FAQ
Why does the Broad Medical Research Program (BMRP) use a Letter of Interest in the application process?
The purpose of the Letter of Interest is to save the applicants the time and effort which would occur in having to prepare a full grant application if their proposals do not meet the criteria and interests of the BMRP. Letters of Interest are evaluated by several ad hoc peer reviewers who are experts in the specific areas of research. Feedback is then provided to the Principal Investigators to improve their proposals and assist them in preparing their full grant applications or for their future endeavors. Most but not all Letters of Interest are sent out for peer review. Some are approved or denied based on how closely they meet the BMRP’s objectives.
Is the BMRP willing to fund mechanistic studies?
The BMRP is potentially interested in funding mechanistic studies if it is clear that the mechanism or phenomenon plays a major role in human IBD and if further dissection of mechanisms would improve IBD patients' lives. Relevance to human IBD and potential for improving the lives of IBD patients has to be clear. We encourage you to contact us prior to preparing a letter of interest if you have any questions about this.
I have looked at the "Funded Grants" section of the BMRP website and the topic I would like to pursue is in an area that the BMRP is already funding. What are my chances of being funded?
The BMRP has to limit its funding for any one specific topic so that its funds can be disbursed among many new areas. We look for innovative IBD research ideas. Therefore, funding is unlikely unless your proposal is different from what we already support and the work would substantially change the field.
Are there any limits on how many Letters of Interest I can submit?
We do not accept more than one LOI from any one investigator at any one time.
If I am not invited to submit a full grant application, may I submit a revised Letter of Interest?
At the time of notification, the applicant will be informed as to whether s/he may submit a revised Letter of Interest.
If I am invited to apply for a grant, will a grant application deadline be set?
The BMRP prefers to receive the full grant application within eight weeks after an investigator has been invited to submit an application.
Will I need to provide proof of institutional human subjects and animal use approval at the time of application?
Applicants utilizing human or animal subjects must provide proof of appropriate institutional review committee approval prior to funding but do not need to submit such proof at the time of grant submission.
If my grant application is not funded, can I submit a revised application?
At the time of notification, the applicant will be informed as to whether s/he may submit a revised application.
How many grants do you expect to fund?
There is no set number of grants funded each year.
Why are the grant application forms and instructions not on the website?
Grant applications and instructions are only sent to invited investigators.