Center Purpose The University of Arkansas
for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Public Health (COPH) established the
Arkansas Center for Health Disparities (ARCHD) to develop research that improves
access to quality prevention and health care programs for racial and ethnic
minorities with the goal of reducing health disparities. The Center was
established in the Fall of 2007 with funding from NIH's National Center for
Minority Health Disparities. Center priority areas focus on chronic diseases
broadly defined, with an emphasis on diseases that disproportionately impact
ethnic and racial groups in Arkansas. These diseases include coronary heart
disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, many types of cancer and some sexually
transmitted diseases
Pilot Research Program
ARCHD aims to advance the science of disparities research by
supporting pilot/feasibility studies ranging from descriptive research to
clinical trials. The Center has allocated funds to support 4 to 6 one- to
two-year pilot research grants with each project ranging in direct cost funding
from $20,000 to $50,000 per year. It is expected that funded pilot grants will
lead to successful NIH applications for projects to address health disparities. TOP
Eligibility
All faculty members of UAMS and Arkansas Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (Arkansas Baptist College, Philander Smith College,
and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), as well as employees of the
Arkansas Department of Health with adjunct faculty appointments at the UAMS
COPH, are encouraged to apply.
Research proposals must address racial and
ethnic health disparities. Based on the Center's priority areas developed from
analyzing statewide health disparities data to identify areas of the most
significant disparity, priority will be given to applications targeting
disparities in: coronary heart disease, stroke, and cancer; and modifiable risk
factors for these diseases, including dietary habits, physical inactivity,
obesity, and tobacco use. However, applications focused on health disparities
but addressing other chronic diseases will be considered.
Priority will
also be given to T2 translational research that identifies community, patient,
physician and organizational factors that serve as barriers to and facilitators
of translation of evidence-based strategies to reduce disparities; develops
novel intervention and implementation strategies to increase translation, such
as quality improvement programs or policies; and evaluates the impact of
strategies to increase translation of relevant healthy behaviors and processes
of care. Interdisciplinary proposals are encouraged.
Translational Research Definitions
T2 research is the translation of results from clinical
studies into everyday clinical practice and health decision making. The
“laboratory” for T2 research is the community and ambulatory care
settings, where population based interventions and practice-based
research networks bring the results of T1 research to the public. T2
research skills include mastery of the “implementation science” of
developing and evaluating interventions in realworld settings and of the
disciplines that inform the design of those interventions, such as
clinical epidemiology and evidence synthesis, communication theory,
behavioral science, public policy, financing, organizational theory,
system redesign, informatics, and mixed methods/qualitative research.
T1 research has been described as the transfer
of new understandings of disease mechanisms gained in the laboratory
into the development of new methods for diagnosis, therapy, and
prevention and their first testing in humans. T1 research requires
mastery of molecular biology, genetics, and other basic sciences;
appropriately trained clinical scientists working in strong
laboratories and with cutting-edge technology; and a supportive
infrastructure within the institution. Studies deemed to
fall within the T1 category will not be funded.
Letters of Intent.
Applicants are required to submit a brief letter of intent by 4:00 p.m. on March
9, 2009. An electronic form is attached (and is also available on the Center
website at www.uams.edu/archd)
and letters may be returned via email. Letters must include the proposed title,
contact information for the pilot project principal investigator and all
co-investigators, and a one-paragraph description of the overall research
objective. Applications not preceded by a letter of intent will not be reviewed.
Submit the completed letter of intent as an email attachment in PDF format to
ARCHD@uams.edu by 4:00 p.m. on March 9, 2009.
Completed
Applications. Completed applications are due on April 15, 2009, by 4:00
p.m. The earliest anticipated start date for the 2009-2010 pilot grants is June
1, 2009. Actual start dates will depend on timing of receipt of project
approvals from NIH. TOP
Expected Outcomes
Following the award, pilot researchers are expected to a. Attend monthly ARCHD Research Core Meetings. b. Complete the National Institutes of Health's Overview and
Specific Guidance Form three
times annually. c. Provide information
for Center progress reports as requested. Upon completion of pilot studies,
investigators are expected to submit applications to external funding mechanisms
(e.g., R01s) to build on the pilot work for support of a larger study. If
appropriate, pilot project findings are also expected to be presented at
national meetings and published in peer-reviewed journal(s). TOP
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
These guidelines are intended to assist investigators in preparing
applications for the pilot research program. The level of detail specified in
the guidelines is required by NIH in order to review and provide final approval
to fund pilot projects. Awards will not be made until all appropriate forms and
institutional assurances have been provided (e.g., human subjects). Use the NIH
PHS 398 forms for the proposal as indicated below. Instructions for the PHS 398
forms can be found at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html.
