FAQ

 
When will the GRAND awards for 2008 be announced?
Dr Karl Fagerström, Co-Chair of the GRAND 2008 program, will announce the awards for 2008 during the Welcome and Opening Addresses of the 10th Annual Conference of SRNT Europe (Rome, Italy; 23–26 September). The opening ceremony will take place from 6.30-7.00pm on September 23.

Why have I not previously heard of the Global Research Awards for Nicotine Dependence?
The Global Research Awards for Nicotine Dependence (GRAND) Program is a new initiative from Pfizer, for which the inaugural funding is taking place in 2008.

What are the GRAND awards?
The GRAND awards are research grants funded by Pfizer to support basic and clinical research into the mechanisms of tobacco and nicotine dependence. There are 2 categories of grant: USD $150,000 awards which are open to all researchers and USD $50,000 awards which are reserved specifically for junior researchers.

What is the role of Pfizer in the GRAND awards?
Pfizer is fully funding the GRAND awards. Additionally, Pfizer is providing the infrastructure and administrative support required to facilitate the application process and the independent review process, as well as notifying applicants and distributing awards. Otherwise, the awards are independent of Pfizer. All applications will be formally reviewed by, and only by, an independent Review Committee, comprising internationally prominent researchers in the field who will select the successful applicants. The final responsibility for selection of awardees will rest with the Co-chairs of the Review Committee. Please refer to the application guide or go to http://www.grand2008.org/ReviewProcess/default.asp to see the members of the Review Committee.

How many GRAND awards are available?
In 2008, a maximum of 12 awards are contestable: up to 6 awards of USD $150,000 may be awarded, as well as up to 6 junior researcher awards of USD $50,000.

Is the funding a per-annum or per-study amount?
Each award funds the entire research period, and is not a sum paid per year.

Does the funding include indirect costs?
Yes, the maximum funding for each type of award (USD $150,000 or USD $50,000) includes indirect costs, which may not exceed 25% of the total funding.

What are indirect costs?
Indirect costs, ie, overhead or administrative costs, are costs to the institution for the support of your study. Indirect costs are not easily identifiable in an economically feasible way as exclusively related to a particular project but are necessary to conduct the grant. Some examples of these costs are human resources department costs, payroll processing and accounting costs, janitorial services, utilities, property taxes, property and liability insurance, and building maintenance.

How are the funds dispersed?
The awards will be paid in milestones. Initial payment will be up to 50% of the total grant and there will be payments made based on enrollment (either 50% or 100% patient enrollment) or other milestones depending on study type. Final payment will be 10% upon receipt of study results.

How may the GRAND funding be used?
Funds may be used to cover the awardee’s salary and fringe benefits, as well as other direct expenses incurred during the research project. Direct expenses may include the salary of technical associates; the purchase of relevant laboratory supplies; direct expenses necessary for proper conduct of research (eg, subject-related costs, study-related personnel costs, diagnostic fees/services, animal-related costs, data management expenses); and travel expenses to scientific meetings. No more than 25% of the funds may be used for indirect costs.

Can GRAND funding be used to purchase equipment?
GRAND funds may not be used to purchase equipment, although the purchase of relevant laboratory supplies is allowed.

Are the GRAND awards renewable?
Each GRAND award is a one-time, non-renewable research grant.

Are the GRAND awards open to researchers working outside the United States?
Yes, the GRAND awards are open to researchers from any country.

What is the definition of “Junior Researcher”?
To be eligible for a junior researcher award, applicants from the United States must not have previously received a National Institutes of Health (NIH) award for any research project, other than a small grant (R03), an Academic Research Enhancement Award (R15), an exploratory/developmental grant (R21), a Shannon Award (R55), an NIH High Priority, Short-Term Project Award (R56), or mentored career development awards for persons at the beginning of their research career (K01, K08, K22, K23, K25, K99/R00). Current or past recipients of Independent Scientist and other non-mentored career awards (K02, K05, K24, and K26) are not considered junior researchers. Applicants outside the United States must not have previously received any of the above awards, or equivalent funding from institutions in their home country.

