The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation
Research Grant Application

The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation Research Grant Information

The Sam Schmidt Research Grant, sponsored and administered by the ASIA Research Committee, will be awarded yearly to a Junior Investigator, for the purpose of supporting the development of research programs of outstanding scientists early in their careers.

Eligibility requirements:

• The research must focus on SCI/D
• The junior investigator and mentor must be members of ASIA
• The awardee must be a new researcher within 10 years of completions of his/her terminal degree or postgraduate training.
• The awardee must have a senior investigator participate as a mentor/advisor. In the application process and progress reports, evidence must be included regarding the support and involvement of the mentor.
• The proposed research must be submitted to an institutional review board (IRB) for approval. Evidence of IRB approval must be provided to the ASIA Research Committee upon acceptance of the grant award. Grant funds will not be disbursed until evidence of IRB approval or evidence of exemption from IRB review has been received.
• The study timeline should not exceed 24 months from project initiation

Funding Information:

One $15,000 grant will be awarded yearly. Grants are awarded to provide funding for specific projects conducted by a junior investigator to support research SCI/D and the translation of research evidence to clinical practice.

Funds may not be applied to:

• Ongoing general operating expenses or existing deficits
• Purchase of permanent equipment or facilities
• Endowment contributions
• Stipends or loans
• Facilities or administrative costs

Funding is generally available for:

• an identifiable, previously unfunded portion of a larger research project
• Salary support for study personnel
• Consumable supplies and services
• Travel essential to the conduct of the proposed project
• Subject expenses/reimbursement
• Travel to present project findings at the year 2 ASIA Annual Meeting

Grant Recipient Responsibilities:

The grant period will begin upon grant award by ASIA and will expire no later than 24 months after the initial disbursement

Following initial disbursement of funds, the grantees must submit an annual and/or final Project Report to the ASIA Research Committee that addresses:

• Progress toward completion of activities included on the study timeline
• Any protocol modifications and documentation of IRB review and approval of modifications
• A summary of all adverse events associated with execution of the study and documentation of IRB review of such adverse events

Within 60 days of study completion, the grantee must submit a Final Research Report to ASIA. This report must include:

• A summary of the study results including statistical analysis, if applicable
• Preliminary conclusions
• A summary of adverse events associated with execution of the study and documentation of IRB review of such adverse events
• A summary of all protocol modifications and documentation of IRB approval of such modifications
• Specific plans for presentation and publication of the study findings

Any unused funds must be returned to ASIA by the grantee If, for any reason, the grantee does not complete the project, the investigator must inform the ASIA Research Committee Chair in writing within 30 days of study termination.

The grantees may request a grant extension.

The ASIA Research Committee requires that the findings of the study by submitted for presentation at the ASIA Annual Meeting.

Within 6 months of submission of the Final Research Report, the findings of the study must be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

All presentations, publications, and other communications regarding this study must include the following acknowledgement: "This study was funded (or partially funded) by a research grant from the American Spinal Injury Association."

By accepting this award, the grantee will undertake all reasonable efforts to complete the study and take responsibility for fulfilling the terms described within the award letter.

Submission Guidelines:

1-2 page nomination/cover letter with nominee name in title of cover letter

1-4 supporting manuscripts in pdf format

Title of pdf document should include last name of individual nominated

Proposal should be no longer than 6 pages, single-spaced and with the font of 10-12

Send nominations by e-mail, FAX, or mail to:
Suzanne Groah, M.D.
National Rehabilitation Hospital
102 Irving Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20010 FAX: 202-829-3487 e-mail: suzanne.l.groah@medstar.net

Proposals must be received by the ASIA Office no later than February 28, 2010 (extended). There are no exceptions.

Reporting Obligations:

Approved awards must comply with the following requirements:

* A project report must be submitted to the ASIA Office at the completion of the project. This report should contain a financial statement of funds received and expenditures for the project. Any unexpended funds must be returned to the ASIA Office with the final report. In the case of a multi-year project, a progress report will be required annually.

* All projects should be completed within the award period.

* Awardees are required to provide an article for publication in the ASIA Bulletin at the completion of the project.

* Acknowledgement of the American Spinal Injury Association must be made if any publicity / publications is forthcoming from an awarded project.