December 3, 2024
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Announcements
Good News!
Funding Opportunities
Upcoming Seminars & Events
Open Research Positions
Research Resources

 
Announcements
 
Join us for Bringing Biology to the Patient: A Collaborative Faculty Research Retreat
You’re invited to attend Bringing Biology to the Patient: A Collaborative Faculty Research Retreat with the UCI School of Medicine and the UCI Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences. All event details, including the agenda, can be found on the Faculty Research Retreat website.  

Thursday, Feb.13, 2025, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m
Location: Beall Applied Innovation


Register
 
Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series
Nancy Carrasco, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics; Joe C. Davis Chair in Biomedical Science, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
  • Community Lecture - Jan. 16, 2025, at 7 p.m. PT: "A Look Into the Black Box: Uncovering the Remarkable Biology of an Elusive Protein"
  • Scientific Lecture - Jan. 17, 2025, at Noon PT: "The Tale of the Sodium/Iodide Symporter (NIS): From Cloning to Structure"
Learn more about the Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series. 

Jan. 16–17, 2025
Location: The Beckman Center, Irvine, Calif. (Jan. 16); UCI Medical Education Building, Irvine, Calif. (Jan. 17) 


Register
 
Tomorrow! Physician Scientist Collective Network Hosts Donghui Zhu, PhD, FAHA, FAIMBE
Innovate Biomedical Research, Education and Training To Grow Next-Gen Talents, by Donghui Zhu, PhD, FAHA, FAIMBE, SUNY Empire Innovation Professor, Biomedical Engineering & Neuroscience, Stony Brook University

  • Coffee & Refreshments – 3:30 to 4 p.m.
  • Presentation – 4 to 5 p.m. 

During coffee and refreshments, you can meet Dr. Zhu and your colleagues. The School of Medicine Research Development staff will host office hours to address research-related questions.

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Location: Sprague Hall, Conference Room 105


Register
 
Tomorrow! Research Development Unit Office Hours: Wednesday, Dec. 4, 3–4 p.m.
The UCI School of Medicine Research Development Unit (RDU) will host office hours on Wednesday, Dec. 4, to address any research-related questions. This is an excellent opportunity for School of Medicine researchers to receive guidance on funding opportunities and grant proposal support and learn about our other services. We will be providing coffee and desserts. Registration is not required but will help us prepare to meet with you. To schedule a specific consultation, please contact somrd@hs.uci.edu.

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 3 to 4 p.m.
Location: Sprague Hall, Conference Room 105


Register
 
Monthly on Mondays | Faculty Development Series
Negotiations, presented by Hannah Bowles, DBA, MPP (Harvard Kennedy School), and Nasia Safdar, MD, PhD (University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health). Monthly on Mondays, presented by Nimisha Parekh, MD, and Brian J. Cummings, PhD, associate deans of faculty development, is a monthly seminar series covering a wide range of topics focused on faculty development. 

Monday, Dec. 9, 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. 
Via Zoom 


Register
 
Register for one of the upcoming UCI NIH Boot Camp Informational Sessions
The Research Development Unit will host three virtual informational sessions about the UCI NIH Boot Camp, a comprehensive, multifaceted mentoring program designed to help faculty and career researchers apply for their first research grants from NIH. Attend one to learn more about this program and how to apply for the upcoming 2025 UCI NIH Boot Camp! Applications are due Feb. 10, 2025. 

  • Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, Noon to 1 p.m.Register
  • Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, Noon to 1 p.m.Register
  • Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, 9 to 10 a.m. | Register
 
FDA Clinical Investigator Training Course (CITC) 2024: A No-Cost Virtual Conference
Gain the essential knowledge and skills to conduct clinical trials effectively, ethically and in accordance with regulatory standards.

  • Day 1: Tuesday, Dec. 10, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Day 2: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Day 3: Thursday, Dec.12, 8 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. 

Register
 
Preparing for 2025 NIH Application and Review Changes – Tips and Resources
NIH has issued a reminder that multiple changes affecting extramural applications and review are coming for application due dates on or after Jan. 25, 2025. As you prepare applications for the January due dates and beyond, NIH has provided a few more updates, tips, and resources. Hopefully, you were already aware of these changes, which include:
 
MS-BATS Program Now Open: Excel as an Effective Clinical Researcher with a Degree in Biomedical and Translational Science
The Master of Science in Biomedical and Translational Science (MS-BATS) program trains students to conduct high-quality multidisciplinary clinical research at the intersection of basic science and clinical medicine. 

