Brief Description:

The objective of the BRF Seed Grant Program is to support new and innovative projects, especially those of junior faculty, who are working in new research directions. BRF Seed Grant awards are not intended to supplement existing grants.

Description:

The Brain Research Foundation will provide start-up funds for new research in the field of Neuroscience that will likely lead to extramural funding from the NIH or outside funding sources. The objective of the BRF Seed Grant Program is to support new and innovative projects, especially those of junior faculty, who are pursuing new research directions. The BRF Seed Grant awards are not meant to supplement existing grants. The foundation seeks pilot projects that are both innovative and will likely lead to successful grant applications to the NIH and other public and private funding entities. Researchers must be working in the area of studies of brain function. This includes molecular and clinical neuroscience as well as neural, sensory, motor, cognitive, behavioral and emotional functioning in health and disease.

NOTE: HMS Faculty at the affiliated hospitals must apply through the Foundation funds. Harvard University is the official nominating institution and HMS Nominees will move on to the Harvard-wide competition offered through the Office of the Vice Provost for Research.

Application Information:

Please fill out the online form and attach the following documents as a single PDF:

Summary of the proposed research. Junior Faculty with a new research project must state how the proposed work will generate pilot data that will lead to RO1 funding or a comparable outside grant. Associate Professors must explain how the project is a new research direction (Limit 2 pages including images. A third page may be used for references).
Statement of resources/facilities available for the project as is standard for NIH grants. (limit 1 page)
Nominating letter signed by your department or division head AND co-signed by your research sponsor/mentor. If your department/division head is your research mentor, then only one signature is required. Associate professors need only the department or division head signature.(Limit 2 pages)
NIH Biosketch, including publications and listing past and pending sources of funding. For current funding include abstract and specific aims and indicate if there is any overlap with your proposal.(Limit 5 pages)

Additional letters or materials will not be reviewed

Style Requirements

Font size must be 11 points or larger.
Type may be no more than six lines per inch.
Color and black & white images are allowed, however any copies will be printed in black & white.
Applicants must adhere to the above requirements in order for the application to be reviewed by the selection committee.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Funding is to be directed at pilot research projects that are both innovative and will likely lead to successful grant applications to NIH and other public and private funding entities.

2. Assistant Professor – Junior faculty with a new research project that will generate pilot data that will lead to RO1 funding or a comparable outside grant will be first priority. • Must provide abstract and specific aims for current grants and indicate if there is any overlap in Biosketch.

3. Associate Professor – Faculty who are pursuing new research directions.

4. Must justify how the project is a new research direction.

5. A new technique is not considered a new direction unless it pertains to a different area of study.

6. Seed Grants are NOT to be used for bridge funding between grants.

Review Criteria:

The HMS Foundation Funds Committee advises department heads, mentors, and candidates to be particularly aware of the Committee’s selection criteria when making nominations:

Technically feasible research proposal
Applicants potential to successfully carry out the research described in the proposal
Relevance to award/area of research
Career trajectory
Letter of support and institutional commitment to the applicant
Publications
Current funding

Additional Information, Related Websites, and Proxy Instructions:

HMS Faculty at the affiliated hospitals must apply through the Foundation funds. Harvard University is the nominating institution for these awards. The Foundation Funds Committee will select the nominees for HMS and these nominees will then submit applications to the Provost’s Office. A Committee appointed by the Provost’s Office will review all applications and select the University’s nominees.

*100% Of the Seed Grant funds must be utilized for direct costs

Contact Information:

For questions about this application, please contact Clare Lamont at clare_lamont@hms.harvard.edu

Search Filters:

Institution

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Children’s Hospital Boston
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Massachusetts General Hospital
McLean Hospital
Harvard Medical School (Quad)
Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM)
Schepens Eye Research Institute

Position

Assistant Professor
Associate Professor

Type of Competition

Limited Submission

Discipline

Basic Science
Clinical Science
Translational Science

Type of Award

Early Career
Research