Grants-In-Aid for Microbiome Science

*** This request for proposals is currently closed ***

Request for Proposals 2018

Microbial communities (microbiomes) are known to contribute significantly to human health and disease, regulate global biogeochemistry, and harbor much of our planet’s genetic diversity.  The goal of this Duke Microbiome Center RFP is to support Duke faculty who want to pursue microbiome research in the context of their broader research programs.  This RFP is focused on discovery science and not intended to supplement ongoing funded microbiome research efforts.  Priority will be given (1) to applications which are exploratory in nature and for which support is difficult or impossible to obtain; (2) to junior members of the faculty or staff who, by reason of their being earlier in their careers, find it difficult to obtain research support; and (3) to teams of investigators representing multiple scientific disciplines.

Up to $20,000 for one year will be provided for research projects based on the following criteria:

  • Originality
  • Scientific rationale
  • Potential for scientific impact
  • Clear articulation of how the use of awarded funds will be focused on the analysis of microbial communities or their component members
  • Clarity of plans for obtaining subsequent extramural funding to extend or complete the project
  • Use of Duke University core facilities and shared resources

We expect to fund two projects.  All Duke University faculty and staff are eligible.  Faculty and staff in the Duke University School of Medicine will be eligible for awards made from the Harry and Helen Miller Endowment Fund.  Duke University faculty and staff outside the School of Medicine will be eligible for awards made using funds from the Office of the Provost.

 Please include the following in your proposal:

  • Title page and contact information
  • Abstract of 150 words or less describing the project
  • Project summary in 3 pages or less (11 point Arial font, 0.5 inch margins, inclusive of figures but not including citations), addressing the selection criteria listed above
  • Budget and budget justification. Costs for supplies, animals, and Duke shared resources are allowed, but salary support may not be requested.
  • Biographical sketches for participating faculty. Please use the “NIH Biosketch Form” http://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch-blankformat-Forms-D.docx

Deadline: Proposals must be received by 12 PM EST, Friday June 22nd, 2018.

Selection Process for Awards: Proposals will be peer-reviewed, and awards announced by July 10th, 2018.  Applicants will be notified of funding decisions.  Feedback from the evaluation process will be of limited scope. Awardees will be required to submit a year-end progress report and will be expected to present their accomplishments and findings at DMC-sponsored symposia in 2019.

Applications should be submitted as a single PDF file to: shirley.foster@duke.edu