Interdisciplinary Projects on Metabolic Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease(MetRisk CVD)

Request for Applications

Deadline: 10/15/2019

Project start: 1/1/2020

MOTIVATION FOR THE MetRISK CVD AWARDS

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer on the globe. While some risks have been managed well at least in some parts of the world (e.g., smoking, high cholesterol), others remain. Moreover, changing life style has generated new risk factors, particularly linked to changing patterns of nutrition and pathologies linked to obesity. Understanding the causes of changed cardiovascular risk due to these changes in nutrition requires an interdisciplinary approach combining population and mechanistic sciences.

To advance this goal, and to strengthen the interface between population and basic sciences, the Center for Causes and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease (CAP-CVD) solicits proposals for projects from teams including at least one member from both the Departments of Nutrition and Genetics and Complex Diseases (GCD). Successful projects will provide faculty the opportunity to develop novel research ideas. Although not required, projects capitalizing on our significant strengths in studying population cohorts, advanced biological analytics and metabolism research are encouraged.

GOALS

I. Combine public health expertise in population studies with expertise in basic biology and advanced analysis of metabolism, with potential to transform the implementation and practice of cardiovascular disease prevention and early detection.

II. Position awardees to be highly competitive for larger external collaborative grant mechanisms.

REVIEW PROCESS AND CRITERIA

A committee of CAP-CVD advisory board members and the director of CAP-CVD will review the applications and make funding recommendations.

MetRisk RFA

Significance: Successful applications will make a compelling case that articulates the public health, research platform, or basic science need to be addressed and specific goals/impact to be achieved with the aid of the grant.

Investigators: Meritorious teams must include investigators from both the departments of Nutrition and GCD.

Innovation: Transformative potential rather than incremental progress is preferred. Projects investigating novel technologies should include careful description of potential significance. Repurposing or adaptation of existing approaches is also acceptable with clear documentation of innovation and transformative potential.

Approach: The potential to advance technology or tool development is encouraged and should be addressed in the application.

Additional Criteria: Describe how results will support future applications for research support.

ELIGIBILITY

Teams of faculty with at least one investigator in the Department of Nutrition and one investigator in GCD (and primary appointment at the Harvard Chan School) are eligible to apply. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility to apply for this award, please contact capcvd@hsph.harvard.edu.

AWARD AMOUNT AND DURATION

Awards will be made for up to $250,000 (direct cost) per year for 2 years, with potential extension for 2 more years upon review of scientific progress. No-cost extensions up to one year will be granted if needed. Initially up to two awards will be distributed. Please direct questions regarding eligibility to apply for this award to capcvd@hsph.harvard.edu.

PROPOSAL CONTENT AND PAGE LIMITS

You must complete all of the following before submitting as a single PDF to capcvd@hsph.harvard.edu by 10/15/2019 10:00pm EST.

Project overview, containing:o Applicant Informationo Collaboratorso 200-word research abstract

Project Proposal: Maximum of 1 page of text, not including items listed below. Figures and references are allowable in addition to this page limit. No other appendix material will be accepted. Within the project proposal, please describe any key challenges that may arise during the course of this project and how you will manage them.

Additional Required Forms by Award Type:

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Interdisciplinary Approach & Coordination Form. Maximum of 1 page of text. Use this Downloadable Form as a template.

Biosketch: Current NIH Biosketch for each participating investigator. Budget Request: Budget estimates should be submitted on NIH PHS 398 detailed budget

form with major divisions of funds (personnel, equipment, etc.). The full amount of the award may be used for direct costs. PLEASE NOTE: Indirect costs, including indirect costs on sub-contracts, cannot be charged to internally funded awards.

Budget Justification

Budget Guidelines:

Subcontracts: External collaboration is permitted in cases where there is a clear scientific rationale for why the work needs to be done externally. A letter describing the subcontractor’s commitment to the work outlined in the proposal and the scope of their contribution should be submitted at the time of application. All other paperwork needed to set up the subcontract can be submitted if and when the project is funded.

Outside spending/salary support: Identify funds for project-related expenses at other Harvard Schools, funds cannot provide salary support for faculty outside of the Harvard University whose salaries are already fully covered by institutional funds.

Indirect costs: Indirect costs are not allowed. The full award should be used to support direct project costs.

REPORTING

Awardees are encouraged to interact with CAP-CVD scientific members on a regular basis. Each awardee will complete an annual report. In addition, awardees must submit a final report within 30 days of project completion and no later than 30 days after the 24- month or 30-month mark, with an extension. The report should summarize the impact of the project and progress towards broader dissemination of knowledge. Templates will be sent to awardees one-month prior to their due dates.

ADDITIONAL TERMS OF THE AWARD

Should the PI leave Harvard, the remainder of the award will be forfeited (i.e., may not be transferred to another institution).

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