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Osher Pilot Research Awards

The Request for Applications for the Osher Pilot Research Awards is now open! This funding mechanism provides seed grants to support collaborative projects consistent within the Osher Center areas of research: CALM, INFINITE, and STABLE.

The purpose of this program is to provide early funding for innovative projects in the field of integrative medicine including translational and clinical research.

Funds will be awarded on a competitive basis, as pilot grants of up to $25,000, with up to two grants available in FY 2023.

Applications undergo a formal peer-review process and will be ranked for funding priority based on strategic and scientific merit, with oversight by the Osher Center Philanthropic Advisory Committee

Timeline

12/5/2022 – RFA Announcement
1/31/2023 – Full Applications Due by 5:00 CDT
3/13/2023 – Awardees Announced – Funds awarded when IRB approval is received

 

Guidelines for full application submission and details on submission process are available on Northwestern’s Competitions Platform 

 Eligibility & Criteria

All members of the Northwestern University research community, including postdoctoral fellows, research faculty and clinician-researchers are invited to apply. Individuals may serve as the PI of only one proposal.

The mission of the Osher Center for Integrative Health is to provide leadership in integrative medicine that fosters inclusive whole-person healthcare via innovative and impactful research, education and advocacy. Therefore, pilot projects will be evaluated primarily for their potential to advance the mission of the Osher Center through collaborative, cross-disciplinary innovative research.

  • Projects must be scientifically meritorious and aligned with one of the Osher Center research focus areas
  • Projects should not be merely an extension of ongoing work but rather novel ideas/programs that require seed funding
  • Projects that clearly lead to external (e.g., NIH, NSF) funding will be prioritized

 Selection Process

Full applications will undergo a formal peer-reviewed process (chaired by the Osher Center research director) and will be ranked by an ad-hoc Osher Center Pilot Grant Review Committee. Ranked proposals will be reviewed by the Osher Center Leadership, then final decisions will be announced. Written critiques will not be provided.

 Reciprocity Requirements

  • Recipients will be obligated to provide a progress report at six months.
  • Recipients will be obligated to provide an oral or poster presentation at the center's research conference or upon completion of the one-year study period.
  • Grantees will notify the Osher Center when other grants are received as a result of pilot funding.
  • Grantees will acknowledge the Osher Center in publications resulting from seed grant support and will notify the Osher Center when such papers have been submitted.

 Indirect Cost Policy

The intention of the Osher Center Pilot Research Awards is to foster multidisciplinary collaborative projects across Northwestern affiliated institutions. Indirect costs are not allowed, including any indirect costs associated with sub-awards.

 

Contact Us

Questions about eligibility and the application process may be sent to the Osher Center research coordinator.

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