Halpin Foundation-American Society of Nephrology Research Grant

Halpin Foundation-ASN Research Grant

Next Application Deadline: Friday, February 6, 2009*
Purpose

To provide funding for young faculty to foster evolution to an independent research career by providing transition funding toward successful application for an RO1 grant. Applicants must be within 7 years of initial faculty appointment and may be in the last two years of a mentored award. Applicants must be able to show evidence of progress toward capability to oversee an independent research project or its equivalent.

This grant is to support research on topics in immunology and genetics directly relevant to human membranous nephropathy. The research proposal must include an explanation of how the proposed research is relevant to human membranous nephropathy.
Eligibility

Applicants must be a resident of North America, an active member of the ASN (full dues-paying membership), and hold an MD or PhD or equivalent degree. At the time of submission the applicant's membership must be current and their dues paid. Appointment to full-time faculty must be confirmed in writing by the Department Chair, indicating the date of first full-time faculty appointment, and providing assurance that the department will provide needed resources for conducting independent research (laboratory and office space, salary support, and protected research time of at least 75%). It must be assured that the proposed project is independent of previous mentors. Additionally, applicants will be considered ineligible should they submit more than one type of ASN grant application during any particular grants cycle. ASN career development grants are not renewable and previous recipients are not eligible for a second grant.
Grant Amount

The award will provide $100,000 annually for two years, beginning July 1, and will cover salaries/supplies related to the candidate's research proposal. A maximum of 10% ($10,000) may be used to cover indirect costs at the candidate's sponsoring institution.
Previous or Current Funding Allowed

Applicants are allowed to have currently, or have had previously, extramural (NIH or Foundation) mentored career development award funding (e.g., NIH K08). However, total grant funding cannot exceed $140,000 in annual direct costs, not counting the ASN grant. Applicants cannot have a previous or current NIH RO1 or VA Merit Award.
Use of Grant Funds

Salary/Fringe: Up to $70,000 can be used for the PI's salary/fringe.

Supplies: Any or all of the funds can be used for research supplies or support salary of research assistant.

Equipment: Funds cannot be used to purchase equipment that costs more than $5,000, unless such purchase is clearly justified in the research plan and approved by the ASN.

Restrictions: Funds cannot be used for travel, or for clinical or administrative time.
Terms

A progress report is required for non-competitive renewal of the grant for the second year. A final report is also required at the end of the funding period. The award is for continuous support, and interruptions in the period of support will require prior written approval from the ASN. Progress reports should include the following: Summary of progress during tenure of the ASN award, publications during the tenure of the award, an updated listing of current and pending grant support from all sources, and plans for continuing the research project in the next year.

Research Scholars are required to devote at least 75% of their time to research. Awardees shall be known as Halpin Foundation-ASN Research Scholars of the American Society of Nephrology and shall acknowledge ASN's support in publications resulting from their proposed work.

A maximum of $70,000 may be applied to the investigator's salary, including fringe benefits.

The Halpin Foundation-ASN Research Scholar Award may be transferred from one institution to another only with the prior approval of the ASN. The ASN must receive written assurance from the Department Head/Division Director of the new institution that the investigator at the time of or before the invitation will be permitted to devote at least 75% of his or her time to research, have a full-time faculty appointment, and that appropriate research facilities will be available.
Application

Applicants must submit the original and three paper copies of the application (including letter from Department Chair or Division Director), and three letters of reference.

In addition, applicants must submit a single pdf file (on CD) including all portions of the application except the confidential letters of reference.

Please note the following in regards to the application:

* The research proposal text should be in size 12 font.
* The research proposal has a 10-page length limit including figures.
* You do not need to include a proposed budget with your application.

Evaluation Criteria

The Review Committee will consider the potential of the applicant and the proposed project for eventual funding by a NIH R01 grant or its equivalent. Assessment will include the qualifications of the applicant with respect to prior training, productivity, and independence, as well as the scientific merit of the proposed project. The institutional commitment to the development of the applicant as an independent investigator will also be assessed.
Contact

For more information about the Halpin Foundation - ASN Research Grant, please contact Holly Osborne by email at hosborne@asn-online.org.

Grant applications should be mailed to:
Holly Osborne
American Society of Nephrology
1725 I Street, NW
Suite 510
Washington, DC 20006

Next Application Deadline: Friday, February 6, 2009*

*ASN must receive the application, including reference letters and CD with pdf file, by this date.