The Rhode Island Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Medical Research Grants program, which aims to support biomedical research initiatives within the state. The program offers grants of up to $25,000 each, with a total grant duration of two years. There are two distinct funding opportunities available: Seed Grants, which provide initial funding for new investigators or pilot projects, and Resubmission Grants, which assist researchers in improving previously submitted National Institutes of Health (NIH) proposals that were highly rated but not funded.

The primary purpose of the Medical Research Grants is to foster research in various biomedical fields, including but not limited to infectious diseases, cardiac research, cancer, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. The Foundation encourages applications from researchers engaged in laboratory, clinical, and population-based studies. The funding is intended to support essential research activities, although it does not cover certain expenses such as permanent equipment, travel, or salary support for principal investigators.

Eligibility for Seed Grants is limited to Assistant and Associate Professors at Rhode Island academic or hospital institutions who have received their faculty appointments within the last five years. These grants are typically one-time awards, and proposals for second-year funding are rarely considered. In contrast, Resubmission Grants are available to faculty members who have applied for an NIH grant within the last 24 months, received a score in the top 50th percentile, and do not currently hold an active RO1 grant that extends beyond 12 months from the application date. Preference for Resubmission Grants is given to junior faculty.

The funding from both types of grants can be utilized for various research-related expenses, including supplies, research animals, and support personnel. However, the Foundation does not provide funds for overhead charges from applicant institutions. The proposed grant period for Seed Grants is 18 months, while Resubmission Grants have a duration of 12 months from the time the funds are disbursed.

Applicants must adhere to specific submission requirements, which include providing detailed information about their research proposals and how the funding will be utilized. The evaluation criteria for grant applications will consider the quality and potential impact of the proposed research, as well as the qualifications of the applicants.

The deadline for submitting applications for the Medical Research Grants is October 18, 2024. Interested parties are encouraged to visit the Rhode Island Foundation's website for more information and to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and submission requirements. For any inquiries, applicants can contact the Foundation directly via email or phone.