Department Banner Image
Office of Research and Development at Wake Forest University School of Medicine

OR  >   Intramural Research Support  >   Guidelines


Intramural Research Support Committee
Guidelines for Applications

The application should be addressed to:

Office of Research

The application consists of one electronic copy, the original and one paper copy as well an NIH-format Biosketch attached to each. Additionally, if the application includes supporting documents (reprints, etc.), 2 copies shall be included with the application. The application cover form included with these guidelines is to be attached to each copy. The electronic copy must be delivered in one file document to Penny Gatsis pgatsis@wfubmc.edu.

Applications must be typed. The type width must not be smaller than 15 characters per inch. If this is a revision of a previously submitted application, include a one page introduction with a point-by-point response to the critique. Highlight these changes within text of the revised application by appropriate bracketing, indenting, or change of typography. A revised application will be returned if these revisions are not clearly apparent.

The following format is required for all applications:

1. Cover Form (download)

  1. Title of project (brief, descriptive)
  2. Name of Principal Investigator, signature, department and telephone number
  3. Name of Department Chairman / Section Head and signature
  4. Date submitted
  5. Human or animal protocol information
  6. Type of Application

2. Description of Proposed Project

The proposal should be concise, yet sufficiently detailed to be clear to the Committee. Figures, tables, photomicrographs, etc. may be included if they enhance clarity.

    1. Lay Summary (Do not exceed 250 words.)
    2. Objectives and Significance: State precisely and realistically what the research described is intended to accomplish and/or what hypotheses are to be tested. Include a concise presentation of the reasoning (rationale) for the proposed research. (Do not exceed one page)
    3. Background: Briefly review the most pertinent previous work and current status of research related to this proposal. Include preliminary work by the applicant if applicable. Critically evaluate existing knowledge, specifically identifying the gaps which the proposed project is intended to fill. (Do not exceed three pages)
    4. Methods: Discuss in sufficient detail for understanding by the Committee the experimental design and the methods to be used to accomplish the objectives of the project. How, specifically, will each of the hypotheses be tested by these approaches. Give a brief description of experimental procedures already established by the applicant. Sufficient detail should be given to allow assessment of the procedures, feasibility and applicability. If proposing new methods, describe advantages over more established techniques. If several experiments are proposed, indicate the priority of their order. Indicate the type of data expected to be generated and how it will be analyzed (e.g., proposed statistical design and analysis). Briefly identify any potential pitfalls or limitations in procedures and interpretation of data. (Do not exceed five pages).
    5. Project Relevance: These grants are specifically intended to help generate pilot data that can be used to enhance grant applications to extramural agencies for the support of the applicant's long-term research program. Briefly describe why the studies proposed in this application will achieve this objective. Include a brief description of the likely aims of the planned extramural grant and tentative plans for grant submission including a time line for submission of applications and the agencies from which funding will be sought. (Do not exceed one page).
    6. References: Include only the most pertinent references.
    7. Project Period: Twelve months from the date of funding unless a shorter period is requested.

3. Personnel

  1. Principal Investigator
  2. Associates (designate all associates, technicians, students, etc., involved with the project

4. Research Support

  1. Facilities available (laboratory space, equipment, etc.)
  2. Support from additional sources (for this and other projects)
    1. Active (specify grant number, department funds or other, and amounts)
    2. Pending (other applications submitted and amounts)
    3. Proposed (applications planned to outside agencies)
    4. If other support is available (as from departmental sources) or pending, explain need for intramural research support funds.

5. Budget ($20,000 maximum). If this budget is not adequate to fund the proposed research, indicate the source and amount of additional funds. An effort percentage must also be provided for the current project.  Please note that the effort should only reflect time commitment to the current project, not salary information.  

  1. Equipment (list items by company and catalog number). Justify why the equipment is necessary for the proposed studies
  2. Supplies (list major categories)
  3. Personnel - Funds for personnel such as secretaries will not be considered. In some circumstances, research personnel will be considered if justified. If funds for personnel are a major portion of the budget, it must be made clear what other support will be available for necessary supplies.
  4. Other (computer charges, audiovisual costs, hazardous waste disposal costs, etc.)

 

6. Biosketch, NIH Format