The March of Dimes seeks applications requesting grant support for projects related to causes of prematurity.  Research proposals of new paradigms based on strong conceptual frameworks are invited.  The intent is to provide new insights into the large, and increasing, proportion of preterm deliveries in which the cause (and thus the means of prevention) remains elusive.  The proposals need to consider especially, but not be limited to, genetics, gene-environment interactions, and animal models.  We encourage novel approaches.  Applicants must be members of not-for-profit institutions.

Potential applicants should submit electronically the required administrative information and a Letter of Intent addressed to the Senior Vice President for Research and Global Programs summarizing the proposed studies via our online system at HTTP://RESEARCHGRANTS.MARCHOFDIMES.COM/PRI.

The Letter of Intent must include the following information in this order:

1. Its objective.
2. Major hypothesis to be tested and key specific aims.
3. Any preliminary data.
4. A brief description of the study design including key outcome variables and the statistical framework that will be applied to the analysis.
5. A plan for evaluating the results.
6. Projected time frame for the investigation.
7. Current financial support: list each current grant or contract for the conduct of this and any other research.  If there are no other grants, state “NONE.”

The online process must be completed by April 15, 2008.

These grants do not cover the recipient's or other faculty salaries, but do provide salary support for technical help.  The grants are awarded for a three-year period.  For your information, the financial characteristics of the previous year's grant cycle are as follows:

       (Per Year)       AVERAGE:  $134,520       MEDIAN:  $126,481       RANGE:  $92,514 TO $215,681

The Letters of Intent will be evaluated and applications will be invited from those who are selected.  Our decision will be transmitted to the candidates no later than May 15, 2008.  We request no telephone inquiries.  Those who are invited to apply will have to do so on or before July 15, 2008.  The applicants will be informed of the decisions regarding their applications no later than January 1, 2009.  Funding will be initiated on March 1, 2009.
12/07