Pilot Grant Program EGAD Study OCCUPATIONAL & ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

EGAD STUDY

Introduction The Pilot Grant Program occurs through a joint collaboration between The University of Iowa, University at Buffalo, and Menoufia University. It is funded by U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Fogarty Institute (R01 ES ). EGAD STUDY

EGAD Aims Aim 1: Research – Longitudinal Study Examine association between pesticide exposure and neurobehavioral function in longitudinal study Aim 2: Capacity Building Expand research capacity at Menoufia University : – conduct a pilot project research program Aim 3: Intervention Develop a training program for the Ministry of Agriculture workers on ways to reduce pesticide exposure EGAD STUDY

Objective of Pilot Grant Program Provide financial support to post-graduate students and faculty to develop and conduct research with a focus on environmental and occupational health EGAD STUDY

Eligibility for funding Post-graduate students & Faculty Faculty of Medicine & Liver Institute Post-graduate students need a letter from the supervising faculty stating they: ◦1) reviewed the proposal ◦2) agree that the student is capable of carrying out the project ◦3) will support the research activities EGAD STUDY

Use of Funds Support student thesis projects Obtain preliminary data for grant applications Specifically, funds can be used to: ◦Purchase laboratory equipment or software programs for use in a research project ◦Cover research-related travel expenses ◦Reimburse study participants, photocopy, and purchase supplies for data collection ◦Support a technician or research assistant to assist with data collection and/or analysis EGAD STUDY

Use of Funds Salary support for students or faculty members is NOT allowed. EGAD STUDY

Application Instructions  Specific Aims (1/2 page)  Significance (1 page)  Research Plan (2-3 pages)  Timeline  Budget EGAD STUDY

Application Instructions Specific Aims (1/2 page):  Brief overview of the background and significance  State the objectives  State the central hypothesis EGAD STUDY

Application Instructions Significance (1 page): Describe the rationale for your study. Tell us why you want to conduct this study and how it will add value to the field of environmental and occupational health science. EGAD STUDY

Application Instructions Research Plan (2-3 pages): Describe how you will conduct the research. Include a description of the study population, recruitment methods, study materials, procedures, and data analysis plan. EGAD STUDY

Application Instructions Timeline:  A timeline describing study activities.  All activities should be completed within one year. EGAD STUDY

Application Instructions Budget: Detailed listing all project related expenses, including a description/justification of each item. EGAD STUDY

Important deadlines February 16 th, 2016Videoconference session about the announcement March 1 st, 2016Letter of intent (suggested) April 1 st, 2016Application due May 1 st, 2016Decision November 1 st, 2016Progress report May 1 st, 2017Final report May 15 th, 2017Projects’ presentation in a conference at the Faculty of Medicine EGAD STUDY

Review Process Dr. Kent Anger (OHSU) will lead the review of the applications - Expert reviewers will be identified for each proposal - Follow National Institute of Health grant reviewer guidelines EGAD STUDY

Review Criteria Significance ◦Does this study address an important problem? ◦How will this study advance science? ◦What impact will this study have on the field of environmental and occupational health? Investigator(s) ◦Do the investigators have the appropriate skills to carry out this work? Innovation ◦Is the project original and innovative? For example: Does the project challenge existing paradigms, address an innovative hypothesis or critical barrier to progress in the field? ◦Does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches or methodologies, tools, or technologies for this area? EGAD STUDY

Review Criteria Approach ◦Are the design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, and appropriate to the aims of the project? ◦Are potential problem areas addressed and alternatives considered? Environment ◦Does the environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? ◦Does the proposed study benefit from unique features of the scientific environment or subject populations, or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support? EGAD STUDY

If funded: Required Progress Report and Final Report Progress Report : Due November 1, Update on project status. Describe any changes to research plan. Final Report: Due May 1, All projects will submit a final report suitable for peer-reviewed publication plus an addendum that will include the accomplishments and plans for future funding. Funded projects will be showcased at the annual research conference on May 15, EGAD STUDY

Expectations of Awardees All research involving human participants must be approved by the Ethics Committee at Menoufia University prior to receiving funding. All Pilot Grant Awardees will be able to consult with the EGAD research team. The reviewers will provide feedback on study design, data collection procedures, analysis, and manuscript preparation. All Pilot Grant Awardees must produce a final report and scientific presentation. Presentations will be delivered at a Research Symposium to be held at Menoufia University on May 15, EGAD STUDY

Potential research topics: Must address environmental or occupational health. EGAD STUDY

Funds available for Pilot Research Grants Funds available for 3-5 pilot research projects $1,000 to $2,000 for each project EGAD STUDY

THANK YOU For questions, please contact: Prof. Gaafar Abdel-Rasoul, Prof. Gaafar Abdel-Rasoul, Prof. Olfat Hendy, Prof. Olfat Hendy, Dr. Ahmed Ismail, Dr. Ahmed Ismail, EGAD STUDY