Pilot Projects

COBRE for Restoration of Neural-Based Function

Request for Applications (RFA) and Submission Guidelines

2023-2024 Funding Cycle

Key Dates

RFA Release Date: September 16, 2024
Letter of Intent Due Date: October 1, 2024
Application Due Date: October 25, 2024

Pilot Project Program Overview

The COBRE for Restoration of Neural-Based Function Pilot Project Program aims to attract junior and senior investigators into the field of neural-based function and recovery research, promote utilization of the COBRE cores, develop new collaborations and mentoring relationships, and provide preliminary data for subsequent high-quality extramural research awards (NIH R-series and equivalents) and peer-reviewed manuscripts.

COBRE Mission

A better understanding of the experience-dependent nature of neural plasticity will enable us to investigate and exploit inherent neural recovery processes to develop and translate novel mechanism-based interventions to improve function in the home or community.

Pilot Project Categories

The COBRE funds projects in two categories:

1. Early Stage and New Investigator Awards provide mentored research experiences for investigators that meet the definition of NIH Early Stage Investigators (ESIs), as well as for investigators at any stage new to the field of neural-based function. These projects should use COBRE cores to conduct research that aligns with the COBRE mission. These projects will provide important preliminary data for NIH Career Development applications (K-series), research grants (R-series) or their equivalents.
   Award Amount: Up to $30,000
   Award Duration: 12 months
2. Discovery Awards provide strategic support to explore the feasibility of projects that align with the COBRE mission leading to collaborative R01s or center grants.
   Award Amount: Up to $30,000
   Award Duration: 12 months

To Apply

Submit the application using the Redcap form.

Program Questions

Dr. Steve Kautz
kautz@musc.edu

Administrative Questions

LuAnne O’Connor Email:
harleylu@musc.edu
843-792-3320

Key Elements of the COBRE for Restoration of Neural-Based Function Pilot Project Program

The program's main objective is to promote the growth of the COBRE for Restoration of Neural-Based Function through the development of new extramural funding and the utilization, enhancement, and advancement of critical technologies and COBRE core services. The pilot project program is not designed to provide ongoing support for a long-term project or supplemental support for ongoing funded research projects.

Program Eligibility

• Investigators may submit only one application as PI or MPI in any pilot project category per annual funding cycle. In addition, investigators may serve as a Mentor for only one Mentored Investigator Pilot Grant per annual funding cycle. Investigators may serve as Co-Investigator on multiple applications. Applicants with current IDeA (e.g., COBRE, CTR, or INBRE) research funding are not eligible for funding under this opportunity.
• The PI of a pilot project proposal in any category must be a faculty member at the Medical University of South Carolina and possess an earned doctoral degree. Collaboration with investigators at other institutions is encouraged in roles such as Co-Investigator, Consultant, Collaborator, Advisory Member, Mentor, or Co-Mentor, as appropriate. Individuals who are not US citizens or Permanent Residents are eligible to apply as PI if the terms and conditions of their faculty appointment allow submission to extramural funding agencies.
• Applicants for Early Stage and New Investigator Awards may not have been or currently be PI of an NIH R01, P01 sub-project, or equivalents (e.g., VA Merit awards).
• Applicants for Discovery Awards may be faculty of any rank at MUSC and should have a record of accomplishment in their chosen field.
• Previous recipients of Early Career and New Investigator Awards are not eligible to compete again for additional funding in this category.

Pilot Grant Mechanism–Specific Requirements

• Early Stage and New Investigator Awards require PIs to designate a primary research mentor for the pilot project, who may be from inside or outside MUSC. The mentor must have recognition as an accomplished scientist in his/her chosen field, a strong history of competitive research support, and a track record of success in training independent investigators. Applications must include a detailed letter from the proposed mentor describing the Mentoring Plan (e.g., frequency of mentor/mentee meetings, access to space and/or equipment, scientific knowledge to be gained [e.g., methods, techniques]). Multiple PIs are not allowed in this category.
• Discovery Awards: No specific requirements beyond fitting within the COBRE’s mission.

Budget

Projects may not be used to provide ongoing support for established research or provide bridge funding. Indirect costs (F&A) are not allowed on pilot projects or subawards. Funds may be requested for standard allowable expense categories such as key personnel and technical support (including fringe benefits at institutionally established rates), research supplies, professional travel directly beneficial to the proposed research, and other direct costs such as laboratory animal costs, research subject compensation, and data analysis/statistical support. Pilot project funds may not be used for equipment, administrative support, subscriptions, memberships, renovations, or alterations.

The Application Process

1. Letter of Intent

   Although a Letter of Intent (LOI) is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the LOI allows us to estimate the potential review workload and assure that the topic is relevant to the COBRE mission. LOIs should contain the following information (in a Word document):

   • Descriptive title of proposed research
   • Name, email address, and telephone number of the PI
   • Complete listing of the investigative team with each individual’s academic title, primary department and proposed role on the project
     (including the proposed mentor(s) for Early Stage/New Investigator applications)
   • Pilot grant category (Early Stage/New Investigator or Discovery).

   Email the Letter of Intent to LuAnne O’Connor (harleylu@musc.edu) by 5:00 p.m. on October 1, 2024.

2. NIH Grant Instructions for an R-series Application

   NIH Grant Instructions for an R-series Application (PDF)

3. Resubmission of an Application

   Applicants may submit one revised application in response to review comments from a previous COBRE Pilot Project Program application cycle. PIs must address the review critiques using the NIH instructions for an R-series Introduction to Application, limited to 1 page (see the link in #2 above for NIH instructions).

4. Application Instructions

   Applications must be submitted via the REDCap link on the first page of this document.

   • Applications are comprised of the online form and five PDF uploads
   • Formatting:
     • Font: Arial
     • Font Size: 11-point (except tables and figures can be 9-point)
     • Margins: No smaller 0.5-inch on all sides

Online Form (Entries with an * are required fields)

• Project Title

• Pilot Category

• PI Name

• PI eRA Commons User Name

• PI Faculty Rank

• PI College/School, Department

• PI Phone Number

• PI Email Address

• Business Manager Name, Phone Number, Email Address

• The same information is required for each Co-PI (except Early Stage/New Investigator applications, as Co-PIs are not allowed)

PDF Upload 1: Biosketches for All Key Personnel

• Use the latest NIH Biosketch form and instructions (PDF) 
• Combine all Key Personnel biosketches in the following order, alphabetically by group (Contact PI; Co-PIs if allowed; Mentor(s) if required; all other investigators, advisors, etc.)

PDF Upload 2: Project Summary/Abstract and Relevance

• The Project Summary/Abstract (30 lines max) should serve as a succinct and accurate description of the proposed work when separated from the application. State the application's broad, long-term objectives and specific aims, relating them to the mission of the COBRE. Describe concisely the research design and methods for achieving the stated goals. This section should be informative to others working in the same or related fields and understandable to a scientifically or technically literate reader. Below the 30-line Project Summary/Abstract, using no more than two or three sentences, describe the Relevance of this research to public health. The Relevance statement should be succinct and written using plain language that can be understood by a general, lay audience.

PDF Upload 3: Research Plan

• 5-page limit (1 page for Specific Aims, 3 pages for Research Strategy, and 1 page for Additional Review Criteria). Special note: revised applications must include a 1-page “Introduction to Application” at the beginning of the Research Plan (see #3 above) for a limit of 6 pages.
• Combine all documents into a single PDF document for uploading under “Research Plan.”
• The Specific Aims should state concisely the goals of the proposed research and summarize the expected outcome(s), including the impact that the results of the proposed research will exert on the field of restoration of neural-based function. List succinctly the specific objectives of the research proposal, e.g., to test a stated hypothesis, solve a specific problem, challenge an existing paradigm or clinical practice, address a critical barrier to progress in the field, or develop a new technology. The Specific Aims section is limited to one page.
• The Research Strategy should follow the standard NIH format (see the link to NIH instructions in #2 above), which includes Significance, Innovation, and Approach; a description of how the application fits within the COBRE’s mission; and any mechanism-specific instructions detailed on page 2 of this RFA. The Research Strategy section is limited to three pages.
• The Additional Review Criteria section must address the following (limited to 1 page of text plus one support letter):
  1. State how your project plans to utilize the COBRE’s core facilities. There are two cores:
     1. Neural Function Core—resources and expertise for measuring and modulating neural function
     2. Quantitative Behavioral Assessment and Rehabilitation (QBAR) Core—resources and expertise for measuring behavior/function and performing rehabilitation interventions
  2. State how you plan to secure future extramural funding at the conclusion of the pilot. Include anticipated funding agency(ies), mechanism(s), and timeline.