Students from various training backgrounds, including medical students, residents, fellows, physicians, nurses and others interested in excelling as an effective clinical researcher will benefit from this program. Students will have the opportunity to develop their own individual research project under faculty mentorship to advance their career goals. Learn more and apply

Deadline: May 30, 2025
 
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Good News!
 
Emiliana Borreli, PhD (Microbiology & Molecular Genetics), received an NIH R21, titled “Dopaminergic Control of Glial Cells in Prefrontal Cortex Functions.” Astrocytes are cells highly abundant in the brain where they play important roles in the maintenance of homeostasis. Recent evidence show that astrocytes are involved in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Astrocytes have been reported to express the dopamine D2 receptors, a major player of the dopaminergic control of brain functions. This proposal aims at determining the role of D2R in astrocytes and possible implication in the control of brain disorders.

Do you or someone on your team have research-related good news to report (e.g., research funding/award, publication, other accolade)? We would like to know! Please fill out this short Good News submission form.
 
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Funding Opportunities
 
Find funding opportunities for trainees, postdocs and early career faculty, and all faculty.

For more funding opportunities and resources to help in your funding search, visit the Funding Opportunities page

For a curated, searchable and filterable list of funding opportunities announced by NIH in their weekly NIH guide listserv, check out the School of Medicine Funding Search Tool.

Considering applying for a Limited Funding Opportunity? Typically, you submit a pre-proposal to the Office of Research via UCI Review. If the opportunity is not listed, email the Research Development Unit (RDU).
Postdocs & Early Career Faculty Funding Opportunities
 
Limited: Ono Pharma Foundation Breakthrough Science Initiative Awards Program
Ono Pharma Foundation was established to support academic research in relevant scientific fields which have the potential for significant impact on therapeutic approaches to disease and pain management. Proposals must address Chemical Biology Research, defined as research at the interface between chemistry and biology. They are especially looking for unique chemistry tools that can be used to answer biological questions related to human health and disease. A project duration may last up to three years with annual funding of $300,000/year, totaling $900,000 for the normal term of a research project. 

Eligibility: The PI must have 15 years of experience or fewer since starting independent academic position. Review the posting for more eligibility requirements.

Deadline: Jan. 6, 2025
UCI may submit two applications for this award opportunity; thus interested applicants are asked to submit a preliminary application via UCI Review.
 
Limited: Damon Runyon Clinical Investigator Award
The Damon Runyon Clinical Investigator Award supports independent young physician-scientists conducting disease-oriented research that demonstrates a high level of innovation and creativity. The goal is to support the best young physician-scientists doing work aimed at improving the practice of cancer medicine. The $600,000 award will be for a period of three years. Funding in the amount of $200,000 will be allocated to the awardee’s institution each year for the support of the Clinical Investigator. Funds are intended to be flexible and can be used for a variety of scientific needs including the Investigator’s stipend and/or fringe benefits (up to $130,000 annually), salaries for professional and technical personnel, special equipment, supplies, and other miscellaneous items required to conduct the proposed research. No part of this grant can be used for indirect costs or institutional overhead. Read more

Eligibility: The applicant must hold an independent Assistant Professor position or equivalent and is expected to demonstrate significant support from the home institution through a comprehensive start-up package, ample laboratory space, and protected research time, for example. 

Deadline: Feb. 3, 2025
Five nominations per institution are allowed; interested applicants should contact Roxanne Ford, Executive Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations. 
All Faculty Funding Opportunities
 
Newly released ARPA-H funding announcements
The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) has significant funding to accelerate biomedical and health research that cannot be readily accomplished through traditional research or commercial activity. This ARPA submission resources/FAQ webpage provides useful resources, templates and links to help you understand the details of the process, from initial submission to a final awarded agreement. Slides from “Doing Business with ARPA-H” include the ARPA-(H)eilmeier Questions (slide 13), which are imperative to answer in all proposals

McAllister & Quinn hosted a comprehensive informational webinar on Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) on Oct. 29, 2024. The materials (slide deck, agency engagement guide and recording) are available on the School of Medicine Office of Research webinar recordings webpage. Your UCINetID login is required to view the page. 

Active programs:
If you are considering applying, please email somrd@hs.uci.edu.
 
CSUF/UCI-CFCCC Cancer Health Equity Research Program (CHERP) - Pilot Research Projects
The California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) and the University of California, Irvine, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCI-CFCCC) are pleased to announce the Cancer Health Equity Research Program (CHERP) Pilot Projects 2024 funding round of one R03-like pilot project for $100,000 direct cost for one year. CHERP is a collaborative cancer-specific partnership between these two institutions that aim to support highly interactive pilot cancer health disparities research that will not only advance cancer health disparities knowledge, but also serve as foundational training in this area of need for underrepresented undergraduate (CSUF) and master’s level (CSUF/UCI) students.

