Limited and External Funding Opportunities

Contact us...

• Email LSO@vanderbilt.edu if you are interested in an opportunity not listed below or have questions regarding the LSO submission process.
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Have you been awarded a Limited Submission recognition?

Please let us know at LSO@vanderbilt.edu

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Active Internal Calls for Limited Submission Nominations 

Internal review process required to choose institutional nominees

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Limited Submission Eligibility Guidelines

The following tags serve as a guide for submission instructions.

 Vanderbilt (VU + VUMC):  

• VU and VUMC submit collaboratively to this LSO. ALL investigators should follow the guidelines posted on this site.

 VUMC :

• VU and VUMC submit separately to this LSO. VUMC investigators should follow the guidelines posted on this site. VU investigators should apply through InfoReady and address any questions to VU-LSO@vanderbilt.edu.

FEATURED OPPORTUNITY

• High-profile or prestigious awards of particular interest to Vanderbilt investigators

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Network of Genomics-Enabled Learning Health Systems (gLHS) – Clinical Sites (U01 Clinical Trial Required)

Submit expressions of interest by September 26; Internal materials will be reviewed as received

VUMC: These instructions are for VUMC investigators interested in submitting an application for this clinical sites opportunity.

Note: Internal applications for the Clinical Sites U01 opportunity will be shared with the executive leaders for the related gLHS Coordinating Center proposal for review, feedback, and to facilitate making connections.

National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) invites applications for Clinical Sites (RFA-HG-23-041) to participate in forming a genomic-enabled learning health system (gLHS) network. The Network will consist of a Coordinating Center and 4-6 Clinical Sites working collaboratively with NHGRI to identify and improve approaches for clinical integration of genomic information in a virtuous learning health system cycle of implementation, evaluation, refinement, and re-implementation. VUMC is submitting a proposal to the companion funding opportunity for the gLHS Coordinating Center.

The Network will:

• Share genomic medicine implementation strategies and identify those most suitable for cross-network implementation
• Use these strategies to conduct 2-4 intervention projects network-wide and evaluate their impact
• Develop and refine successful gLHS implementation strategies as resources that can be broadly shared and adopted, including in resource-limited settings.

Each Clinical Site will be primarily responsible for:

• Identifying, describing, and sharing with other Network members its LHS strategies that are most likely to be implementable across multiple healthcare systems
• Documenting its LHS strategies using state-of-the-art standards, where available, and other methods to maximize their interoperability and transportability to other Network members and other healthcare systems as tools or resources
• Identifying and proposing pilot genomic medicine intervention projects with evidence that they improve outcomes and warrant broader implementation
• Identifying and including as active partner(s) champions from underserved healthcare settings to contribute their unique expertise and perspectives on such settings, thereby broadening the applicability of Network products and potentially increasing the likelihood they will be widely adopted
• Working with NHGRI and other Network members to:
  • Agree upon, implement within their own LHS, and evaluate evidence-based genomic medicine intervention projects feasible for Network-wide implementation within the time and budget constraints of this NOFO
  • Assess the efficiency and impact of implementation, refine and re-implement the intervention as applicable, and use lessons learned to improve resulting tools and resources for wider dissemination
  • Improve integration of genomic information into EHRs and enhance interoperability across systems
  • Engage professional societies in considering successful intervention projects and implementation strategies for incorporation into professional practice guidelines

See the NOFO for more information.

Internal Application Process:

Anyone interested in submitting an application for this RFA, should submit the following (in a single PDF) to katelyn.poole@vumc.org by 5 p.m. on September 26, 2023:

• Brief project overview, proposed team, and expected annual budget (2-page max)
  • Propose 2-4 genomic medicine intervention projects for consideration for a Network-wide implementation, including available evidence that they improve outcomes and are feasible to carry out within the limited timeframe and budget of the program (Awards limited to $450,000 per year for five years).
• NIH Biosketch or 5-page CV for PI
• Statement of support from department chair/center director

Note: Internal applications for the Clinical Sites U01 opportunity will be shared with the executive leaders for the related gLHS Coordinating Center proposal for review, feedback, and to facilitate making connections.

Any questions may be directed to katelyn.poole@vumc.org.

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2024 Brain Research Foundation - Seed Grant Program

Applications due September 26, 2023

Vanderbilt (VU + VUMC): This is a joint competition for VU and VUMC investigators. All investigators should follow these instructions. 

