Research@UIC > Funding Opportunities > Limited Competitions > Pew Scholars Program

Pew Scholars Program

Internal Competition Completed

Principal Investigator selected: Dr. Orly Lazarov - Anatomy & Cell Biology.

Program Summary

The Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences is designed to support young investigators of outstanding promise in basic and clinical sciences relevant to the advancement of human health. The award is intended to provide assured support, during their earlier years, for junior members of the faculty as they establish their laboratories. It is hoped that the assurance provided through the Program will encourage successful applicants to be more venturesome in their research and future applications for support than would otherwise be likely. Scholar is expected to spend at least 80% of his or her time conducting research. This percentage reflects all research activities including those outlined in the Pew proposal.

Awards:

$60,000 per year for four years, contingent upon suitable progress reports. Funds may be used at discretion of Pew Scholar for personnel, equipment, supplies, or travel directly related to Scholar’s research, in whatever way will best advance the research and the Scholar’s career. Not more than $10,000 of the annual award may be used for the Scholar’s salary and fringe benefits. Indirect costs may be taken up to 8% of the total award over the life of the grant.

UIC has been invited to submit one application.

Eligibility

Open to individuals with a doctorate in medicine, other health related professions or biomedical sciences.
As of November 1, 2007, candidate must hold full time appointment at the rank of assistant professor or equivalent on the faculty of sponsoring institution.
On July 1, 2008, they shall not have been in such an appointment for more than three years, whether or not such appointments were on a tenure track. This rule is not flexible. This time may have been spent at more than one institution. Tim spent in clinical internships, residencies, or in work towards board certification does NOT count as part of this three year limit.
Individuals whose careers are sufficiently advanced to warrant appointment at the associate level will NOT be considered eligible, even if their time on the faculty has been three years or less.
Applications from individuals who are supported by similar private foundation awards in excess of $25,000 per year will not be accepted. Pew encourages institutions to nominate a candidate who does not already hold a significant private award and who is not being nominated simultaneously for such an award. NIH grants, Research Career Development Awards, Faculty Research Awards, and grants from non-profit associations such as the American Cancer Society, etc. do not pose a conflict with the PEW award and will not affect a candidate’s eligibility.
Candidates should, on the basis of performance during education and training, have outstanding promise as contributors in science relevant to human health. Strong proposals will demonstrate particularly creative and innovative approaches. Risk-taking is encouraged.
An evaluation of earlier performance from those under whose auspices previous training was obtained, along with any concrete evidence concerning that performance that may be available, plus a description of the work the applicant proposes to undertake, will be the major elements upon which selection of the successful candidates will be based.
In evaluating candidates, the National Advisory Committee gives considerable weight to evidence that the candidate is an independent investigator and to significant published work.
Previous nominees who were not selected to receive an award are eligible if they meet current criteria.

UIC limited to 1 application.

Deadlines

UIC Letter of Intent (mandatory)	August 28, 2007
UIC Internal Competition (If necessary)	September 11 , 2007
Sponsor Proposal	November 1 , 2007

Letter of Intent

By submitting this form, applicant attests that s/he has read and meets the sponsor's eligibility criteria for this program. Completed form can be faxed to 312-413-0238, Attn: A. Halford or scanned and emailed to RDS@uic.edu.
Item 3 must be signed by Department Head. By signing Department Head acknowledges that, if awarded, Scholar is expected to spend at least 80% of his or her time conducting research. This percentage reflects all research activities including those outlined in the Pew proposal.
LOI form: http://tigger.uic.edu/depts/ovcr/research/funding/forms/0600.doc

Limited Competition Instructions

Submit one electronic copy of a white paper containing the following information to rds@uic.edu by deadline noted above:

One (1) Page cover page with following information:
1. Name, Departmental Affiliation, and contact information of PI
2. Sponsor and sponsor program name
3. Title of White Paper proposal
4. Unit Business Manager or Grant Coordinator contact information
Three (3) page narrative addressing:
1. Self-assessment – description of most significant research contribution to date, highlighting the most innovative and novel aspects of your proposed research. Describe a risky or creative approach you may use in pursuit of your goals. No more than 1 page.
2. Description of proposed research. This should include
  1. statement of the project to be undertaken
  2. aims and objectives methods
  3. potential significance
  4. description of how project fits applicant’s “big picture” plans – do not be concerned to delineate a separate non-overlaping project as this scholarship is meant to support your overall research program.
  An additional fourth page may be used exclusively for references.
Attach the following for PI and each Co-PI:
1. Two page CV
2. 1 to 2-page list of publications – list only complete articles published or in press. Abstracts may be separately listed, but do not include abstracts covering work that appears in published papers.
Optional (to be included in transmittal email, not on white paper itself):
Narrative must be 12-point font; minimum acceptable margin is ½ inch all around. No budget is required.

No budget is requested.

Please contact Tony Halford at ahalford@uic.edu or 6-7036 with any questions.