Beyond the 5-page limit:

• A Biostatistical Justification of sample size should be included for animal studies and any aims that include human tissue samples, patients, or healthy volunteers. Biostatistical consultations are available through the COBRE Administrative Core. Please contact Dr. Viswanthan Ramakrishnan to schedule a meeting to discuss your proposal’s biostatistical needs. Please plan accordingly when submitting statistical consultation requests to allow for ample time prior to application deadline. The Biostatistical Justification should be placed at the end of the Research Strategy and is not included in the page limit.
• A Literature Cited section should be placed at the end of the Research Strategy, following the biostatistical justification, and is not included in the page limit.
• A Data Management and Sharing Plan should be placed at the end of the Research Strategy section following the literature cited section that complies with NIH instructions (see #2 above).
• A Mentoring Plan for Early Stage/New Investigator applications should be placed after biostatistical justification (and before literature cited) detailing frequency of mentor/mentee meetings, access to space and/or equipment, scientific knowledge to be gained (e.g., methods, techniques), etc.

PDF Upload 4: Budget and Justification

• Prior to submission, applicants should schedule a Proposal Development Meeting with LuAnne O’Connor (harleylu@musc.edu or 843-792-3320) to discuss their proposed budget.
• For the budget, please use PHS 398 Form Page 4: Detailed Budget for Initial Budget Period (1 page). Use Word for the budget justification document. Upload the budget and justification as a single PDF file. The COBRE leadership team reserves the right to reduce requested budget amounts.

• As previously stated, projects may not be used to provide ongoing support for established research or provide bridge funding. Indirect costs (F&A) are not allowed on pilot projects or subawards. Funds may be requested for standard allowable expense categories such as key personnel and technical support (including fringe benefits at institutionally established rates), research supplies, professional travel directly beneficial to the proposed research, and other direct costs such as laboratory animal costs, research subject compensation, and data analysis/statistical support. Pilot project funds may not be used for general office supplies, computers/laptops, tuition, equipment, food, administrative support, subscriptions, memberships, renovations, or alterations.

• Special note for subcontracts: No COBRE subaward funds can be committed to an institution located outside of an IDeA state. If a sub-award is planned, please contact LuAnne O’Connor, 843-792-3320 or harleylu@musc.edu to determine if the receiving institution is located within an NIH-determined IDeA state.

• Post-award management of pilot project funds and any related cost-shares will be managed by the COBRE for Restoration of Neural-Based Function Grant Administrator and the College of Health Professions Research Administration team. An individual account will be established for funded pilot projects and cost-shares, and instructions for the process of funding personnel and ordering supplies will be provided upon official notification of award.

PDF Upload 5: Regulatory Documents

• Studies involving Vertebrate Animals must include NIH-required vertebrate animals attachment that complies with the NIH R-series grant instructions (see #2 above).
• Studies involving Human Subjects must include PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information form (complete with all applicable attachments) that complies with the NIH R-series grant instructions (see #2 above).

Citations

If awarded, each publication, press release, or other such document must include the following acknowledgement: “This research was supported in whole or in part by the NIH/NIGMS under award number P30GM154630 – COBRE for Restoration of Neural-Based Function. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.”

