Historically there have been few research opportunities in Colorado to fund and investigate pure scientific methods development. The CCTSI will have an immediate impact in this arena. The Novel Clinical and Translational Methods Development Program (NCTM) of the CCTSI facilitates novel methods development across the University of Colorado campuses and its affiliate Hospitals. The NCTM will identify clinical and translational research questions requiring novel methodology development, analyze what resources are required, and support the transformation from a need to a functioning novel methodology through Novel Methods Grants. The NCTM has developed a 3-stage process which includes: the identification of methods development needs by the front-line clinical and translational researchers; feedback, expansion, and clarification of that need by an expert-driven analysis; and then a competitive grant awards process to support the transformation of needs into novel methods.

What kinds of Phase I applications are the Novel Clinical and Translational Methods Program looking for?

The basic idea of the Novel Methods small grants is to support investigators who can’t proceed on a clinical or translational research question for the lack of an appropriate method. Developing that method may be a relatively minor matter (i.e. may cost under $25,000), but the initial investigator lacks the expertise to solve the problem themselves. Our goal is to bridge the need-expertise gap to help develop that novel method. One of our central tenets is that the breadth of novel method possibilities is tremendous, ranging from a new lab test to a statistical technique, to a new software program, to …

A small group of individuals, no matter how well intentioned, can’t identify all the novel methods needs, so Phase I of our process is to ask investigators what novel methods they need. A responsive Phase I application would be presented in terms of a research question which the requesting investigator can’t pursue because of the lack of a method that the Phase I investigator him or herself don’t have the expertise to solve.

What is the role of the Phase II applicant?

The NCTM committee will review and rank Phase I requests, releasing the highest quality Phase I applications as specific RFA’s for Phase II. The Phase II RFA’s will look to the general CCTSI community for proposed solutions. It may be that the Phase I investigator has already talked to someone who may be in a position to provide the optimal Phase II proposal however; the RFA is open to any CCTSI member who wants to compete for the chance to solve the methodological problem.

Does the Phase I application need a budget?

The Phase I investigator doesn’t get money, but, if supported by the NCTM program, should get the novel method they need. The Phase II proposal will contain the budget to help the Phase II investigator develop the method and then provide that solution to the Phase I investigator. Thus, the Phase I investigator doesn't submit a budget.

Can an investigator submit a Phase II application to solve their own Phase I request?

No. The NCTM is intended to support investigators who do not themselves have the expertise to solve their own methodological problem. Investigators needing financial support to solve their own methodological issues should consider requesting support through one of the other 3 CCTSI small grant programs.

What type of relationship between Phase I and Phase II applicants is considered an established relationship?

The review process will favor proposals where there is not an already established relationship between the Phase I and Phase II investigators. An established relationship is defined as 2 individuals who share grant support or have a notable history of co-authored publications. Having talked with somebody about something sometime is not an established research relationship.

Randy Ross, MD
Chair, Novel Clinical and Translational Methods Development Program

Randy Ross, MD

Novel Clinical and Translational Methods Development Program (NCTM) Chair

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YOU MUST BE A CCTSI MEMBER TO BE ELIGIBLE for the CCTSI NOVEL METHODS GRANT. Take a few minutes and BECOME A MEMBER today!

• 2012-2013 Phase II RFA

KEY DATES

• Posted Date:
  June 13, 2012
• Phase I Letter of Intent Due (mandatory):
  September 5, 2012
• Phase I Submission Date:
  October 8, 2012
• Posting Date for Phase II Requests for Proposals:
  November 30, 2012
• Phase II Letter of Intent Due (mandatory):
  January 22, 2013
• Phase II Submission Date:
  March 4, 2013
• Earliest Anticipated Start Date:
  May 1, 2013
  

• Assessment of novel scientific methods needs in the CCTSI
• Issue RFAs for proposals to address novel methods needs
• Administer Novel Methods Grants

For questions about this program, please contact: Randy Ross, MD - 303.724.6203.

For administrative questions, contact Stephanie Vetter, 303.724.4419.

• Novel Methods Grant Awardees