Translational Pilot Frequently Asked Questions
Principal Investigators & Study Team
What if my proposed Multiple Principal Investigator (MPI) doesn’t have an academic appointment at Dartmouth?
Both the Contact PI and MPI must have a Dartmouth academic appointment at the level of Instructor or Research Scientist or above to apply. If you have been struggling to identify collaborators, we would recommend reaching out to the leadership of Dartmouth affiliated-schools and/or departments to request their assistance.
Can my MPI be from my department or discipline?
MPIs must represent 2 different academic disciplines or 2 different departments or schools.
Can I be a Contact Principal Investigator or MPI on more than one Letter of Intent?
Applicants may be Contact Principal Investigator for one submission only. An applicant may be an MPI on more than one submission.
I have been promoted to Professor. Can I apply?
Professors may serve as MPIs or mentors but cannot be Contact PIs on pilot awards.
Can I apply to this pilot program if I have an appointment at the VA?
Yes, the SYNERGY pilot program is available to faculty with Dartmouth appointments in the White River Junction VA Medical Center.
Can residents, fellows or postdoctoral fellows be Contact PIs or MPIs?
No, however, they may participate as team members on pilot projects.
Budget
Can these awards support my salary or the salaries of members of my research team?
Salary support is permitted but cannot exceed the NIH salary cap. For more information, please see: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-24-057.html
Can I request money to purchase equipment?
Small equipment purchases (<$5000) will be considered on a case by case basis.
Grant-writing Resources
Where can I find more information on writing a community engagement plan?
Resources and tools for engagement can be found here: https://catalyst.harvard.edu/community-engagement/ce/.
What SYNERGY resources can I draw on to inform my pilot award application?
For information about research data, EHR, REDCap, Granite, or other research informatics systems, please see the SYNERGY Data & Informatics website. Please read the SYNERGY Research Data Handbook.
For more help, complete the SYNERGY Informatics Consultation Request form.
To receive biostatistical consultation, please complete the Biostatistics Consulation Request Form.
What grant writing support exists that I can engage for my pilot application?
For support in writing and framing your project, please free to reach out GrantGPS at grantgps@dartmouth.edu.
Other Questions
Will my application be sent to the NIH?
Projects selected for funding via this mechanism will be sent to the NIH for review and approval before the project can begin.
How do I know if my project is relevant to translational science?
NCATS offers several resources describing translational science principles. We recommend that applicants map their proposed research to these principles when it is feasible to do so: https://ncats.nih.gov/about/about-translational-science/principles
Have additional questions? An informational session will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 12-1pm EST on Zoom, where programmatic questions will be answered. The informational session will be recorded and posted on the SYNERGY website for later reference. In an effort to promote equal opportunity for all applicants, individual application-specific meetings will not be offered to applicants. Additional questions will be answered during an office hours session (also virtual on Zoom) from 12-1pm EST on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
