|
|
Director's LetterLast January, HSR&D launched its pilot study research initiative. Pilot study submissions are a maximum of 10 pages, one year duration, and $100,000. The goals of the pilot study program are to encourage the collection of data to improve the quality of subsequent Investigator Initiated Research (IIR) proposals, provide a simplified mechanism for investigators early in their careers to obtain funding, and provide initial support for innovative research that might be considered too risky for the IIR mechanism. Pilot projects will allow investigators to refine research objectives, designs, and methods to better address HSR&D priority areas. For example, pilot projects might be "mini-versions" of a potential multi-center randomized trial, or might focus on refining surveys or questionnaires to strengthen a larger project. Moreover, pilot projects provide opportunities for investigators to explore novel research issues through small-scale initiatives. Areas of HSR&D priority interest include but are not limited to: post-deployment health, traumatic brain injury, mental health, rural health, health services genomics, and the care of complex chronic conditions. For more information about the HSR&D Pilot Project program, visit www.hsrd.research.va.gov/funding/solicitations.cfm. Over 40 percent of 82 pilot project proposals reviewed at the August Scientific Merit Review Board (SMRB) will be funded. HSR&D looks forward to dynamic research projects from our talented investigators, who strive to improve the quality of health and health care for our nation's Veterans. Seth A. Eisen, M.D., M.Sc. |