Seed Funding Opportunity | Conte Center @ UCI

The Conte Center@UCI is soliciting applications for 3-5 grants of up to $30,000 each for innovative research projects focusing on how early-life experiences influence the brain and may thus contribute to vulnerability to mental illness.

We are seeking studies employing innovative concepts and/or cutting edge methods. Proposals may involve human subjects or animal models or both. Projects may employ molecular (including epigenetics and bioinformatics), cellular, circuit / systems or functional/behavioral in vivo approaches. Studies using molecular- or in vivo- imaging or computational / modeling strategies and multidisciplinary approaches are welcome. We will also consider proposals aiming to capitalize on our Conte Center databases. Successful applications should consider the objectives of the renewed NIH NIMH P50 Conte Center on Fragmented Early-Life Experiences, Aberrant Circuit Maturation and Emotional Vulnerabilities as described on the website: /

DEADLINE: Monday, November 4, 2019 5:00PM PDT

Eligibility, application procedures and review process and criteria:

Eligibility:

UCI full-time Assistant Professor (or equivalent) faculty members are eligible.

Application:

Application should be a single PDF document, typed in 11 font size with 0.5’ margins including:

1) Abstract / Project Description (<300 words)

2) A four-page research plan including

a) Specific Aims

b) Significance/Impact

c) Approach/Design

3) NIH Biosketches of Applicant(s) in five-page format.

4) A one page itemized budget justification (salary support for PI is not allowed)

Review criteria:

1) Excellence and innovation of the proposed studies and the applicant

2) Feasibility and likelihood of success

3) Likelihood of generating foundational data for future extramural funding

4) Relevance to the goals and mission of the Center

Applications should be e-mailed to Dina Jankowski djankows@uci.edu by 5:00 pm Monday, November 4, 2019. Applications will undergo review by a review committee consisting of external referees and Center members. Awardees will be announced by January 10, 2020.

Funds are for a one-year period. Requests may be for any amount up to and not exceeding $30,000. Awardees will provide a six-month interim report and a twelve-month final report. PI(s) will present their project and data to members of the Conte Center as well as participate in the Conte Center Annual Symposium.

Questions should be directed to Dina Jankowski djankows@uci.edu.