General
Q: What is the proposal review process?
A: Applications are peer reviewed for scientific and technical merit using NIH simplified review process and TRI funding priorities. Based on these assessments, applications receive a score and funding recommendation. Applications recommended for funding will be presented to the TRI Leadership Council for final approval.
Q: Who should I contact if I have questions?
A: Please direct questions to Paul Duguid (PDuguid@uams.edu) or Hailey Rogers (HRogers@uams.edu).
Eligibility
Q: Who is eligible to serve as principal investigator (PI)?
A: Full-time faculty at UAMS, UAMS Northwest, ACH/ACRI, or CAVHS who hold non-temporary positions at the rank of Instructor or above, and have a terminal degree, are eligible for the Clinical and Translational Sciences Pilot Program awards. Individuals at the level of Instructor require a letter from their department chairperson confirming that the individual is not in a temporary position and that the department intends to develop the individual as a faculty member. Current final year K12 Scholars are eligible for Pilot awards.
Q: If I have a $0 appointment with UAMS, am I eligible to serve as principal investigator (PI)?
A: Yes, individuals who have a $0 appointment with UAMS are eligible to serve as PI.
Q: Are residents and fellows eligible to apply for funding?
A: No, residents and fellows are not eligible to serve as principal investigator (PI) but can participate on a research project.
Q: Can an application have more than one principal investigator (PI)?
A: Yes, multiple PIs are allowed, both as faculty or a community PI from community groups or organizations; however, if opting to submit with MPIs, an MPI plan will need to be included.
Q: Can I serve as principal investigator (PI) on more than one application during a given funding cycle?
A: You may submit more than one abstract, but only one Full Application Invitation will be extended per PI.
Q: Can faculty members serve as other significant contributors on more than one pilot project?
A: Yes. Faculty can serve as other significant contributors on more than one application.
Q: I have previously received TRI funding; may I apply for another award?
A: Yes. However, the productivity (publications citing TRI, grants, etc.) of previous awardees will be considered in subsequent applications to the Clinical and Translational Science Pilot Program. Current K12 Scholars who are in their final year of the program may apply to the CTSP2 Program.
Q: Can faculty who are supported by the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) apply for TRI awards?
A: Yes, faculty who receive salary support from the CTSA are eligible to serve as a principal investigator on a pilot project.
Q: Can non-UAMS collaborators be included on the investigative team?
A: Yes, faculty from other institutions may serve as other significant contributors on your pilot application. Additionally, community groups and individual can be collaborators, and you may include an MPI from a community group or organization.
Budget
Q: Can principal investigators and other significant contributors budget for salary support?
A: No, faculty principal investigators may not request salary support. Community PIs may request limited salary support, which will require a subcontract in the submitted budget. Please contact us with additional questions. Faculty must indicate their effort on the budget (list your effort and zero out the funds requested). Other significant contributors may not request salary support, and they should not list their effort on the budget spreadsheet. For more information on how to properly format and submit your budget and budget justification please contact Paul Duguid (PDuguid@uams.edu).
Q: Do TRI pilot awards allow for research staff salary support on the budget?
A: Yes, awards may support the salary of research and support staff (excluding the faculty principal investigator and other significant contributors) listed in the budget, including full-time postdoctoral faculty who are engaged in the research.
Q: Are unpaid collaborators allowed on the pilot projects?
A: Yes, unpaid collaborators may be included in TRI pilot projects.
Q: Should the budget include support from TRI, such as biostatistics and clinical research services?
A: The TRI will provide limited complimentary pre-award services including assistance with regulatory applications and budget review. TRI services provided post-award, such as biostatistical, nursing or coordinator support, must be included in the budget.
Q: Are indirect costs allowed on TRI pilot projects?
A: No, indirect costs are not allowed.
Q: May travel be included in the budget?
A: Only travel that is justified and essential to the completion of the research is allowed (e.g., participant travel).
Q: Can pilot funds be used to purchase equipment or computers?
A: Any equipment required for the project must be justified; computers and other office supplies are generally not allowed unless required for and dedicated to the project only.
Q: Can pilot funding be directed toward tuition or other educational expenses?
A: No, funding cannot be used for tuition or other educational expenses.
Application
Q: Do applications need to go through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) prior to submission?
A: No, proposals do not need to be submitted to the ORSP.
Q: If an application includes collaboration with another institution, is it necessary to include a letter of support?
A: A letter of support/collaboration is recommended. Generally, applications including another institution will require a subcontract reflected in the budget. Please contact Paul Duguid (PDuguid@uams.edu) to discuss your specific situation.
Q: How much supplemental information is allowed?
A: In addition to the letter from the principal investigator’s department chair, you may also include letters of support from deans, collaborators, etc. Reviewers are instructed to disregard any other unrequested information.