Pilot Grant Programs
The CTSI provides pilot funding for innovative translational research and the development of innovative translational research methods at Boston University. “Translational research” covers the continuum from the development of new therapies and diagnostic tests to studies of the population health impact of health interventions.
Previous Pilot Grant recipients:
2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013
For further information about pilot grant programs, please review Funding.
BU CTSI Supports Early-Career Stage Investigator Collaboration to Examine New Treatment for Acute Lung Injuries that Leads to National Multi-site Study
October 16, 2012
Early-career stage investigators Allan Walkey, M.D., M.Sc., assistant professor of Medicine (Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care) and director of Pulmonary and Critical Care Education, Suresh Agarwal, M.D., former associate professor of Surgery (Trauma Surgery) received a pilot grant from the BU CTSI in 2010 to explore a new type of treatment for acute lung injuries and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Their research focused on an alternative method of mechanical ventilation called Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV). “APRV has theoretical properties that may either reduce or increase additional injury to the lungs that is caused by the ventilator,” Dr. Walkey explains. “Ventilator-induced lung injury is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients with the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Many physicians currently use APRV routinely in caring for patients with the ARDS; however there is little data about other benefits in attenuating ventilator-induced lung injury. This study addresses the large knowledge gaps surrounding the commonly utilized technology APRV.” In addition to researching treatment for ARDS, their research goals include examining ways to prevent ARDS which could save both lives and money. Read more about Dr. Walkey’s research treatment and prevention for ARDS here.
BU Clinical and Translational Science Institute Supports New, Cutting-Edge Technology
October 3, 2012
The BU Clinical and Translational Science Institute (BU CTSI) supports innovative ideas and new discoveries that can transform health and the process of treating diseases by providing BU investigators with services, resources and funding opportunities across career stages. Tyrone Porter, PhD, associate professor in the departments of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, received a pilot award co-funded by the BU CTSI and Center for Nanotechnology and Nanobiotechnology in 2011. Porter’s innovative research, in collaboration with David Seldin, MD, PhD, professor of medicine and chief of the Hematology-Oncology Section at Boston Medical Center, explores novel methods for treating multidrug resistant (MDR) breast cancer. Read more about Dr. Porter and his cutting-edge research here.
BU Clinical and Translational Institute Supports Transition from Early Career toward Independent Investigator Career Stage
August 20, 2012
Since 2008, the BU Clinical and Translational Science Institute (BU CTSI) has been advancing translational research through a variety of services, resources and funding opportunities offered to all BU investigators, and especially those in the early stages of their careers. In 2009, BU investigator, Dr. Xuemei Zhong, Department of Medicine, was awarded a pilot grant from the BU CTSI Pilot Award Program that enabled her to study the role of B cells in immune system response in a murine lupus model. The pilot award furthered her research, resulting in multiple publications and subsequent National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding (R03 and R21) that is now leading to ground-breaking discoveries in immunology. Read more about Dr. Zhong and her interdisciplinary research team here.