Overview:

Vanderbilt (VU and VUMC, collaboratively) may nominate one candidate for the Brain Research Foundation Seed Grant Program for 2024. This award provides $80,000 (direct costs) over two years to support new research projects in the field of neuroscience that will likely lead to extramural funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or other outside funding sources. The objective of the BRF Seed Grant Program is to support new and innovative neuroscience projects, especially those of junior faculty, who are working in new research directions. BRF Seed Grant awards are not intended to supplement existing grants. Funds must be utilized within the grant period.

Eligibility:

• PI must be a full-time Assistant or Associate Professor working in the area of studies of brain function. This includes molecular and clinical neuroscience as well as studies of neural, sensory, motor, cognitive, behavioral and emotional functioning in health and disease.
  • Assistant Professor – Junior faculty with a new research project that will generate pilot data that will lead to R01 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.
  • Associate Professor – Faculty who are pursuing new research directions. Must explain how the project is a new research direction. A new technique is not considered a new direction unless it pertains to a different area of study. Must provide abstract and specific aims for current grant(s) and indicate if there is any overlap.
• Research assistant professors, research associate professors, and Full Professors are not eligible.
• The grant proposal must detail a new research project that is not funded by other sources.

All applicants should verify their eligibility in advance by consulting the 2024 Seed Grant Guidelines on the foundation website.

Internal Application Process:

Anyone interested in being considered as Vanderbilt’s potential nominee must submit the following (in PDF format) to LSO@vanderbilt.edu by 5:00 p.m. on September 26, 2023. 

1. Brief research plan including summary budget (2 page max including budget);
   • Include closing paragraph that explains how this research will develop (next steps)
   • Refer to the Funding Specifics in the 2024 Seed Grant Guidelines for allowable costs
2. Letter of support from department chair/center director;
   • Letter must additionally acknowledge that this grant does not allow indirect costs.** This statement can be used/modified within the letter: “The Department recognizes that this grant does not allow indirect costs and will commit to covering any associated indirect costs per applicable school/institutional policy.”
3. NIH Biosketch (5 page max)
   • Biosketch should contain “other support page”
   • Due to limited space, you can supply a link to your full list of publications

**Process for cost-sharing typically coordinated at the departmental level and approved by department chair and/or dean. Please consult LSO@vanderbilt.edu for further guidance.

Submissions should reference the program name in the subject line of the email.

Vanderbilt’s nominee will submit a required LOI to the Foundation by November 21, 2023.

Any questions about this opportunity or the LSO process may be directed to LSO@vanderbilt.edu.

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2024 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists – All Categories

Applications due September 28, 2023

FEATURED OPPORTUNITY

Vanderbilt (VU + VUMC): This is a joint competition for VU and VUMC investigators. All investigators should follow these instructions.

Vanderbilt (VU + VUMC, collaboratively) may submit one nomination per category for the 2024 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists. These awards recognize the United State’s most promising faculty-rank researchers in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences & Engineering, and Chemical Sciences. One Blavatnik National Awards Laureate in each disciplinary category will receive $250,000 in unrestricted funds.  Indirect costs are not applied to the award.

The eligibility criteria, guidelines for selection, and application materials are consistent across these 3 award categories. The deadline for all three internal competitions is September 28, 2023.

Eligibility Criteria

The nominee must:

• Have been born in or after 1982*
• Hold a doctorate level degree (PhD, DPhil, MD, DDS, DVM, etc.)
• Currently hold a tenured or tenure-track faculty position
• Currently conduct research as a principal investigator in one of the disciplinary categories in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences & Engineering, or Chemical Sciences
• Previously nominated individuals who were not selected as Laureates in past Awards cycles may be nominated again, if they remain eligible.
• If previously selected as a finalist, you must proceed through the internal nomination process.
• The Blavatnik Awards strongly encourages the nomination of underrepresented populations in STEM: women, persons with disabilities, and individuals identifying as Black, American Indian, or Hispanic/Latinx.

*Age limit exceptions will be considered by the Academy in exceptional circumstances upon a detailed written submission from the nominating institution.

Guidelines for Selection

Each nominee and their body of work will be evaluated based on the quality of their research, the impact on their respective field and potential benefit to society, the novelty of their ideas and methods, and the potential they show for future scientific contributions and discoveries.

Please see the program page and FAQs for more information.

Application Materials

Anyone interested in being considered as a nominee must submit the following materials by 11:59 pm on September 28, 2023.

1. Brief description of your research (1,000 words max, excluding references and figure caption.) Recommended topics (from instructions):
   • Summarize up to five of your most significant scientific contributions and research accomplishments from your independent career.
   • Key results, their impact on your field of study, and your specific role in the described work should be included.
   • Information about your positions, awards, and service activities should be excluded.
   • One figure illustrating the most significant results is allowed.

