ISHLT Extracorporeal Photopheresis Immunomodulation in Thoracic Transplantation Challenge Grant
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This research grant is aimed at advancing the use of Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) immunomodulation to improve patient survival and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and improve or stabilize organ function in thoracic transplant patients. The
grant will support studies involving the fully integrated and validated ECP system, that will evaluate the basic and translational science of ECP used in the treatment pathway, particularly focusing on:
- Early use of ECP immunomodulation to improve patient outcomes (i.e., graft survival and HRQoL) in thoracic transplant patients.
- ECP immunomodulation to prevent chronic rejection.
- Biomarkers of treatment response to ECP in heart and lung transplant rejection.
- Use of ECP immunomodulation in high risk, frail patients with comorbidities.
The grant is aimed at supporting projects that are expected to have an impact on clinical practice of thoracic transplant patients.
After the application period, selected finalists will be invited to present their research proposal at a special
session at the next ISHLT Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions, where the winner will be determined by a panel of on-site judges. If the applicant is unable to attend the annual meeting, they may ask a member of their research team to present.
Purpose
The purpose of this grant is to fund research that is aimed at advancing the use of ECP immunomodulation to improve outcomes in thoracic transplant patients.
Grant Details
One grant will be awarded and funded for a duration of one year at a budget of up to $90,000.
As an ISHLT challenge grant, finalists for this grant must attend the ISHLT2024 Annual Meeting in Prague to present their research proposal to a panel of judges. For more information on the meeting, visit ishlt.org/ishlt2024.
Academic Appointment and Institutional Resources
- The applicant may have an academic or clinical appointment or may be in training at an accredited institution.
- A letter of institutional commitment from a division or department chair at the institution at which the research will be conducted must be provided.
ISHLT Membership
- The applicant must be an active member of ISHLT or have submitted a completed membership application by 31 December.
Previous ISHLT Funding/Funding from Other Sources
- There are no restrictions on past or current funding.
The applicant may be a past or current recipient of ISHLT funding, including Fellowship or Faculty Development research grants. - The applicant may currently hold career development awards, mentoring awards, or other independent research awards.
- If the applicant is currently receiving funding for a project similar to the topics described in this request for applications, the applicant must explain how the funds of the grant would not overlap with the funds of the other research support.
Miscellaneous
- Applicants who have a substantial relationship with Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals that would present a real or perceived conflict of interest if awarded this grant must first contact ISHLT to declare the conflict before submitting an application. Examples of a substantial relationship include board member, member of an advisory council, consultant, lecturer, etc.
- Employees of Mallinckrodt cannot submit an application.
- Upon disclosure, the Grants and Awards Committee will determine if the individual is eligible to submit an application and will notify the individual in a timely manner.
Please review these guidelines and terms prior to completing your application. If you are ultimately awarded a grant, you will sign a letter of agreement (LOA) stating that you agree to these funding guidelines and terms, and the LOA will be co-signed by your institution’s grant/research office.
- Research is anticipated to begin on 1 July of the grant year.
- Funding in an amount of up to $90,000 will be provided for the research project.
- Funding will not be released until visa status is confirmed (if applicable).
- The grant is intended to provide salary support for the researcher, other study personnel, statistical support, supplies/materials, publication costs and travel related costs for abstract presentation and up to 10 percent of the grant can be used for institutional overhead. No other costs are permitted.
- The grant will be paid in multiple installments to the recipient’s institution. First installment (50% of funds) will be paid at the beginning of grant work; the second installment (25%) will be paid 6 months later (after receipt of a grant progress report) and the final installment (25%) will be paid after receipt of a final report.
- Grant funding is generally not transferable from one recipient to another; transfer may be considered under compelling circumstances (e.g., the grantee leaves the institution and does not request a transfer of the grant, or the grantee requires an extended medical leave).
- If the grantee relocates and does not request a transfer of the grant to the new location, the current institution (i.e., department chair or division chair and Office of Sponsored Research) may select a new PI. 0The Grants and Awards Committee will determine if the grant can be continued at the current institution.
- If the grantee relocates, the Grants and Awards Committee will determine if the grant can be transferred to the recipient’s new location, or if the grant must be surrendered and any remaining funds returned. If the grant is surrendered, a final report will still be required (see number 11 below)
- The applicant must acknowledge the grant as a funding source in all manuscripts and presentations derived from the funded research using the following statement: “This work was supported by a grant from Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals and the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation.” Copies of such publications must be submitted to ISHLT.
- Pursuant to regulations of the federal Physician Payment Sunshine Act (included in the Affordable Care Act), NPI numbers will be collected from grant recipients (if applicable), and tax ID numbers collected from the recipients’ institutions (if applicable). All payments will be reported to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payments system, as payments from ISHLT represent indirect transfers of value from the funding pharmaceutical company.
- Reports are required at the following intervals depending on the term of the grant, and continuation of funding is contingent upon completion of these reports:
- Six-month progress report due 1 January.
- Final report within 30 days of the conclusion of the grant term (1 August).
- A final report is required even if the grant is surrendered for any reason prior to the conclusion of the grant term.
- Decisions for finalist positions will be made by an expert review committee from ISHLT. Grants will be scored on factors including but not limited to significance, innovation, research approach, feasibility of obtaining relevant data, and prior work.
- All applicants will be notified as to whether or not their application has been accepted as a finalist for presentation by March 15, 2024.
- Finalists will be expected to present their proposed research project to the review committee in-person at the ISHLT 2024 Annual Meeting. From these finalists the review committee will select the winning project that will receive the funding.
- The term of the grant will begin 1 July.