Sponsor:

Duke-NUS has received support from the Tanoto Foundation for clinically oriented research in diabetes.  This announcement is a call for applications for projects for the Tanoto Foundation Diabetes Initiative (TFDI).

Objectives:

The successful TFDI proposal will aim to enhance the outcomes or lives of people at risk for or suffering from diabetes.  Results from approved projects should result in a strong basis for successful, high impact, peer-reviewed applications (e.g. to NMRC) to improve the treatment of those suffering from diabetes or its complications.  Preference for TFDI funding will be given to innovative proposals that are likely to impact clinical outcomes and that are cost efficient. 

Exemplar Topics:

Applications should focus on intervention studies to improve the outcomes of diabetic patients (e.g. herbal interventions, hormone replacements, hormone supplements, combination medications, psychosocial interventions, etc.).  Other potential studies could aim at improving the outcomes of complications of diabetes (e.g. vascular, renal, ophthalmologic, cardiac other complications).

Eligibility:

Individuals who are employed by the Singapore Health System or by Duke-NUS, may be PIs.  Other research personnel may come from any health care entity in Singapore or abroad.

Application Details: The body of the Research proposal should not exceed 12 pages and should include the following sections (Note: suggested numbers of pages for each section):

(I)    Aims/Hypotheses (1 page)
(II)   Background/Significance (3 pages)
(III)  Preliminary Studies (2-3 pages)
(IV)  Methods (5 pages)
(V)   Human Subjects (2 pages)

Aims/Hypotheses Section should include overall aim, specific aims (or key questions), and specific primary and planned secondary hypotheses.

Background/Significance Section should summarize the clinical context and state of knowledge that provide a strong rationale for the proposed study.  What is known and with what certainty, as well as what is not known, should be included.  A persuasive, logical, argument should be made for why the proposed study results could (a) have a major impact on the outcomes of patients (or those at risk for) with diabetes; (b) change practice or clinical understanding; (c) achieve critical clinical aims (e.g. disease control, complication reduction); and once completed, the project should provide a strong basis for application to NMRC or other external support.

The Preliminary Studies Section should describe the background/experience for each team member, report on prior experience/research findings that speak to credibility/feasibility of the proposed study, provide pilot data (if available) to demonstrate feasibility, and summarize any other evidence that demonstrates credibility and feasibility.

The Methods Section should identify and detail what is to be done, by whom, when, where, how, in what order, over what time period.  This section should include details such as patient source, methods for screening/ recruitment/consent, projected enrollment rates, measures to reduce dropouts, control of concomitant treatments, characterization of other intercurrent events, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and methods for data acquisition, entry, management and analysis. Analytic plans to test each primary and secondary hypothesis are essential.  Biostatistical collaboration is required under the aegis of the Center for Quantitative Medicine and Biology (CQBM).  Applicants should contact: Tan Say Beng (Director CQBM) to develop this collaboration.

Budget Section:

The budget may include from 1-3 years of support.  The annual amount cannot exceed $250,000/year.  Monies may be used for any expenses entailed in conducting the proposed project.  The budget justification must include a project management plan, an organizational chart, specification and justification for the % FTE provided for each staff and key person, and for major categories of Other Operating Expenses.

Submission and Review Processes:  For those planning to likely or with certainty to submit a proposal, a letter of intent (LOI) is due by December 1, 2009.  The letter should be by email to john.rush@duke-nus.edu.sg stating the likely title and providing a brief 1-3 paragraph description of the potential application.  It is acceptable to submit the LOI, but to decide later to not submit the application.  However, with no LOI, the applications will not be reviewed.  Proposals are due by January 5, 2010 February 1, 2010.  Reviews will be provided by international disease and biostatistical experts. 

Written reviews will be provided to applicants by January 26, 2010 (revised date to be confirmed).  Shortlisted applications (identified by February 10, 2010 (revised date to be confirmed)), may require further discussion before a final proposal is accepted.  Funding may begin as early as February 15, 2010 (revised date to be confirmed).  From 1-3 proposals will be funded.

Questions may be addressed to Zeena Akhbar at Tel: 6516-6493 Email: zeena.akhbar@duke-nus.edu.sg or to John Rush at @ john.rush@duke-nus.edu.sg

Dr Rush will hold an “open house” discussion with potential applicants on November 19, 2009, @ 5.45-7.00pm, 10th Floor Conference Room, Duke-NUS.  Please contact Zeena Akhbar to register for the meeting.  Attendees can use a conference call if being physically present is problematic.