University of Virginia Innovation – How to Make Your Grant New and Unique Grant Writing Workshop American Association for Thoracic Surgery David R. Jones MD George R. Minor Professor of Surgery Division Chief, Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery

University of Virginia Surgeon-Scientist NIH

University of Virginia Innovation

University of Virginia Innovation Definition of the Grading Criteria Does the application challenge and seek to shift current research or clinical practice paradigms by utilizing novel theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions? Are the concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions novel to one field of research or novel in a broad sense? Is a refinement, improvement, or new application of theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions proposed?

University of Virginia Innovation What is the NIH Looking For? New or unique ideas or applications New solutions to problems Novel methodology; particularly unique model systems (in vitro or in vivo) Unique analysis or treatment protocols Paradigm shifts to conventional thinking

University of Virginia Ideas for Innovation Discussions with collaborators Literature Scientific meetings Visiting Professors Research seminars Mentors Over coffee

University of Virginia

Innovation Examples of Innovation Expansion of a known idea which will generate new knowledge Novel animal model systems (i.e. transgenic animals or animals with inducible, organ specific, knock-in/outs) New indications for specific technology New research platforms New research teams that when paired generate innovative research

University of Virginia Innovation Practical Approaches Typically is 1-2 pages of the 12 page proposal Rarely requires a figure Requires solid grantsmanship Contrast with current literature, approaches, theories, paradigms Consider “weaving in” the IMPACT of your innovation Differentiates your science from other more “pedestrian” proposals

University of Virginia Innovation - What it isn’t Expanding one concept already characterized in breast, colon, prostate cancer into lung cancer. Using “exploratory assays” (i.e. gene expression assays) to identify new pathways, etc. Always needs to be a game changer A “Star Wars” concept – (unless you have data to support that)

University of Virginia Innovation - What it is Based on solid preliminary data Starts with your original idea(s), experimental design, new or significantly modified model system (i.e. started years ago) Tells a story, makes a case, etc. An incremental step forward – this is really what the NIH wants to see

University of Virginia Innovation is a street, not a destination

University of Virginia Innovation Summary This category is an attempt by the NIH to do better and more translational science. Start early, it is a process Make the case Innovative, “high-risk:high reward” projects do generate excitement, particularly if preliminary data is supportive. Don’t overstate the innovation Link your ideas and innovation (methodology, thinking, applications, etc.) to the potential IMPACT of your science

University of Virginia Repeating Innovation is Critical to Sustaining Your Research Career Time doing research Preliminary data