I live outside the United States and I am not sure if I qualify as a junior researcher
Please contact the GRAND Coordinator:

Email:  enquiries@grand2008.org
Telephone: +1 215 239 6565 or
+44 1403 322065

What specific areas of research meet the criteria for GRAND funding?
Research may be in the following areas of tobacco and nicotine dependence:

  • Genetics, molecular biology, neurobiology and neuropharmacology
  • Human laboratory (eg, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, cravings) and animal behavior
  • Pharmacotherapy of smoking cessation and relapse, and/or its interaction with behavioral support
  • Characterization of subtypes of smokers and appropriate interventions

Are there any specific research areas that are excluded from GRAND funding?
The following topics fall outside of the scope of the GRAND Program:

  • Epidemiology (eg, harm and prevalence of dependence, or analysis of population surveillance data)
  • Tobacco policy
  • Public health
  • Community interventions
  • Economic and social factors
  • Educational programs

Will non-drug research proposals be considered?
Yes. Both drug and non-drug proposals will be considered for funding.

Can an exception be made for certain applicants regarding the eligibility criteria to the GRAND awards?
The eligibility requirements – academic, scientific, etc. – are designed and maintained by the Review Committee. These criteria have been carefully designed to attract appropriate candidates at a certain level in their professional development. In keeping with the purpose and intention of the GRAND awards, applicants must meet all the criteria in order to be considered for an award. Submissions outside these parameters will not be considered.

I’m still not sure if my proposed research topic meets the criteria, how can I find out?
Please contact the GRAND Coordinator with a brief description of your proposed research area.

Email:  enquiries@grand2008.org
Telephone: +1 215 239 6565 or +44 1403 322065

Is there a time limit for conducting the funded research?
Study results are expected by October 1, 2010.

How do I apply for a GRAND award?
Simply complete an application form and submit either online at http://www.grand2008.org/ApplicationForm/default.asp or email to applications@grand2008.org. Completed application forms must be accompanied by the following documents:

  • Cover letter on institution letterhead
  • The 3 most relevant articles from the Applicant’s scientific publications (if applicable)
  • An abbreviated curriculum vitae (CV) (limited to 3 pages)
  • Description of available laboratory facilities
  • Listing of other research support available and, if applicable, a listing of consenting collaborators (including CVs)
  • Bibliography of relevant references.

Where can I get an application form?
The application form can be found at http://www.grand2008.org/ApplicationForm/default.asp. Alternatively, email enquiries@grand2008.org.

I don’t fully understand how to complete the application form
Please refer to the application guide (http://www.grand2008.org/ApplicationProcess/default.asp) in the first instance. If you still require clarification, please contact the GRAND Coordinator.
Email:  enquiries@grand2008.org
Telephone: +1 215 239 6565 or +44 1403 322065

Do applications have to be submitted in English?
Yes. To ensure that the available funding is directed as much as possible towards the research grants rather than administrative costs, applications in languages other than English unfortunately cannot be accepted.

What is the deadline for application?
Applications must be received by May 14, 2008, 5pm Eastern Daylight Time in the United States. Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications, or addenda and changes to previously submitted applications, after this time.

When will I hear whether my application has been successful?
The Review Committee will make the final decisions by the end of June 2008, and successful applicants will be notified by mid July 2008.

If my application is successful, when will the funding commence?
Awards will commence on or around October 1, 2008, pending receipt of all required documents noted on the application form.

Will I receive a copy of the Review Committee’s evaluation of my grant proposal?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide applicants with comments by the Review Committee. Our objective is to keep our administrative costs as low as possible, preserving the bulk of our budget for actual grants.

I have a question that is not covered here
If you require clarification on an issue not addressed here, please contact the GRAND Coordinator:

Email:  enquiries@grand2008.org
Telephone: +1 215 239 6565 or +44 1403 322065