CRESSH supports pilot project applications for activities that are synergistic with Center activities and themes that could produce preliminary data to compete for independent funding. In this third and final year of pilot project funding, we strongly encourage applications that will serve to expand Center related work into possible renewal or future RO1 funding. Pilot activities must be closely linked to a current Center investigator proposal to continue CRESSH related work. Activities could include (but are not limited to) proposals to:
- Utilize the geospatial disparities database to test new hypotheses or conduct new analyses;
- Apply statistical or analytical methods being developed in the Center to other stressors or communities;
- Transfer environmental monitoring or data collection strategies developed within the Center to other stressors or communities;
- Develop new methods that would help inform the scope of stressors or health outcomes under study within the Center;
- Design or test an intervention based on existing health disparities research;
- Develop and evaluate novel approaches for research translation or community engagement.
Who is eligible?
The CRESSH Pilot Project Program targets junior investigators who wish to develop research activities related to environmental health disparities. All junior faculty members, post-doctoral fellows, and research scientists in the Boston University and Harvard University academic communities may apply for funding. Also eligible are current JPB Environmental Health Fellows. External junior faculty/post-doctoral fellows or community members may submit a proposal with sponsorship from a Center investigator. Doctoral students are eligible for pilot project support in collaboration with a Center faculty investigator, community partner, or JPB Fellow. Pilot projects will not be used as a bridge mechanism for reduced funding or the disappearance of grant funding. Only one proposal may be submitted by an applicant per year.
How do I apply?
The pilot project application form is available at www.cressh.org. Applications are to be submitted electronically to the CRESSH Administrator (malvarez@hsph.harvard.edu) with a copy to the Pilot Project Program Director (spengler@hsph.harvard.edu) and (jarnold@hsph.harvard.edu).
When are pilot grant proposals due?
Proposals are due by December 17, 2018.
When are awards announced?
We aim to announce awards by January 15, 2019.
What is the maximum amount of funding and what expenses are allowed?
Total requested costs for a 1-year project period may not exceed $15,000, however lower denomination budgets of 5-10K are strongly encouraged. The budget may include funds for supplies and other appropriate costs directly related to the project. In some cases, a fraction of faculty or technical support salary may be appropriate (e.g., biostatistical support). Graduate student stipends are not appropriate. Any travel funds requested must be specifically required to carry out the project.
How are pilot proposals evaluated?
Applicants are asked to list three reviewers, at least one of whom is external to CRESSH. Evaluation criteria include standard NIH review criteria (e.g., significance, innovation, approach, and project team), the potential for future funding on a collaborative research topic, and the relevance to the mission of CRESSH and the study of environmental health disparities.
How do I know if my ideas are relevant to the mission of CRESSH?
We strongly encourage prospective applicants to look closely at the descriptions of the individual projects at www.cressh.org and to contact the Center PIs (Jonathan Levy, Francine Laden), Project Leads (Antonella Zanobetti, Gary Adamkiewicz, Patricia Fabian), or Community Engagement Core Director (Madeleine Scammell) with specific ideas and questions. Contact information information below.
How could my work be integrated with Center efforts if funded?
Pilot project PI’s not currently sponsored by or collaborating with a Center faculty investigator, will be paired with an official mentor drawn from the set of CRESSH investigators. The mentor will provide general scientific support and will facilitate linkage with ongoing CRESSH efforts. The applicant should identify a mentor of interest in their application, but the mentor will ultimately be determined by CRESSH leadership. For applications that are not funded but have promise, a CRESSH mentor will be assigned to communicate with the unsuccessful applicant about steps that could be taken to improve the application.
What are my responsibilities if funded?
Each year, the pilot project PI will submit a short summary of progress on the project and its findings, publications, and applications for independent funding that have resulted from the pilot project. PIs may also be asked to make a presentation (oral or poster) at a Center-sponsored event. Any publications that result from the pilot project should acknowledge Center support with a statement that the study “was supported in part by a Pilot Project grant from the Center for Research on Environmental and Social Stressors in Housing across the life course (CRESSH), as funded by NIMHD (P50MD010428) and Assistance Agreement No. RD-836156 awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It has not been formally reviewed by NIMHD or EPA. The views expressed in this document are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the EPA. EPA does not endorse any products or commercial services mentioned in this publication.”
PI Contact Info:
CRESSH Pilot Proposal Application
CRESSH Pilot Program Flyer, click to enlarge:
