Translational Team Science

Translational Team Science Program

Purpose: To foster new collaborations between basic and practicing physician scientists by supporting new research teams to conduct initial studies and establish funded translational research programs. The expected outcome from the selected team is the submission of one competitive NIH R01 proposal (or equivalent), in two years and two publications. 

Target Faculty: Active faculty with a primary appointment in the College of Medicine, and with a strong history of funding, publications, and a record of MUSC service.

Timeline: Step 1: Senior Research Dean issues call for LOI in Dean's Newsletter.  Step 2: Review Survey Results for potential collaborations .Step 3: Applicants select/identify a basic scientist or clinical scientist for team collaboration

Letters of Intent announced in February and due in March. 

LOI to include: The team members’ names, credentials, ranks, and departments/divisions; the general area of research that the grant will be centered around; the significance and innovation of the expected grant proposal; existing preliminary data and new data that will be developed from the collaboration to support new R01 application, or equivalent, and team publications; and a statement that the chair(s) support(s) the application and is/are copied on the letter. (Two page limit)  Note: LOI feedback not provided.

Applications by Invitation Only.  Invitation for applications in March/April; application for selected teams due in May; reviewed and awarded in June. Note: Application review feedback provided. Team members must consist of at least one basic science and one practicing physician scientist faculty member. R21 grant format. (7 pages)  Application Review in June by the Senior Associate Dean and a designated committee will determine if funding and research goals are on target and make recommendations to the Dean. Final funding decisions will be made by the Dean of the College of Medicine with target date of July.  (See additional information)

Outcome: Submission of a competitive NIH R01 proposal, or equivalent, from PIs, in two years and two publications.

Award Funding: $100K/year for 2 years. One award per year

Scientific Focus: Basic, translational, or clinical research. Priority given to research in MUSC and MUSC Health strategic areas.

Application Review & Oversight: A panel of funded senior MUSC investigators and one external reviewer, selected by the Senior Associate Dean, will review full applications. The review panel will make recommendations, to the Dean and the Senior Associate Dean for Research, regarding the significance and innovation of the research programs, and the ability of the team to compete for extramural funds. The Dean will make the final funding decision. Decisions about continuation of funding will occur every 6 months based on meeting or exceeding specific milestones. The initial review team, the Senior Associate Dean, and Department Chair(s) will participate in these reviews.

Factors Considered in Application Review: Publication history; grant history; team strength; program innovation, significance, and translational impact; and alignment with MUSC Health and College of Medicine strategic goals.

Program Expectations and Milestones:

• Progress Report & Review at 6 Months of Funding (January). First paper submitted or final draft. Progress on grant application (aims, preliminary data, etc.)
• Progress Report & Review at 12 Months of Funding (July). Second paper in final draft form or submitted. Progress on grant application (aims, preliminary data, etc.)
• Progress Report & Review at 18 Months of Funding (January). Grant submitted  (external grant review if warranted). Review of publications. Future grant submissions (aims, preliminary data, etc.)
• Progress Report at 24 Months: Written report (July)

Please note announcement and due dates subject to change:  For additional information contact Mary McConnell.

Programming Quick Reference:

Bridge Funding - April 15th; August 15th; December 15th

High Impact Research Publications - April 15th; August 15th; December 15th

K-R Clinician Scientist Bridge Funding - December 15th

Translational Team Science - March 1st

COM-PPG - August 15th

Notes:   Program announcements are made in the Dean’s weekly newsletter sent via email to all COM employees.

If due date falls on a weekend the following Monday is the due date. All dates subject to change.