ATS Research Program - 2008 Grant Portfolio

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The American Thoracic Society and our partners in research are pleased to announce the 2008 ATS Research Program portfolio of grants.  The ATS is grateful to its partners and members for the success of the new research program.

The awards are explained below, along with the application process, applicant qualification requirements, timeline for the review process and submission requirements.

Potential applicants should submit a letter of intent using the LOI application that is available through the proposalCENTRAL website at https://proposalcentral.altum.com.  The letters of intent will be used to narrow the number of applicants for each award category, in order to avoid having a large number of applicants competing for a limited number of awards.  Letters of intent should be submitted via the proposalCENTRAL website by 11:59pm Eastern Time on Wednesday June 25, 2008.  Late submissions will not be accepted.

2008 ATS Research Program Portfolio (funding to begin in January 2009)

ATS Grant Opportunities: Breakthrough Opportunities in Lung Disease (BOLD) Research Grants

ATS/Alpha-1 Foundation research grant (one grant available)

• This is a joint research award that will be co-funded by the ATS and the Alpha-1 Foundation.

One research grant will be awarded to support novel studies of COPD, with an emphasis on Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency or genetic aspects of COPD.  Applicants may request up to $50,000/year for 2 years for salaries, supplies or a combination of these two.  Applicants must meet the criteria listed below.  A primary goal of the ATS research program is to enable new faculty-level investigators to make the transition to careers as established investigators.  Partnerships between junior and senior investigators are strongly encouraged, particularly for new investigators who are within 1 to 5 years of the completion of their training.  Both US and non-US based investigators are encouraged to apply.  At least one of the investigators must be an ATS member at the time of application, and the principal investigator must be an ATS member at the time that the grant is awarded.  Indirect costs will not be paid to the sponsoring institution.

ATS/ARDS Foundation/Sepsis Alliance Research Grant (one grant available)

• This is a joint research award that will be co-funded by the ATS, the ARDS Foundation and the American Sepsis Alliance.

One research grant will be awarded to support novel studies of areas related to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) caused by Sepsis.  Applicants may request up to $50,000/year for 2 years for salaries, supplies or a combination of these two.  Applicants must meet the criteria listed below.  A primary goal of the ATS research program is to enable new faculty-level investigators to make the transition to careers as established investigators.  Partnerships between junior and senior investigators are strongly encouraged, particularly for new investigators who are within 1 to 5 years of the completion of their training.  Both US and non-US based investigators are encouraged to apply.  At least one of the investigators must be an ATS member at the time of application, and the principal investigator must be an ATS member at the time that the grant is awarded.  Indirect costs will not be paid to the sponsoring institution.

ATS/Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Research Grant (one grant available)

• This is a joint research award that will be co-funded by the ATS and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. 

The target audience for the research grant will be investigators interested in translational research in asthma.  The research award will support research testing novel ideas about the pathogenesis or treatment of asthma in patients with recognized asthma, or those at risk for asthma.  Applications for research applying recent advances in basic biological science to the study of asthma as it presents in people are especially sought.  Applicants may request up to $50,000/year for 2 years for salaries, supplies or a combination of these two.  Applicants must meet the criteria listed below.  A primary goal of the ATS research program is to enable new faculty-level investigators to make the transition to careers as established investigators.  Partnerships between junior and senior investigators are strongly encouraged, particularly for new investigators who are within 1 to 5 years of the completion of their training.  Both US and non-US based investigators are encouraged to apply.  One of the investigators must be an ATS member at the time of application, and the Principal Investigator must be an ATS member at the time that the grant is awarded.  Indirect costs will not be paid to the sponsoring institution.

ATS/chILD Foundation Research Grant    (one grant available)

• This is a joint research award that will be co-funded by the ATS and the Children’s Interstitial Lung Disease (chILD) Foundation.

The focus of the research grant will be projects that have a high likelihood of advancing understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology or treatment of diffuse or interstitial lung disease in children [including but not limited to Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia of Infancy (NEHI), Pulmonary Interstitial Glycogenosis (PIG), Surfactant Dysfunction Mutations (SP-B, SP-C or ABCA3 mutations) and disorders of lung development]. Applicants may request up to $50,000/year for 2 years for salaries and/or supplies. Applicants must meet the criteria listed below. A primary goal of the ATS research program is to enable new faculty-level investigators to make the transition to careers as established investigators. Partnerships between junior and senior investigators are strongly encouraged, particularly for new investigators who are within 1 to 5 years of the completion of their training. Both US and non-US based investigators are encouraged to apply. At least one of the investigators must be an ATS member at the time of application, and the principal investigator must be an ATS member at the time that the grant is awarded. Indirect costs will not be paid to the sponsoring institution.