Note: Summary should be written to be accessible to another scientist working in the same overarching disciplinary category (e.g., Life Sciences) but not necessarily in the specific field of study (e.g., Neuroscience);

2. Professional Service and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement (1 page max.) Recommended topics (from instructions):
   • Outreach activities and/or professional service, with particular focus on activities and service related to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the scientific community
3. Letter of support from department chair/center director
   • Letters must acknowledge that this grant does not allow indirect costs. This statement can be used/modified within the letter: "The Department recognizes that this grant does not allow indirect costs and will commit to covering any associated indirect costs per applicable institutional/school policy."
4. NIH Biosketch or Brief CV (5 page max)

Application Process

Please note that the application process differs across the 3 award competitions.

• Faculty interested in the Chemical Sciences award category should submit an application via InfoReady by 9/28/2023: https://vanderbilt.infoready4.com/#competitionDetail/1915282                                          
• Faculty interested in the Physical Sciences & Engineering award category should submit an application via InfoReady by 9/28/2023: https://vanderbilt.infoready4.com/#competitionDetail/1915301     
• Faculty interested in the Life Sciences award category should apply by emailing the above-listed application materials as a single PDF to LSO@Vanderbilt.edu by 9/28/2023.

Any questions about this opportunity or the LSO process can be directed to LSO@vanderbilt.edu

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2024 Conservation, Food & Health Foundation Grants

Applications due October 5, 2023

VUMC:  These instructions are for VUMC investigators. VU investigators should apply through InfoReady and address any questions to VU-LSO@vanderbilt.edu.

Overview:

VUMC may submit one application to the January 2024 cycle of the Conservation, Food and Health Foundation (CFH) Grants program. The CFH seeks to protect the environment, improve food production, and promote public health in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Middle East.

The Foundation supports projects and applied research that generate local or regional solutions to problems affecting the quality of the environment and human life; advance local leadership and promote professional development in the conservation, agricultural, and health sciences; develop the capacity of local organizations; and address a particular problem or question in the field. The Foundation prefers to support projects that address under-funded issues and geographic areas.

The Foundation funds applied research, pilot projects, new initiatives, training, and technical assistance, rather than ongoing support for programs that are already well underway.  An important goal for the Foundation is to provide seed money to help promising projects, organizations, and individuals develop the track record they need to attract major foundation funding in the future.

In all of its areas of interest, the Foundation gives priority to projects that have the potential to advance the field, build local capacity, promote replication, influence public opinion and policy, affect systems change, and benefit people beyond the immediate project and its local context.

Award Information

Grants are made for a one- or two-year period.  Second-year funding is conditional on the provision of a satisfactory progress report, interim financial report, and work plan. There is no minimum or maximum grant size. It is anticipated that most grants will fall in the $25,000-$50,000 per year range.

Health Projects:

The Foundation supports efforts that test new ideas and approaches that promote public health, with a special emphasis on reproductive health and family planning and their integration with other health promotion activities.  It favors community-level disease prevention and health promotion projects and efforts that help strengthen regional and country public health systems over disease diagnosis, treatment, and care provided by clinics, hospitals, and humanitarian aid programs.

Activities that help increase capacity include applied research, program development, technical assistance, and training projects that:

• Promote reproductive health and family planning.
• Address issues related to mental and behavioral health.
• Address issues relating to pollution and environmental health.
• Increase the understanding of zoonotic and neglected tropical diseases.
• Address issues relating to nutrition and health.

Projects the Foundation Rarely Funds

• Humanitarian aid programs, missionary programs, and social service programs
• Projects with primarily a local emphasis
• Village improvement and basic farmer training programs
• Capital requests
• Limited financial capacity
• Microenterprise, ecotourism, and livelihood projects
• Publications and media
• Social science research
• Medical care

See the guidelines, previous grantees, and FAQ’s for more information.

Internal Application Process

Anyone interested in being considered as VUMC’s nominee must submit the following (in a single PDF) to LSO@vanderbilt.edu by 5 p.m. on October 5:

1. Brief (2 page maximum) research plan including summary budget
2. Statement of support from department chair/center director
   1. Letter must acknowledge that this grant does not allow indirect costs. This statement can be used/modified: “The Department recognizes that this grant does not allow indirect costs and will commit to covering any associated indirect costs per applicable institutional policy.”
3. NIH Biosketch or 5-page CV

Any questions about this opportunity may be directed to LSO@vanderbilt.edu

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NSF Partnerships for Innovation (PFI-RP) Research Partnerships Track

Applications due October 19, 2023

VUMC: These instructions are for VUMC investigators. VU investigators should apply through InfoReady and address any questions to VU-LSO@vanderbilt.edu.