Eligibility: All UC Irvine and CSUF faculty members are eligible to apply. An investigator from CSUF must partner with an investigator from UCI. Apply here

Deadline: Monday, Dec. 9, 2024   
 
Limited: 2024-25 Mary Kay Ash Foundation® Research Grant
The Mary Kay Ash Foundation is a nonprofit public foundation, which focuses on funding research for innovative grants for translational research of cancers affecting women (ovarian, uterine, breast, endometrial or cervical cancer among others). Translational research is broadly defined as research that will provide a scientific link between laboratory research and the clinic. Such research would lead to improvement in diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, or treatment of the cancer. The grant will be up to $100,000 (combined direct and indirect costs) for a two-year period.

The campus may submit one application; therefore, interested applicants should apply via UCI Review.

Deadline: Friday, Dec. 13, 2024
 
AI Science at Scale Request for Proposals
The University of California (UC) system, in partnership with NNSA laboratories, is seeking proposals from UC researchers for collaborative projects that advance the frontiers of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at scale. The central goal is to bring together the intellectual power of the UC system, including 10 leading public research universities and three national laboratories, and develop scientific AI projects that benefit from computational scale while also harnessing the power of interdisciplinary AI and science and engineering research and expertise. 

Technical focus areas: Multiphysics Applications | Biological Systems | Materials Discovery. Learn more and apply

Deadline: Friday, Dec. 20, 2024
 
Limited: W.M. Keck Foundation Research Program Grants
In reviewing proposals, the W.M. Keck Foundation asks, “What’s the new science?” Concept papers should provide a compelling argument that new knowledge discovery on a specific question will result from the proposed project. UCI has had remarkable success with this foundation. Grantee teams include Chang Liu; Max Plikus, Andrej Luptak, Jennifer Prescher and Os Steward; Rob Spitale and John Chaput; Filippo Capolino and Eric Potma; Derek Dunn-Rankin; John Hemminger; Tony James; Enrico Gratton and Michelle Digman; and Kumar Wickramasinghe. Budget requests may be for up to $1.5 million and may be expended over three years. The Keck Foundation does not pay indirect costs, nor does it allow for tuition and fees for graduate students.

UCI may nominate two applications; thus, interested applicants are asked to submit a preliminary concept paper via UCI Review

Deadline: Monday, Jan. 6, 2025
 
2024–25 UCI Center-Scale Multi-Investigator Research Seed Funding Program
The 2024–25 UCI Center-Scale Multi-Investigator Research Seed Funding Program is aimed at investing in promising convergent research directions where internal seed level investment can lead to externally funded “center-scale” research programs. UC Irvine faculty members who are eligible to serve as Principal Investigators may apply. Only multi-investigator, multidisciplinary teams and proposals are eligible. Seed funding may be requested for a period of up to two years, and it is anticipated that 5–8 awards of up to $150,000 each will be given. Apply here via UCI Review

Deadline: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025
 
Cancer Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC) 2025-26 Faculty Seed Grants
The CRCC is a systemwide, faculty-directed cancer research program that provides one-year seed grants for topics in any discipline that address any aspect of cancer, including its origins, prevention and cure. CRCC funds support meritorious research spanning all areas, from basic research to applied clinical and community-based research in any field relevant to cancer. Applications in disciplines outside of basic and clinical/translational science are welcome (e.g., public health, law, social sciences, psychology, health services research, community-based research, implementation science). See Request for Proposals (PDF). 

Eligibility: PIs must be members of the Academic Senate at one of the 10 UC campuses. 

There will be two applicant webinars: 
  • Dec. 11, 2024, at 11 a.m. | Register 
  • Jan. 10, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. | Register 
​​​​​​Attendance is highly recommended if you are a first-time applicant and/or new to SmartSimple.   

Required Letters of Intent Deadline: Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, by 12 p.m.
 
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Upcoming Seminars & Events
 
Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics Seminar Series
Small Game Hunting, by W. Ian Lipkin, MD, John Snow Professor of Epidemiology, Professor of Neurology and Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University; Director, Center for Infection & Immunity, Columbia University; Retired Professor, Departments of Neurology, Anatomy & Neurobiology, and Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, UCI School of Medicine. Seminar co-sponsored by the UCI Center for Virus Research. 

