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Toxicology Pilot Project Grants: October 15
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September 14, 2010, Volume 57, No. 03

The Penn-Nanotoxicology Alliance—a collaboration between the Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology (CEET), the Targeted Therapeutics and Nanomedicine Program of the ITMAT/CTSA, the Nanotechnology Institute (NTI), and the Nano-Bio Interface Center (NBIC) announce the availability of pilot project grants for 12-month seed efforts that address any relevant research topic related to the toxicology of nanoparticles and nanostructured materials. These funds are being made available from the Vice Provost for Research and the School of Medicine. Projects that characterize the physical and chemical properties of engineered nanoparticles, explore their basic biology and pathobiology, and provide a clear pathway to the clinical and commercial deployment of environmentally safe nanoparticles are particularly encouraged, as are projects that have the potential to generate new or develop existing intellectual property.

Awards of up to $25,000 will be made and a start date of November 15, 2010 is anticipated.

Any member of the standing faculty or research track faculty in the 12 professional schools at the University of Pennsylvania, or our affiliates (CHOP and Monell) are eligible to apply. Applications from Penn researchers who collaborate with researchers at other NTI affiliated institutions will be considered. The NTI Affiliated Institutions are: CHOP, Drexel University, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Haverford College, Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Millersville University, Thomas Jefferson University, University of Pennsylvania, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Temple University, Villanova University, and Widener University. The research being proposed should represent a new idea or direction, and cannot already be funded by an external funding agency.

Proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit, impact, feasibility, likelihood of success, and appropriateness of needed facilities and equipment. A successful track record of research, commercial or clinical deployment, and interdisciplinary collaborations are all advantageous. Applications that involve the disciplines of toxicology and engineering are particularly encouraged. Leveraging of current or future extramural funding from the federal NanoHealth initiative, NIEHS, or NIST will be considered in the review process. Potential for economic impact in the southeast Pennsylvania region is also preferred. 

Award recipients are required to submit a final project and expenditure report to the Penn Nanotoxicology Alliance at the end of the funding period and awardees must present their findings at a CEET Chalk Talk. The source of this funding must be acknowledged on all publications resulting from the supported research.

The following should be submitted for the internal review by Friday, October 15, 2010.

All forms and descriptions can be found on the NTI website, www.nanotechinstitute.org or the CEET web site at www.med.upenn.edu/ceet.

I.   Proposal Cover Page

II.  Non-Confidential Executive Summary

III. Research Plan

a. Specific Aims
b. Significance and Innovation
c. Approach
d. References
e. Biographical Sketches
f. Current and Pending Support
g. Sections (a-c) of the Research Plan should not exceed 5 pages.

IV. Budget: Funds may be used to support graduate students, and other research staff; materials and supplies. Minor equipment less than $5,000 can be purchased with these funds and the leasing of larger equipment is allowed. Subcontracts may be included but there is no overhead associated with these awards. Faculty cannot charge their salary or request travel funds on these grants.

To apply, submit one PDF file to Mary Webster, director of administration, CEET: webster@upenn.edu. Proposals should be written using 11-point font, single spaced, with 1" margins.

The evaluation of Program proposals is expected to be completed approximately 2-4 weeks from the submittal date. The time may vary slightly depending on the volume of applications.

 

Almanac - September 14, 2010, Volume 57, No. 03