VUMC may submit one application to the January 2024 cycle of the NSF Partnerships for Innovation (PFI-RP) Research Partnerships Track.

The Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) Program within the Division of Translational Impacts (TI) offers researchers from all disciplines of science and engineering funded by NSF the opportunity to perform translational research and technology development, catalyze partnerships and accelerate the transition of discoveries from the laboratory to the marketplace for societal benefit.

PFI has five broad goals: (1) identifying and supporting NSF-sponsored research and technologies that have the potential for accelerated commercialization; (2) supporting prior or current NSF-sponsored investigators, institutions of higher education, and non-profit organizations that partner with an institution of higher education in undertaking proof-of-concept work, including the development of technology prototypes that are derived from NSF-sponsored research and have potential market value; (3) promoting sustainable partnerships between NSF-funded institutions, industry, and other organizations within academia and the private sector with the purpose of accelerating the transfer of technology; (4) developing multi-disciplinary innovation ecosystems which involve and are responsive to the specific needs of academia and industry; (5) providing professional development, mentoring, and advice in entrepreneurship, project management, and technology and business development to innovators.

In addition, PFI responds to the mandate set by Congress to support prototype or proof-of-concept development work by participants, including I-Corps participants, with innovations that because of the early stage of development are not eligible to participate in a Small Business Innovation Research Program or a Small Business Technology Transfer Program.

Finally, PFI seeks to enhance partnerships between academia and industry in the United States, and expanding the participation of women and individuals from underrepresented groups in innovation, technology translation, and entrepreneurship.

This solicitation offers two broad tracks for proposals in pursuit of the aforementioned goals. Only the Research Partnerships (PFI-RP) track is limited. The PFI-RP track supports complex, multi-faceted technology development projects that are typically beyond the scope of a single researcher or institution and require a multi-organizational, interdisciplinary, synergistic collaboration. A PFI-RP project requires the creation of partnerships between academic researchers and third-party organizations such as industry, non-academic research organizations, federal laboratories, public or non-profit technology transfer organizations or other universities. Such partnerships are needed to conduct applied research on a stand-alone larger project toward commercialization and societal impact. In the absence of such synergistic partnership, the project’s likelihood for success would be minimal. The budget for PFI-RP proposals is up to $550,000 for 36 months.

The intended outcomes of both tracks are: a) the commercialization of new intellectual property derived from NSF-funded research outputs; b) the creation of new or broader collaborations with industry (including increased corporate sponsored research); c) the licensing of NSF-funded research outputs to third party corporations or to start-up companies funded by a PFI team; and d) the training of future innovation and entrepreneurship leaders.

See the solicitation for more information.

Internal Application Process:

Anyone interested in being considered as VUMC’s potential nominee must submit the following (in a single PDF) to LSO@vanderbilt.edu by 5 p.m. on October 19:

• Brief (2-page maximum) research plan, including summary budget
• NIH Biosketch or 5-page CV
• Statement of support from department chair/center director

Any questions about this opportunity or the LSO process may be directed to LSO@vanderbilt.edu

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NIH Collaborative Program Grant for Multidisciplinary Teams (RM1- Clinical Trial Optional)

Applications due October 24, 2023

 VUMC:  These instructions are for VUMC investigators. VU investigators should apply through InfoReady and address any questions to VU-LSO@vanderbilt.edu.

VUMC may submit two proposals to the January 2024 cycle of the NIH Collaborative Program Grant for Multidisciplinary Teams (RM1).

This program is designed to support highly integrated research teams of three to six PD/PIs to address ambitious and challenging research questions that are important for the mission of National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) and are beyond the scope of an individual or a few investigators. Collaborative program teams are expected to accomplish goals that require considerable synergy and managed team interactions. Project goals should not be achievable with a collection of individual efforts or projects. Teams are encouraged to consider far-reaching objectives that will produce major advances in their fields. While applications may request research program budgets of up to $1.5 million direct costs per year, it is anticipated that most awards will be between $700,000-$900,000 direct costs.

NIGMS recognizes that diverse teams working together and capitalizing on innovative ideas and distinct perspectives outperform homogeneous teams. There are many benefits that flow from a diverse scientific workforce, including fostering scientific innovation, enhancing global competitiveness, contributing to robust learning environments, improving the quality of the research, advancing the likelihood that underserved populations participate in, and benefit from, research and enhancing public trust. To support the best science, NIGMS encourages inclusivity in research. Examples of structures that promote diverse perspectives include but are not limited to:

• Engagement from different types of institutions and organizations (e.g., research-intensive, undergraduate-focused, minority-serving, community-based).
• Individual applications and partnerships that enhance geographic and regional engagement.
• Investigators and teams composed of researchers at different career stages.
• Participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including groups traditionally underrepresented in the biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research workforce (see NOT-OD-20-031), such as underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, those with disabilities, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and women.
• Project-based opportunities to benefit early- and mid-career investigators. 