Modifications to the PHS 398 instructions to be used in preparing pilot project
applications are described below.
1. Applications must consist of the following: a. Cover page, consisting of: project title, and name
and contact
information for the Principal Investigator b. Project Abstract (limit to 30 lines) c. PHS 398 Form Page 4: Detailed Budget for Initial
Budget Period Click here for downloadable sample form
Awards will be made through the Center's Administrative Core
Awards cover direct costs of $20,000 to $50,000 per year for a one to
two year period
Awards are subject to review and approval of the NIH project office
d.PHS 398
Biographical Sketch
In addition to material specified in the
instructions, please include relevant information such as research and/or
clinical training experience
Include mentors and any other key personnel including
consultants.
Include current funding and past funding for research.
e.Research
Plan NOTE: items 1 - 5 are not to exceed a total of 10
pages single spaced with 1" margins and 12 point font.
Specific Aims Aims or purpose of the
project and fit with the Center's goal. In addition to material specified in
the PHS 398 instructions, include statements regarding 1) how the proposed
project fits into the applicant's long-range research plans with emphasis on
plans to apply for external funding; and 2) how the proposed project relates
to other research funding currently being received or under review.
Background and Significance
Preliminary
Studies
Research Design and Methods
Include subject recruitment, access to sites (if relevant), and
analysis plan
Timeline Should
cover entire project period for which support is being
requested (one or two years
Vertebrate Animal Information In accordance with
the five items described in the PHS Form 398
instructions.
Data Safety and Monitoring Plan, if applicable
Literature Cited
f. Data Safety and Monitoring
Plan, if applicable g. Appendices
If available and appropriate, include relevant data collection
instruments, letters of support, related manuscripts. TOP
2. Budget Instructions
Four to six studies will receive one or two year
awards of $20,000 to $50,000 per year. Although up to $50,000 may be requested,
applicants are encouraged to apply for only those funds necessary to conduct the
study. The budget and budget justification of each approved application will be
reviewed for appropriateness. Alterations in the budget may be recommended. The
awards are for research related activities (collection of data, data analysis,
etc.), not scholarship of other types. Salary support for faculty, staff, and
students is allowed. If more than $20,000 to $50,000 per year is needed to
complete the research, please show how the additional funding will be obtained
(e.g., loaned equipment, other funding, etc.)
All pilot funding
activities require NIH approval. Verification of Human Subjects approval must be
received before study funds will be released. TOP
3. Submission Instructions
Any changes to submission guidelines will be posted on the
ARCHD website (www.uams.edu/archd). Please check the website for any
updates prior to submitting a letter of intent and completing application.
Required Letter of Intent. Letters of Intent are due no
later than 4:00 p.m. on March 9, 2009. Please complete the attached form (also
available on the Center website) and return via email attachment to
ARCHD@uams.edu. All electronic submissions should be saved in PDF format. If you
do not receive notification that your letter has been received by the end of the
next work day, please call 501-526-5064.
Completed Application.
Completed applications are due April 15, 2009, by 4:00 PM. Please submit an
electronic copy as well as an original paper copy of the entire application.
Proposals should not be entered into ARIA or routed through the Office of
Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP).
Adhere closely to the application guidelines and include information addressing the review criteria outlined in the RFA. In particular, be sure that your application addresses how your proposed research addresses racial and ethnic disparities and how it relates to the ARCHD goals and mission.
Describe your plans for seeking future NIH funding using findings from your pilot study, if funded.
Describe how your research fits within the T2 category of translational research (see
information and articles
listed below the 'Submit My Application' button).
Do not route your application through ARIA, ORSP, or IRB prior to submission.
Completed applications must be uploaded to the ARCHD website
and original paper copies submitted no later than 4:00pm April 15, 2009.
