Pilot Grant Program

The Data Science for Dynamic Decision-making Center (d3c) at the University of Michigan is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to develop novel experimental designs and data analytic methods for optimizing adaptive interventions.

Opportunity Status: Closed

The Data Science for Dynamic Decision-making Center (d3c) at the University of Michigan is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to develop novel experimental designs and data analytic methods for optimizing adaptive interventions. These interventions use dynamic information about the individual to decide whether and how to modify the type, intensity, or delivery modality of treatment. A special interest is in adaptive interventions that leverage new mobile and sensing technology to adapt and personalize interventions in real time, as individuals go about their daily lives.

A portion of this funding has been designated for small projects designed to nurture collaborations and generate new externally funded research projects focused on optimizing adaptive interventions for preventing and treating substance use disorders (SUD) and HIV. This pilot grant program is augmented by the Rogel Cancer Center at the University of Michigan to support additional small projects that focus on adaptive interventions to improve outcomes at the intersection of cancer and substance use (or misuse). Although not a requirement, projects that focus on HIV or health equity are encouraged.

What’s the purpose?

• Bring talented and energetic researchers into the area of adaptive interventions
• Foster new collaborative research ties between d3c researchers and others
• Generate new research projects funded by NIDA, NCI, or other agencies

Who may apply?

Tenure-track/tenured faculty, research faculty (non-tenured), and Ph.D.-level research associates at the University of Michigan, Harvard University, and New York University, from any department. Prior experience in SUD research is not required. We encourage proposals from quantitatively oriented researchers with backgrounds in statistics, engineering, computer science, economics, behavioral sciences, education, and other areas, who can bring exciting new perspectives to the study of adaptive interventions.

Use of funds.

Funds may be requested to conduct (a) necessary preliminary methodological work for optimizing adaptive interventions, or (b) necessary preliminary translational work and pilot testing for optimizing adaptive interventions for reducing the burden of SUD, HIV, and/or cancer. The proposed work is expected to involve significant collaboration between the applicant and one or more d3c researchers, and to show promise of leading to larger-scale funded projects in the future.

Duration and amount.

Studies are expected to last 12 months and should not exceed $50,000 in total costs (Direct + Indirect).

How to apply.

Submit a letter of intent by October 3, 2022. Selected applicants (notified by October 31, 2022) will be invited to submit a full proposal by January 16, 2023.

Letters of Intent should include the following:

1. Current CV of lead scientist
2. Title of the research project, lead scientist and collaborators (as applicable)
3. Specific aims outlining project goals
4. Desired amount of funding
5. d3c scientist(s) to be involved and the nature of the collaboration

Full proposals should include the following:

1. NIH biosketch of key personnel
2. Title of the research project, lead scientist and collaborators (as applicable)
3. Requested amount, budget, and an itemized budget justification. PHS 398 budget forms will be provided at time of invitation.
4. Specific aims (up to 1 page) outlining project goals
5. Research strategy (up to 5 pages) describing:
   1. Significance
   2. Innovation
   3. Approach/methods to achieve aims
   4. Plan and timeline for a larger, external grant submission (i.e., funding agency, type of grant, and expected submission date)
   5. d3c scientist(s) to be involved and the nature of the collaboration

Key Dates

October 1, 2022 — Letter of Intent Due
October 31, 2022 — Invitation to Submit Full Proposal
January 16, 2023 — Full Proposals Due

Recipients Announced
February 27, 2023 — Rogel funded pilot projects
May 1, 2023 — NIDA funded pilot projects

Award Start Date
March 1, 2023 — Rogel funded pilot projects
July 1, 2023 — NIDA funded pilot projects

Award End Date
February 29, 2024 — Rogel funded pilot projects
June 30, 2024 — NIDA funded pilot projects

Where to apply.

Email Letters of Intent and full proposals (as a Word document or PDF) to [email protected] with the subject “d3c Pilot Project Research Funding.”

Duties of awardees.

Funding recipients are required to:

• Submit written reports on their progress at six-month intervals, along with copies of any technical reports, conference presentations, drafts of articles, research proposals, and other products (e.g., software) generated by the project.
• Participate in monthly meetings with their d3c collaborator/mentor.
• Attend monthly center-wide meetings during which projects will be discussed and participants will engage in problem-solving.
• Lead a think-tank meeting to discuss, strategize, and plan their project at the beginning of their award and present results to the center at the end of their award.

Questions?

If you have an idea for a new research project but are not sure whether it would qualify for this funding opportunity, or if you have questions about this application, please contact Stephanie Thompson ([email protected]) or any of our Center researchers. We welcome questions and are glad to offer informal advice.