Application Review Criteria & Process

Each application will be assigned to at least two reviewers with appropriate expertise and without conflict of interest who are faculty members at MUSC or external academic institutions. Statistical reviews will also be conducted on each application as appropriate. Reviewers are instructed to evaluate the quality of the research using the 9-point NIH rating scale (1= Exceptional to 9 = Poor). An NIH-style study section meeting will be held to discuss reviews and prioritize the applications based on the overall impact score and the programmatic needs of the COBRE for Restoration of Neural-Based Function. Funding recommendations will be forwarded to the COBRE’s External Advisory Committee for approval. Applications selected for funding by the COBRE will then be submitted to NIH for final approval.

Applicants are strongly urged to obtain the required IRB, IBC, and IACUC approvals as soon as possible, as final approval from NIH cannot be provided until all regulatory approvals are in place.

Funded Pilot Projects

Year 1

Principle Investigator: Jesse Dean, Ph.D.
Project Title: Application of Ultrasound Technology to Enhance the Quantitative Measurement of Post-Stroke Behavior and Function
PI Department: Health Professions
Project Dates: 12/01/2014 to 11/30/2015

Principle Investigator: Stephen Tomlinson, Ph.D.
Project Title: Complement-Dependent Inflammation and Experience-Dependent Neural Plasticity after Stroke
PI Department: Microbiology & Immunology
Project Dates: 12/01/2014 to 3/31/2016

Principle Investigator: Alexander Awgulewitsch, Ph.D.
Project Title: Exploring Potential Roles of Hox Genes in Stroke Recovery
PI Department: Medicine
Project Dates: 12/01/2014 to 08/31/2016

Principle Investigator: Xingbao Li, M.D.
Project Title: Paired Associative Stimulation Modulates Motor Excitability and Plasticity in Chronic Stroke Patients: a Comparison of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Acupuncture
PI Department: Psychiatry
Project Dates: 2/01/2015 to 3/31/2017

Principle Investigator: Donna Roberts, M.D.
Project Title: fMRI BOLD Signal as a Biomarker for Optimal Dosing of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of Rehabilitation in Chronic Stroke Patients
PI Department: Radiology
Project Dates: 7/1/2015 to 12/31/2016

Principle Investigator: Na Jin Seo, Ph.D.
Project Title: Sensory Stimulation to Enhance Hand Function Post Stroke
PI Department: Health Professions
Project Dates: 05/05/2015 to 03/31/2017

Year 2

Principle Investigator: Aiko Thompson, Ph.D.
Project Title: Operant down-conditioning of the soleus H-reflex in spastic hemiparesis after stroke
PI Department: Health Sciences & Research
Project Dates: 11/01/2015 to 03/31/2017

Principle Investigator: Bonnie Martin-Harris, Ph.D.
Project Title: Novel Training Approach for Treatment of Swallowing Impairment Patients with Refractory Dysphagia after Stroke
PI Department: Otolaryngology
Project Dates: 03/01/2016 to 08/31/2016

Year 3

Principle Investigator: Healther Bonilha, Ph.D.
Project Title: Role of the Insular Cortex in Swallowing Impairment and Recovery after Stroke
PI Department: Health Sciences & Research
Project Dates: 07/01/2016 to 06/30/2017

Principle Investigator: Catrina Robinson, Ph.D.
Project Title: The Role of Obesity on Stroke Recovery in a Mouse Model of Ischemic Stroke
Project Dates: 01/01/2017 to 12/31/2017

Principle Investigator: Arthur Riegel, Ph.D.
Project Title: Behavior and neuronal function following a single vs multiple sessions of rTMS in a rat chronic stroke model
PI Department: Neurosciences
Project Dates: 01/01/2017 to 12/31/2017

Year 4

Principle Investigator: Pratik Chhatbar, Ph.D.
Project Title: Realistic Measurements of tDCS-Modulated Activity and Electric Fields in the Human Brain in Vivo
PI Department: Neurology
Project Dates: 10/01/17 to 09/30/18

Principle Investigator: Manual Levy, Ph.D.
Project Title: Neural Bases of rTMS-Driven Plasticity
PI Department: Neurosciences
Project Dates: 12/1/17 to 11/30/18

Principle Investigator: Colleen Hanlon, Ph.D.
Project Title: Assessing Bipedal Coordination in an MR environment: Efficacy and Feasibility of a Novel Device
PI Department: Psychiatry
Project Dates: 12/1/17 to 11/30/18

