Application deadline:  Thursday, May 3, 2012

The Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) Cardiovascular Program invites applications for Pilot Grants for 2012. The purpose of this funding program is to provide resources for research in cardiovascular disease with the goal of developing new therapeutic strategies. As such, a critical component is the translatability of the research project. This may take many forms, and does not require human subjects research; however, thought should be given to how funds will be best used to ultimately bring new therapies or approaches to the clinic. Projects of particular interest include in vivo fibroblast transdifferentiation to cardiomyocytes, use of iPS cells for understanding human heart diseases, and potential cardiac regeneration therapies that are not yet ready for industry support.

HSCI may fund up to 4 pilot grants. Each project will be funded at a maximum of $83,333 direct costs per year for up to two years. Depending on applicants' institutional policy, up to 20% indirect costs (TDC basis) may be budgeted additionally. Budgets must include effort committed by all personnel even if salary is not requested (PI must commit effort).

The number of grants awarded will depend on the number and quality of proposals submitted and the funding available. HSCI reserves the right to fund fewer than 4 pilot grants. The decision on the appropriate level of funding for a project will be made by the review committee and will be based on availability of other funding sources. For projects that are awarded funding for two years, the second year of funding is dependent on the achievement of the milestones specified for the first year and will be at the discretion of the review committee. 

It is understood that any tool or reagent generated as part of an HSCI Cardiovascular Program funded grant will be available for sharing with the wider HSCI community.

To download the RFP, click here.

Inquiries:
Programmatic questions regarding the Cardiovascular Program call for proposal may be addressed to Claudia Rizzini, Program Director, at (617) 495-4388 or claudia_rizzini@harvard.edu

Administrative questions on the Cardiovascular Program call for proposal may be addressed to Robert Pérez, Grant Programs Assistant, at (617) 496-5295 or robert_perez@harvard.edu.

Summary timeline: 
Application due date: Thursday, May 3, 2012
Review outcome notification: Friday, 29 June, 2012
Award start date: September 1, 2012