1. Research Strategy: Approach Frank Sellke, MD Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery Brown Medical School Providence RI AATS Grant Course 2011

2. Strategies to Obtain Funding for CV Surgery Research Disclosures: Steering Committee for Novonordisk DSMB: Cubist Pharmaceutical CSL Behring: Advisory Board Chairman, DSMB CT Surgery Network, National Institutes of Health National Institutes of Health (RO1 HL46716, RO1 HL 69024) to FWS Royalties from Elsevier Publishing

3. NIH Funding: RO1 Approach

4. The Idea I have a great idea, now what do I do with it? Define the problem clearly. You want make sure you convey that it is very important, the most important proposal ever submitted! Provide information and support as to why this is the most important project ever submitted! Focus, Focus, Focus Feasibility, feasibility, feasibility Assume the reviewer understands science, but has no idea of what you are talking about. Submit a clear, concise, well-written application

5. The Submission Abstract-Summary (Assume it is the only thing they will read) Background and Significance- Why is this important? Specific Aims-Need hypothesis for each aim Approach-Methods, Stress Innovation, Novel Techniques Provide as much preliminary data as possible to prove or suggest feasibility Experimental approach to test Specific Aims-tell reviewer exactly what you are going to do in as much detail as possible. Methods can and should be brief with reference to prior work. Mechanistic in nature.

6. The Submission Discuss statistical analysis and anticipated results. Provide power analysis, esp. for clinical projects Alternative approaches need to be listed Pictures are easier to understand than text. Include expert collaborators, especially in areas of relative weakness. This is not a sign of weakness. Animal welfare, budget, human issues, consent forms need to be addressed Reference members of the Study Section Give yourself time to write (2-4 months) Know the local process (IRB, IACUC, grants office) Use innovative technology at your institution

7. New Format: Research Strategy 12 pages total Organize the Research Strategy in the specified order and using the new instructions. Start each section with the appropriate section heading—Significance, Innovation, Approach. Cite published experimental details in the Research Strategy section and provide the full reference in the Bibliography and References Cited section

8. New Format: Research Strategy Organization of Research Strategy (1) Aim 1 Significance, Innovation, Approach. Aim 2 Significance, Innovation, Approach Aim 3 Significance, Innovation, Approach

9. New Format: Research Strategy Organization of Research Strategy (2) Significance of Aim 1, Aim 2, Aim 3 Innovation of Aim 1, Aim 2, Aim 3 Approach of Aim 1, Aim 2, Aim 3

10. New Format: Research Strategy Approach Describe the overall strategy, methodology, and analyses to be used to accomplish the specific aims of the project. Include how the data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted as well as any resource sharing plans as appropriate. Discuss potential problems, alternative strategies, and benchmarks for success anticipated to achieve the aims. If the project is in the early stages of development, describe any strategy to establish feasibility, and address the management of any high risk aspects of the proposed work. Point out any procedures, situations, or materials that may be hazardous to personnel and precautions to be exercised.

11. New Format: Research Strategy Preliminary Studies. For new applications, use this section to provide an account of the PI's preliminary studies pertinent to this application Discuss the PI’s preliminary studies, data, statistical methods and/or experience pertinent to this application. Including preliminary experience with methods and patient populations and/or animal models.

12. New Format: Research Strategy Final Comments Need to include anticipated results, alternative methods and potential problems. If the project is in the early stages of development, describe any strategy to establish feasibility, and address the management of any high risk aspects of the proposed work. BE SURE to emphasize clinical importance or novelty and innovation of the proposal!

13. How do I increase my chances of getting funded? Write a good grant -good idea, well thought out, clearly written, follow correct format -? Translational Do not misspell words, make it look good Submit to correct study section If revised, follow recommendations of reviewers, do NOT argue with reviewers, do NOT insult reviewers

14. How do I increase my chances of getting funded? Submit often Have a senior, funded colleague read the grant proposal Have an English major read the proposal Collaborate with senior investigators

15. How is the process changing? Shorter applications Only 2 vs 3 reviews Scored 1 thru 9 Shortened and ? Improved peer review process

16. Questions?