ATS/Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research Grant (2 grants available) 

• These are joint research award that will be co-funded by the ATS and the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis. 

The target audience for these research awards will be US-based investigators interested in research that is relevant to Pulmonary Fibrosis.  The focus of the research awards will be programs that have a high likelihood to advance the understanding of Pulmonary Fibrosis.  Applications are encouraged from new faculty members who have a strong link with one or more senior investigator.  Applicants may request up to $50,000/year for 2 years for salaries, supplies or a combination of these two.  Applicants must meet the criteria listed below.  A primary goal of the ATS research program is to enable new faculty-level investigators to make the transition to careers as established investigators.  Partnerships between junior and senior investigators are strongly encouraged, particularly for new investigators who are within 1 to 5 years of the completion of their training.  One of the investigators must be an ATS member at the time of application, and the Principal Investigator must be an ATS member at the time that the grant is awarded.  Indirect costs will not be paid to the sponsoring institution.

ATS/Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Research Grant (one grant available)

• This is a joint research award that will be co-funded by the ATS and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 

The focus of the research award will be programs that have a high likelihood to advance the understanding of pathogenesis, treatment or outcome of cystic fibrosis.  Applicants may request up to $50,000/year for 2 years for salaries, supplies or a combination of these two.  Applicants must meet the criteria listed below.  A primary goal of the ATS research program is to enable new faculty-level investigators to make the transition to careers as established investigators.  Partnerships between junior and senior investigators are strongly encouraged, particularly for new investigators who are within 1 to 5 years of the completion of their training.  Both US and non-US based investigators are encouraged to apply.  At least one of the investigators must be an ATS member at the time of application, and the principal investigator must be an ATS member at the time that the grant is awarded.  Indirect costs will not be paid to the sponsoring institution.

ATS/LAM Foundation/LAM Treatment Alliance Research Grant (2 grants available) 

• These are joint research grants that will be co-funded by the ATS, the LAM foundation and the LAM Treatment Alliance.

The research grants will be awarded to support novel studies of the pathogenesis or treatment of lymphangioleiomyomatosis.  Clinical or basic studies will be considered.   The research topic should be relevant to LAM even if it is not specifically in the area of LAM.  Investigators outside of traditional LAM research with ideas that might be relevant to LAM are encouraged to apply.  Putative LAM cell and animal models must be carefully validated as a pre-condition of funding. Applicants may request up to $50,000/year for 2 years for salaries, supplies or a combination of these two.  Applicants must meet the criteria listed below.  A primary goal of the ATS research program is to enable new faculty-level investigators to make the transition to careers as established investigators.  Partnerships between junior and senior investigators are strongly encouraged, particularly for new investigators who are within 1 to 5 years of the completion of their training.  Both US and non-US based investigators are encouraged to apply.  At least one of the investigators must be an ATS member at the time of application, and the principal investigator must be an ATS member at the time that the grant is awarded.  Indirect costs will not be paid to the sponsoring institution.

ATS/LAM Treatment Alliance Research Grant (2 grants available) 

• These are research grants fully funded by the LAM Treatment Alliance. 

The research grants will be awarded to support novel studies of the treatment or pathogenesis of lymphangioleiomyomatosis.  Clinical or basic studies will be considered. Innovative translationally-focused projects focused on accelerating the pace of LAM treatment research are especially
welcome. Investigators outside of traditional LAM research with ideas that
might be relevant to LAM are encouraged to apply.  Putative LAM cell and animal models must be carefully validated as a pre-condition of funding.  Applicants may request up to $50,000/year for 2 years for salaries, supplies or a combination of these two.  Applicants must meet the criteria listed below.  A primary goal of the ATS research program is to enable new faculty-level investigators to make the transition to careers as established investigators.  Partnerships between junior and senior investigators are strongly encouraged, particularly for new investigators who are within 1 to 5 years of the completion of their training.  Both US and non-US based investigators are encouraged to apply.  At least one of the investigators must be an ATS member at the time of application, and the principal investigator must be an ATS member at the time that the grant is awarded.  Indirect costs will not be paid to the sponsoring institution.

