BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH FUNDING

Mississippi Functional Genomics Network

Request for Applications to support Biomedical-related research

BACKGROUND. The Mississippi Functional Genomics Network (MFGN) is funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Center for Research Resources and has the mission to enhance biomedical-related research and training in the state of Mississippi. The MFGN currently funds the research of numerous faculty and students, supports several core facilities and operates an intensive 12-week summer research program for undergraduate students (the Research Experience Opportunity "REO" program). More information is available on the MFGN website at http://mfgn.usm.edu.

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS. We invite applications from investigators in Mississippi seeking support for basic and/or translational biomedical-related research. Research areas supported include, but are not limited to, bioinformatics/genomics, translational research, behavioral sciences and addiction, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, health-disparities populations and model systems yielding knowledge about fundamental biological processes. Investigators from four-year colleges and universities are particularly encouraged to apply. The MFGN is especially interested in interdisciplinary teams consisting of faculty at one of the research-intensive universities working with faculty at a four-year college or university. Individual investigators are also welcome to apply.

FUNDS AVAILABLE. Approximately $6 million dollars over a five-year period (2009-2013) is expected to be available pending NIH renewal of the MFGN project. Investigators may request budgets in the range of $75,000 to $100,000 yearly (direct costs). Supplemental funds and assistance to help investigators at undergraduate institutions establish his/her research laboratory will be available. Contact MFGN for additional information.

ELIGIBILITY. Any investigator in Mississippi affiliated with a public or private institute of higher learning, research institute or laboratory may apply.

APPLICATION MATERIALS. Applicants should submit a brief proposal in standard NIH format [title, abstract, background and significance, preliminary studies (if appropriate), research design and methods, investigator CV with current and pending support, estimated yearly budget with justification]. The proposal may not exceed 15 pages (excluding references).

DEADLINES. Applications should be submitted via email as a MS Word document or PDF file. Review of applications will begin 31 March 2008. The expected start date for funded applicants is 1 May 2009.

Email applications to: genomics@mfgn.usm.edu
Inquiries may be directed to:

Glen Shearer, Ph.D., MFGN Director
The University of Southern Mississippi
601-266-5201
glen.shearer@usm.edu