Obesity Consortium Pilot Grant Funding

Pilot & Feasibility Program - 2008 Call for Proposals

Purpose: This call for proposals solicits applications for research grants to conduct research related to obesity.  The funding for obesity research projects described here comes from three different sources and is being organized by the Obesity Consortium of Minnesota. The Obesity Consortium of Minnesota was established to facilitate multidisciplinary collaboration and foster cooperation in obesity research, education, and outreach efforts at the University of Minnesota. The Consortium links three obesity centers at the University, the Obesity Prevention Center (an AHC Center), the Minnesota Obesity Center (an NIDDK funded Center grant), and the Center for Transdisciplinary Research on Energetics and Cancer (an NCI funded Center grant).

A pilot research program exists within each of the obesity centers.  The overall goal of the research programs is to provide seed money to attract new investigators, junior or established, into the study of obesity with the intent that the investigator will successfully pursue extramural funding in obesity.  The submission and review of pilot grant proposals within the obesity centers is being combined for a second time in Fall 2008.

Grants Available:
Eight (8) pilot grants will be awarded for projects with a maximum total of $25,000 per year for up to 2 years of funding (possible total of $50,000).  Project funding for the second year is dependent upon Centers receiving renewed funding and satisfactory performance in the first year of funding.  Research projects can have a behavioral or biological focus.

Source of Funds:
Awards are a combination of pilot funds from the three centers: OPC, MNOC and TREC.   An award may be supported by more than one center.

Eligibility:
    1) Junior Investigators beginning their research career focusing on obesity, or
    2) Senior Investigators for whom obesity research is a change of direction.  

Grant submissions must involve a multidisciplinary team of at least two investigators, preferably from different departments and/or organizations.  Collaborations are preferred.

Requirements if Funded:  
Awardees will be expected to present their work at Center meetings periodically during the funding period and prepare annual progress reports.  

Application Deadline: August 1, 2008.

Funding Date:  September 1, 2008

Application Process: Submit completed application electronically to umopc@epi.umn.edu.
   Download: 2008 Pilot Call for Proposals (doc)
   Download: Pilot Grant Application Face Page (doc)

Questions? Contact: the Obesity Prevention Center at umopc@epi.umn.edu or 612-625-6200.