Institute for Clinical and Translational Science

Looking into Clinical Connections (LINCC) is a new pilot grant faculty development program for Carver College of Medicine (CCOM) faculty sponsored by the Institute for Clinical and Translational Science (ICTS) as an administrative supplement from the Clinical and Translational Science Award. This is a highly competitive grant that will be awarded to five pairs of basic scientists and clinicians (10 individuals) within the CCOM during the first year of this two year program.

These pairs are determined based upon shared research interests. One individual will be named a Basic LINCC Fellow and the other will be designated a Clinical LINCC Fellow. The LINCC program will provide each duo with $50,000 in funding support for a period of six months. This pairing will allow individuals to take advantage of the rich opportunities within the college as a partnership and enable a fruitful long-term collaboration. Please note that we are looking for new partnerships and projects. We will not fund previously established projects.

Dr. Pamela Geyer, Professor of Biochemistry and Director of the Graduate Curricula in the CCOM, developed this program to:

• Facilitate new interaction between basic and clinically active faculty with shared scientific interests.
• Provide time for participation in enrichment opportunities that bridge science and medicine.
• Establish context for basic and clinical partners to bring scientific connections into an educational setting.
• Augment the scope of scientific investigation and enhance academic environment within the CCOM.

Wow! $50,000? Really? What's the catch?

As a LINCC fellow you'll have to adhere to the following requirements:

• Participate in a partnership between a PhD and MD CCOM faculty member.
• Commit to the pursuit of internal (Bench to Bedside, Challenges and Opportunities for Translation) and external enrichment activities.
• Publish a scholarly review addressing the basic science mechanism and translational implications of a relevant disease.
• Provide two annual updates regarding the status of your collaboration.

Sign me up! How do I apply?

The LINCC application originates with the basic science faculty member. After the basic science faculty member is awarded the fellowship then he or she will be matched up with a clinical faculty member based upon shared research interests and DEO/self nominations solicited via the ICTS.

Basic faculty members will need to visit the LINCC Program Application and provide the following:

• 2-3 page research description
• 1-2 page statement of clinical connection
• Key words describing the research program
• NIH biosketch (include funding support)
• DEO letter of support

I'm a clinician and I don't have a partner. What about me?

Don't worry! All you have to do is contact basic science DEOs, share your ideas with them, and ask if they have suggestions for potential partners. The DEOs are excited about this program and are expecting to be contacted about these sorts of things. Please click here for a list of DEOs.

How long do I have left to procrastinate before the application deadline? The first round of applications should be submitted electronically at LINCC Program Applicationby October 7, 2009. Following the selection process, faculty pairs must provide a plan of participation that includes:

• A definition of the scope of the research interaction
• Identification of on campus opportunities for enrichment
• Identification of off campus opportunities for enrichment
• Identification of graduate/medical course for future participation
• Detailed budget

When will the fellowships begin?

The projected start date is January 1, 2010.