ATS/LUNGevity Foundation Research Grant (2 grants available)

• These are joint research awards  that will be co-funded by the ATS and LUNGevity Foundation. 

Two research grants will be awarded to support lung cancer research.  Clinically relevant research is encouraged, but all areas of clinical and basic research related to lung cancer will be considered.  Applicants may request up to $50,000/year for 2 years for salaries, supplies or a combination of these two.  Applicants must meet the criteria listed below.  A primary goal of the ATS research program is to enable new faculty-level investigators to make the transition to careers as established investigators.  Partnerships between junior and senior investigators are strongly encouraged, particularly for new investigators who are within 1 to 5 years of the completion of their training.  Both US and non-US based investigators are encouraged to apply.  One of the investigators must be an ATS member at the time of application, and the Principal Investigator must be an ATS member at the time that the grant is awarded. Indirect costs will not be paid to the sponsoring institution.

ATS/Pulmonary Hypertension Association Research Grants (2 grants available)

• These are joint research awards that will be co-funded by the ATS and the Pulmonary Hypertension Association. 

Two research grants will be awarded to support novel studies of the diagnosis, pathogenesis, treatment or outcomes of pulmonary hypertension.  Applicants may request up to $50,000/year for 2 years for salaries, supplies or a combination of these two.  Applicants must meet the criteria listed below.  A primary goal of the ATS research program is to enable new faculty-level investigators to make the transition to careers as established investigators.  Partnerships between junior and senior investigators are strongly encouraged, particularly for new investigators who are within 1 to 5 years of the completion of their training.  Both US and non-US based investigators are encouraged to apply.  One of the investigators must be an ATS member at the time of application, and the Principal Investigator must be an ATS member at the time that the grant is awarded. Indirect costs will not be paid to the sponsoring institution.

ATS/Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research Grants (up to 2 grants available)

• These are joint research awards that will be co-funded by the ATS and the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research.

The focus of these research awards will be programs that have a high likelihood of advancing the understanding of the pathogenesis, epidemiology or treatment of Sarcoidosis.  Applicants may request up to $50,000/year for 2 years for salaries, supplies or a combination of these two.  Applicants must meet the criteria listed below.  A primary goal of the ATS research program is to enable new faculty-level investigators to make the transition to careers as established investigators.  Partnerships between junior and senior investigators are strongly encouraged, particularly for new investigators who are within 1 to 5 years of the completion of their training.  Both US and non-US based investigators are encouraged to apply.  At least one of the investigators must be an ATS member at the time of application, and the principal investigator must be an ATS member at the time that the grant is awarded.  Indirect costs will not be paid to the sponsoring institution.

ATS/ALA of Hawaii Research Grant – International Research Project US-Asia (one grant available)

• This research award has been made possible by a generous educational grant from the ALA of Hawaii and the ATS Foundation.

The grant will be targeted to research in basic science, genetics, neurogenetics, pharmacology, neuropharmacology, or clinical intervention and treatment in the area of tobacco dependence.  This grant will be specifically restricted for the funding of a collaborative international research project between investigators in the U.S. and Asia.  Preference will be given to projects that, because of their novelty require bridge funding before becoming competitive for other funding mechanisms.  Applicants may request up to $50,000/year for 3 years for salaries, supplies or a combination of these two.  Applicants must meet the criteria listed below.  A primary goal of the ATS research program is to enable new faculty-level investigators to make the transition to careers as established investigators.  Partnerships between junior and senior investigators are strongly encouraged, particularly for new investigators who are within 1 to 5 years of the completion of their training.  At least one of the investigators must be an ATS member at the time of application, and the principal investigator must be an ATS member at the time that the grant is awarded.  Indirect costs will not be paid to the sponsoring institution. 

ATS/ALA of Hawaii Research Grant – Open to all Geographic Areas (one grant available)

• This research award has been made possible by a generous educational grant from the ALA of Hawaii and the ATS Foundation.