Eligibility:

Successful Collaborative Program Grant applications will bring together scientists to apply complementary approaches to work on an important and well-defined problem. Applications may address any area of science within the NIGMS mission, which is to support generalizable, foundational basic research that increases understanding of biological processes at a range of levels, from molecules and cells, to tissues, whole organisms, and populations. NIGMS also supports research in a limited number of clinical areas that affect multiple organ systems (see here for scientific areas supported by NIGMS).

Truly new interdisciplinary ideas for approaching significant biological problems are encouraged. Applications that bridge the research interests of more than one NIGMS division are also encouraged, but must remain within the scope of the NIGMS mission. Consultation with NIGMS staff prior to preparing an application is strongly encouraged.

We recommend that applicants review the RFA in detail to review the research areas that are within the NIGMS mission. Applications that focus solely on a specific organ or disease state and that are within the mission areas of other NIH Institutes and Centers are not appropriate for this FOA. Applications that employ specific cells or tissues to address a fundamental biomedical question are appropriate.

Applications that are mainly focused on the creation, expansion, and/or maintenance of community resources, creation of new technologies or infrastructure development are not appropriate for this FOA. 

See the program announcement for more information.

Internal Application Process:

Anyone interested in being considered to submit VUMC’s proposal must submit the following (in a single PDF) to LSO@vanderbilt.edu by 5 p.m. on October 24, 2023:

• Brief project description including summary budget and role of each PI and their relevant qualifications (2 page max);
• Letter of support from department chair/center director;
• NIH Biosketch for all PIs

Full applications are due to NIH by January 26, with an LOI requested 30 days prior. Any questions about this opportunity or the LSO process may be directed to LSO@vanderbilt.edu.

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NIBIB Enhancing Science, Technology, EnginEering, and Math Educational Diversity (ESTEEMED) Research Education Experiences (R25)

Applications due October 24, 2023

Vanderbilt (VU + VUMC): This is a joint competition for VU and VUMC investigators. All investigators should follow these instructions.

Vanderbilt (VU+VUMC) may submit one application to the NIH Enhancing Science, Technology, EnginEering, and Math Educational Diversity (ESTEEMED) Research Education Experiences (R25) program.

The NIH Research Education Program (R25) supports research education activities in the mission areas of the NIH. The overarching goal of this R25 program is to support educational activities that encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, to pursue further studies or careers in research. 
To accomplish the stated over-arching goal, this FOA will support educational activities with a primary focus on:

• Courses for Skills Development

• Research Experiences

The ESTEEMED program is designed to foster the development of undergraduate freshmen and sophomores from diverse backgrounds to pursue further studies and careers in bioengineering or STEM fields relevant to NIBIB’s scientific mission. Applications are encouraged to propose integrated educational activities that include 3 elements: a summer bridge program for incoming freshmen, and in the freshman and sophomore years, academic year activities and summer research experiences. The ESTEEMED program is intended to expose students to bioengineering research early in their college careers while also providing students didactic, mentoring and career development opportunities. This will prepare students to join, in their junior and senior years, an honors program that promotes STEM and entrance into a Ph.D. program. The ultimate goal is for the participants to pursue a doctoral degree and a subsequent research career in bioengineering or NIBIB-relevant field.

Participants, while in the program, will be allowed $500 per year to travel to relevant scientific meetings. In addition, participants undertaking an off-campus summer research experience will be allowed an additional $1000 for travel to the site if this cost is not covered by other sources. Expenses for local and foreign travel are not allowed.

See the solicitation for more information.

Internal Application Process:

Anyone interested in being considered as Vanderbilt’s potential nominee must submit the following (in PDF format) to LSO@vanderbilt.edu by 5:00 p.m. on October 24, 2023. 

• Brief (2-page maximum) research plan including summary budget
• NIH Biosketch or 5-page CV
• Statement of support from department chair/center director
  • Statement of support should indicate that the proposed program has approval and support from the director of the participating honors program.  

Any questions about this opportunity or the LSO process may be directed to LSO@vanderbilt.edu.

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Active Calls for NON-Limited External Opportunities 

Internal review process NOT required- Submit directly to Sponsor​

The VUMC Corporate & Foundation Relations team provides hands-on proposal development assistance for non-federal awards. Contact cfr@vumc.org for more information.