Electronic applications should be formatted as PDF or Microsoft Word and cannot exceed 10MB.
The user names and passwords will be emailed directly to each Primary Investigator.
This user name and password will be required to login in order to
submit your application electronically. Please contact Melanie Goodell at 526-5064 or
MEGoodell@uams.edu
with any questions or concerns.
Electronic copies should be formatted as a
PDF or Microsoft Word. If you do not receive notification that the electronic copy of your
proposal has been received by the end of the next business day, please call
501-526-5064.
Completed applications must be uploaded to the ARCHD
website and original paper copies submitted no later than 4:00pm April
15, 2009. Electronic applications should be formatted as PDF or
Microsoft Word and cannot exceed 10MB. To submit the application go to
http://www.uams.edu/archd/funding/PilotGrants.asp
and click the Submit My Application button. You will then need to enter your
user name and password. The user names and passwords will be emailed directly to
each Primary Investigator. This user name and password will be required to login
in order to submit your application electronically. Please contact Melanie Goodell at 526-5064 or MEGoodell@uams.edu with any questions or concerns.
Original paper copies
may be delivered via mail, but Investigators should be mindful that mailed
proposals must be sent early to clear campus mail before the April 15 deadline.
Mailed proposals should be sent to:
Melanie Goodell, MPH Arkansas Center for
Health Disparities
UAMS College of Public Health 4301 W. Markham, Slot 863 Little Rock, AR
72205 Telephone: (501) 526-5064
Proposals may be hand-delivered as late as 4:00pm April 15,
2009, to the UAMS College of Public Health Dean's Suite, Ed II Building, Room
2273. A box for ARCHD applications will be set up at the desk of Marilyn Smith. TOP
REVIEW CRITERIA
The ARCHD Review Committee will use the following criteria to assess each
application. These are provided so applicants will understand items of
importance to reviewers.
1. Significance
a. Does this study address problems
associated with racial and ethnic disparities? If the aims of the application
are achieved, how will scientific knowledge related to racial and ethnic
disparities be advanced?
b. Is the study consistent with the aims of the
center and does it have relevance to the Center's goals?
(See Center goals on www.uams.edu/archd)
c. What will be the effect of these studies on the
concepts or methods that drive racial and ethnic health disparities research?
2. Approach
a. Are the conceptual framework, design (including composition of
the study population), methods and analyses adequately developed,
well-integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the project?
b. Does the
applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative
tactics/approaches to address these potential problems?
c. Is the
research design clearly articulated and appropriate for the objectives and
hypotheses?
d. Are data collection, management and analysis methods
detailed and adequately justified?
e. Are inclusion and exclusion
criteria specified and justified? Are recruitment methods adequate? Is the
proposed sample size justified by a power analysis if applicable? Will enough
subjects be recruited to achieve the study’s objectives?
f. Is the study
feasible to accomplish within the stated time frame (one or two years) and with
requested resources?
3. Innovation
a. Does the project employ novel
concepts, approaches or methods?
b. Are the aims original and innovative?
c. Does the project challenge existing standards or develop new methodologies or technologies?
4. Environment
a. Does the scientific
environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of
success?
b. Does the proposed study employ useful collaborative
arrangements?
c. Is there evidence of departmental support?
5.
Applicant
a. Does the principal investigator (or co-investigators) explicitly demonstrate a clear commitment to the study of racial and ethnic disparities?
b. Do the applicant’s training, experience and accomplishments indicate the
applicant is likely to accomplish the project's objectives?
c. Is there
evidence of interdisciplinary and community collaboration?
d.
Is the work
proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator and
other researchers?
6. Budget and Resources
a. Is the budget appropriate
and well justified?
7. Potential for Future Funding
a. How likely is it
that the project, if funded, will produce data that could form an important
part of an application for support from an extramural agency like NIH?
8.
Subjects
a. Does the study include an appropriate human subjects plan?
b. Are appropriate measures taken for the protection of human subjects?
c. Are minorities and both genders (if appropriate) represented in the study sample?
d. Have IRB requirements been considered in the development of
the research plan? TOP
UAMS Arkansas Center for Health Disparities 4301 W. Markham #Slot 820, Little Rock, AR 72205, 501-526-6671