The grant will be targeted to research in basic science, genetics, neurogenetics, pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and clinical intervention and treatment in the area of tobacco dependence.  Preference will be given to projects that, because of their novelty, require bridge funding before becoming competitive for other funding mechanisms.  Applicants may request up to $50,000/year for 3 years for salaries, supplies or a combination of these two.  Applicants must meet the criteria listed below.  A primary goal of the ATS research program is to enable new faculty-level investigators to make the transition to careers as established investigators.  Partnerships between junior and senior investigators are strongly encouraged, particularly for new investigators who are within 1 to 5 years of the completion of their training.  Both US and non-US based investigators are encouraged to apply.  At least one of the investigators must be an ATS member at the time of application, and the principal investigator must be an ATS member at the time that the grant is awarded.  Indirect costs will not be paid to the sponsoring institution. 

ATS Unrestricted Research Awards: (up to 8 grants available)

• These research awards are fully funded by the ATS and the ATS Foundation

Research proposals in any field related to lung disease, including critical care, and sleep will be considered.  Applicants may request up to $50,000/year for 2 years for salaries, supplies or a combination of these two.  Applicants must meet the criteria listed below.  A primary goal of the ATS research program is to enable new faculty-level investigators to make the transition to careers as established investigators.  Partnerships between junior and senior investigators are strongly encouraged, particularly for new investigators who are within 1 to 5 years of the completion of their training.  Both US and non-US based investigators are encouraged to apply.  At least one of the investigators must be an ATS member at the time of application, and the principal investigator must be an ATS member at the time that the grant is awarded.  Indirect costs will not be paid to the sponsoring institution.

ATS Letter of Intent Submission Form

All Letters of Intent must be submitted thorough the proposalCENTRAL website https://proposalcentral.altum.com.  Please click on the link below to go to proposalCENTRAL download the instructions for submission. Please contact Monica Simon, Director, ATS Research Program and Public Advisory Roundtable at 212-315-8696 or msimon@thoracic.org with any questions.

Click here to go to proposalCENTRAL.

Timeline for 2008 ATS Research Program (funding to begin in January 2009)

CURRENT CRITERIA FOR APPLICANTS FOR
ATS RESEARCH PROGRAM GRANTS

A primary goal of the ATS Research Program is to enable new investigators the chance to make the transition to careers as established investigators.  Applicants must have completed their primary research training (PhD or sub-specialty fellowship training) by July 1, 2008 and have a firm commitment from their home institution for a faculty position.  Partnerships between junior and senior investigators are strongly encouraged, particularly for new investigators who are within 1 to 5 years of the completion of their research training.

We encourage US and non-US based investigators to apply.  At least one of the investigators must be an ATS member at the time of application, and the principal investigator must be an ATS member at the time that the grant is awarded.  Individuals may submit multiple Letter of Intent (LOI) applications, but ATS will extend only one invitation to submit a full grant application to each applicant.  Individuals may not submit the same LOI application to more than one grant category.  Individuals should select a primary and secondary grant category for each LOI application.  Primary grant categories should be used for submission purposes.

At the present time, investigators in the following categories are not eligible to apply for an ATS grant:

• Investigators who currently hold an NIH R01 award, a VA Merit Review Award, or a comparable competitive major individual research grant.
• Trainees who have not completed their primary training (PhD or sub-specialty fellowship training) by July 1, 2008
• Current awardees of the ATS Research Program
• Individuals who have received 2 ATS grant awards

Please direct specific questions about eligibility to Monica Simon, Director, ATS Research Program and PAR, at 212-315-8696, or by email: msimon@thoracic.org.

Review Process
The ATS Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) will review the applications for each of the award programs.  The membership of the SAC is listed on the ATS Website.  Additional ad-hoc reviewers will be invited to participate, as needed.  Funding decisions will be made on the basis of scientific merit, novelty, and responsiveness to the purpose of the specific grant program.

ATS Policy on Additional Grant Funding
ATS will not fund applications that are simultaneously submitted to the ATS and another source.  If, after the first year of ATS funding, an ATS awardee receives a grant from another funding source, the awardee must notify the ATS Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) immediately in order to request continuation of the ATS Grant Award.  The ATS awardee will be asked to provide ATS with the newly funded grant application and a detailed explanation of potential overlap with the ATS grant.  The ATS SAC will review the materials and determine whether continuing ATS funding will be allowed. 

Contact Information
Monica Simon
Director, ATS Research Program and Public Advisory Roundtable
61 Broadway 4th fl.
New York, NY 10006-2755
Tel: (212) 315-8696
Email: msimon@thoracic.org