Sessions available every week



SESSION 1: Meditation Mondays with Dr. Darshan Mehta 

Every Monday, 8:00 – 8:30 am, Zoom à next session, Monday, July 24!

Co-sponsored by the Center for Faculty Development’s Office for Well-Being and the MGPO Frigoletto Committee

Join Darshan Mehta, MD, MPH, Director, Office for Well-Being, for a guided meditation session on Monday morning. 

Register and add to calendar

SESSION 2: Midweek Meditation with Guest Leader 

Every Wednesday, 8:00 – 8:30 am, Zoom à next session, Wednesday, July 26!

Sponsored by the Center for Faculty Development’s Office for Well-Being

Join guest leader, Diane Cocca-Spofford, BSN, RN, Benson-Henry Institute of Mind Body Medicine, for next Wednesday’s guided meditation session on July 26th!

Register and add to calendar