Research Grant Application Procedure and Guidelines

Grant application procedures have changed. Be sure to read through all materials carefully. To submit an application for any of the AOSSM Grants, please download and complete the cover page by clicking here.  In addition, please submit:

• Specific Aims (one page maximum)
• Research Plan (5 page maximum)
• Budget (no page limit)
• References (no page limit). 

The Research Plan should follow the guidelines below:  

Significance 

• Explain the importance of the problem or critical barrier to progress in the field that the proposed project addresses.
• Explain how the proposed project will improve scientific knowledge, technical capability, and/or clinical practice in one or more broad fields.
• Describe how the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive this field will be changed if the proposed aims are achieved.

Innovation  

• Explain how the application challenges and seeks to shift current research or clinical practice paradigms.
• Describe any novel theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation or interventions to be developed or used, and any advantage over existing methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions.
• Explain any refinements, improvements, or new applications of theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions.

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.

If an applicant has multiple specific aims, then the applicant may address significance, innovation and approach for each specific aim individually, or may address significance, innovation and approach for all of the specific aims collectively. As applicable, also include the following information as part of the research strategy, keeping within the three sections listed above: Significance, Innovation, and Approach. 

Preliminary Studies for New Applications
For new applications, include information on Preliminary Studies. Discuss the PD/PI’s preliminary studies, data, and or experience pertinent to this application.

Preliminary data can be an essential part of a research grant application and help to establish the likelihood of success of the proposed project.  

Please email your completed application to AOSSM Director of Research, Bart Mann.