grants and funding

Career Development Grants

• Carl W. Gottschalk Research Scholar Grant
• John Merrill Grant in Transplantation
• Norman Siegel Research Scholar Grant
• The Halpin Foundation-ASN Research Grant
• The NephCure Foundation-ASN Research Grant

Applicants applying for an ASN Career Development Grant will be automatically considered for any of the awards. Only one application is submitted.

Next application deadline: Friday, January 27, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. EST.

Purpose

The goal of the ASN Career Development Grants Program is to provide funding for young faculty to foster evolution to an independent research career and a successful application a National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 grant or equivalent.

Preference for the Norman Siegel Research Scholar Grant will be given to a pediatric investigator.

Preference for the John Merrill Grant in Transplantation will be given to an investigator performing biomedical research related to transplantation.

The Halpin Foundation-ASN Research Grant supports research on topics in immunology and genetics directly relevant to human membranous nephropathy. The research proposal must include an explanation of how the proposed research is relevant to human membranous nephropathy.

The NephCure Foundation-ASN Research Grant supports research that is determined to be relevant to the following research areas: understanding the cause, mechanism and treatment of primary forms of idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), as well as investigations of the mechanisms of normal glomerular biology or pathobiology that can be applied commonly to all forms of glomerular disease. These investigations will be applicable to identifying treatments of minimal change disease (MCD) and primary FSGS.

Eligibility

To apply for an ASN Career Development Grant, a candidate:

• Must be a resident of North America.
• Must be an active member of ASN.
• Must hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent degree.
• Cannot be a previous recipient of an ASN Career Development Grant.
• Can only submit one ASN research grant application per calendar year.
• Must be within seven (7) years of initial faculty appointment at the time of the award activation.
• Must have a proposed project that is independent of previous mentors.
• Cannot have more than $250,000 (in annual direct costs) in external grant support, including ASN funds, at the time of the award activation.
• Must devote at least 75% of their time to research.

Appointment to full-time faculty must be confirmed in writing by the Department Chair, indicating the date of first full-time faculty appointment, and providing assurance that the department will provide needed resources for conducting independent research (laboratory and office space, salary support, and protected research time of at least 75%). It must be assured that the proposed project is independent of previous mentors.

An applicant who is uncertain of his/her eligibility should request an advisory opinion from ASN before completing an application.

Previous or Current Funding Allowed

Applicants are allowed to have currently, or have had previously, extramural (NIH or Foundation) mentored career development grant funding (e.g., NIH K08). However, total grant funding, including the ASN career development grant, cannot exceed $250,000 in annual direct costs, irrespective of scientific overlap. The amount of the ASN grant will be reduced as appropriate if total funding exceeds this amount at any time during the funding period of the grant.

Funding and Stipulations

The award will provide $100,000 annually for two years, beginning July 1, and will cover salaries/supplies related to the candidate's research proposal. A maximum of 10% of the award per year may be used to cover indirect costs at the candidate's sponsoring institution.

A progress report and a financial report are required for non-competitive renewal of the grant for the second year. Final reports are also required at the end of the funding period. The award is for continuous support, and interruptions in the period of support will require prior written approval from the ASN.

No-cost extension requests must be submitted in writing at least 30 days before the end of the research period. A progress and financial report must be submitted along with a letter requesting the extension. Grants may only be extended for up to one year with a maximum of 50% of the previous year’s funding.

Recipients shall acknowledge ASN’s (and co-sponsoring institution, if applicable) support in publications resulting from their proposed work.

Grants may be transferred from one institution to another only with the prior approval of ASN.

Use of Grant Funds

• Salary/Fringe: Up to $70,000 per year can be used for the PI's salary, including fringe benefits.
• Supplies: Any or all of the funds can be used for research supplies or support salary of research assistant.
• Equipment: Funds cannot be used to purchase equipment that costs more than $5,000, unless such purchase is clearly justified in the research plan and approved by ASN.
• Restrictions: Restrictions: Up to $2,000 a year may be used on travel to attend relevant scientific meetings. Funds may not be used for clinical or administrative time.

Application

Only online applications will be accepted. All parts of the application must be completed by Friday, January 27, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. EST.

Applicants should allow enough time for all parts of the application to be completed. Letters of reference must be uploaded by the original author (not the applicant).

Please refer to the ASN Career Development Grant application instructions for specific requirements and guidelines.

Evaluation Criteria

The Review Committee will consider the potential of the applicant and the proposed project for eventual funding by an NIH R01 grant or its equivalent. Assessment will include the qualifications of the applicant with respect to prior training, productivity, and independence, as well as the scientific merit of the proposed project. The institutional commitment to the development of the applicant as an independent investigator will also be assessed.

Contact

Please contact ASN with any questions at (202) 640-4660 or grants@asn-online.org.