Year 5

Principle Investigator: Jesse Dean, Ph.D.
Project Title: Integration of Postural Control Measures to Enhance the Development of Assessments and Interventions for Post-Stroke Functional Mobility
PI Department: Health Professions
Project Dates: 1/1/19 to 12/31/19

Principle Investigator: Michelle Woodbury, Ph.D.
Project Title: A Novel Therapy + e-Learning Self-Management Program for Stroke Survivors
PI Department: Health Professions
Project Dates: 1/1/19 to 12/31/19

Principle Investigator: Takashi Sato, Ph.D.
Project Title: Neural Mechanisms Underlying Cortical Reorganization Following Stroke
PI Department: Neurosciences
Project Dates: 3/1/19 to 2/29/20

Principle Investigator: Dorothea Jenkins, M.D.
Project Title: Advanced Neuroimaging to Determine Safety and Target Engagement of taVNS for Neurorehabilitation for Neonatal Stroke
PI Department: Pediatrics
Project Dates: 4/1/19 to 3/31/20

Year 6

Principle Investigator: Leonardo Bonilha, M.D.
Project Title: Using High-Density Electroencephalography to Decipher Speech from Brain Activity
PI Department: Neurology
Project Dates: 4/1/19 to 3/31/20

Principle Investigator: Ryan Ross, Ph.D.
Project Title: Priming Upper Extremity Motor Practice with Aerobic Exercise (PUMP-Ex): A Feasibility and Pilot Study
PI Department: Health Sciences & Research
Project Dates: 1/1/20 to 12/31/20

Principle Investigator: Nathan Rowland, M.D.
Project Title: Direct Measurement of Motor Cortical Responses to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
PI Department: Neurosurgery
Project Dates: 1/1/20 to 12/31/20

Year 7

Principle Investigator: Dorothea Jenkins, MD
Project Title: taVNS and N-Acetylcysteine for Oromotor Rehabilitation after Brain Injury in Infants of Diabetic Mothers
PI Department: Pediatrics
Project Dates: 1/1/21 to 12/31/21

Principle Investigator: Serena-Kaye Sims, Ph.D.
Project Title: The Role of Intranasal Administration of BDNF on Neonatal Stroke Recovery
PI Department: Neurosciences
Project Dates: 1/1/21 to 12/31/21

Year 8

Principle Investigator: Christine Holmstedt, M.D.
Project Title: Impact of Intense Physical Therapy on Functional Mobility Outcomes in the Acute Stroke Population (<24 hrs post-stroke)
PI Department: Neurology
Project Dates: 7/1/21 to 6/30/22

Principle Investigator: Gretchen Seif, DPT
Project Title: Dry Needling: Neurophysiological Effects in Persons with Spasticity due to Stroke
PI Department: Rehabilitation Sciences
Project Dates: 3/1/22 to 2/28/23

Principle Investigator: Gabrielle Scronce, Ph.D.
Project Title: Effects of Psychosocial Factors on Adherence to Home Exercise Programs for Upper Extremity Recovery Among Stoke Survivors
PI Department: Health Sciences & Research
Project Dates: 4/1/22 to 3/31/23

Year 9

Principle Investigator: Christopher Sege, Ph.D.
Project Title: Advancing the Assessment of Cognitive Functioning in Chronic Stroke: An Event-Related Potential Approach
PI Department: Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Project Dates: 4/1/23 to 3/31/24

Principle Investigator: Christopher Gregory, Ph.D.
Project Title: Enhancing Mobility and Psychosocial Function in Individuals following Stroke with Obesity via Weight Loss and Exercise
PI Department: Health Sciences & Research
Project Dates: 4/1/23 to 3/31/24

Principle Investigator: Kelly McGloon, Ph.D., OTR/L
Project Title: Extending taVNS paired with infant CIMT into a home-based setting: Technology development requisite for a randomized trial
PI Department: Extending taVNS paired with infant CIMT into a home-based setting: Technology development requisite for a randomized trial
Project Dates: 4/1/23 to 3/31/24