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m.
Location: Tamkin Hall F114
 
Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics Wednesday Seminar Series
The Intersection of Bacterial Metabolism, Pathogenesis and Innate Immunity, by Daniel A. Portnoy, PhD, Distinguished Professor, Departments of Molecular & Cell Biology and Plant & Microbial Biology, UC Berkeley College of Letters & Science and Rausser College of Natural Resources

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 4 p.m.
Location: Plumwood House, Room 166
 
Center for Translational Vision Research (CTVR) Distinguished Speaker Series
GSK3 Inhibition Remodels the ECM and Prevents Pathology in an AMD-like Retinal Dystrophy, by John D. HullemanPhD, Larson Endowed Chair for Macular Degeneration, Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota. Learn more on CTVR's event page.  

Friday, Dec. 6, 8:30 to 10 a.m.
Location: Hybrid event at the Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, Sue Gross Auditorium, or via Zoom

Join Zoom
 
UCI Center for Aging Research in Down Syndrome (CFAR-DS) Research Seminar Series
Translational Research in Down Syndrome: A Developmental Approach, by Deborah FidlerPhD, Professor, Human Studies Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University. Hosted by the UCI Center for Aging Research in Down Syndrome (CFAR-DS).  

Friday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. to Noon  
Via Zoom 


Register
 
Experimental Pathology Research Conferences
Research in Progress Session: Investigating Sex Differences in Alzheimer's Disease Pathology in Down Syndrome, by Elizabeth Andrews, PhD student, Elizabeth Head Lab, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UCI School of Medicine   

Monday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to noon PT
Location: Hybrid event at Plumwood House / Showa Denko Lecture Hall and via Zoom


Join Zoom
 
Center for Neural Circuit Mapping 2024 Special Symposium: Your Brain on Art

Join us for a special symposium and reception that brings the scientific and creative community together to celebrate the intersection between brain science and art. This unique event aims to foster meaningful conversations about the transformative power of art and its deep connection to the self. We will also celebrate the collaborative achievements of the UCI Center for Neural Circuit Mapping during this holiday season. Complimentary event. Registration is required to attend (21+ only). 

Monday, Dec. 9, 2 to 6 p.m. 
Location: Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building (ISEB)

Register
 
Physiology & Biophysics Seminar Series
From a Cone-Specific Visual Cycle to Preventing Retinal Degeneration, by Vladimir KefalovPhD, Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, UCI School of Medicine 

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 4 to 5 p.m.  
Location: Hybrid event at Plumwood House Lecture Hall and via Zoom 


Contact Claire Chen to join via Zoom. 
 
Standardize Your Research Data with the NIH Common Data Element Repository
Through live demonstrations and hands-on exercises, this course will introduce you to common data elements (CDEs) and the NIH Common Data Element Repository (CDE-R). The course begins with an in-depth introduction to what CDEs are and examples of how researchers are already using them. Then, you’ll see how to search the repository and practice searching on your own. Subject matter experts will be in attendance to answer your questions. 

Thursday, Dec. 12, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Via Zoom
 

Register
 
UCI Gavin Herbert Eye Institute Vision Research Mixer
Please join us for an opportunity to hear from UCI vision scientists at the Vision Research Mixer. RSVP to ophthalmology@uci.edu

4:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Research Presentations 
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Networking & Reception 

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. 
Location: Gross Hall, 4th Floor Conference Room 

 
Stem Cell Seminar Lecture Series
Human Kidney Organoids for Disease Modeling and Regeneration, by Benjamin Freedman, PhD, Associate Professor, Division of Nephrology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Hosted by the UCI Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center. 

Friday, Dec. 20, 1 to 2 p.m. 
Location: Gross Hall, Thorp Conference Center (4th Floor) 

 
2025 CHOC and UCI Rare Disease Symposium & Family Conference Abstract Submission
We are now accepting submissions of scientific abstracts in the field of research related to rare diseases and disorders for the 4th Annual CHOC and UCI Rare Disease Symposium & Family Conference. Read the Abstract Submission FAQ. Questions? Contact RareDisease@choc.org. The abstract deadline is Monday, Jan. 13, 2025

Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT 
Location: Beckman Center of the National Academies of Sciences & Engineering, Irvine, Calif. 


Submit Abstract
 
CHOC Research Institute: Pediatric and Lifespan Data Science Conference: Abstract submissions now open!
Join CHOC for the second Pediatric and Lifespan Data Science Conference! This event will explore the intersection of precision medicine and artificial intelligence, suicide prediction and the management of complex medical patients. Perspectives from patients, families, healthcare providers, health systems, data scientists and insurance companies will be featured. 

Abstract Submission Deadline: Feb. 3, 2025 | Submit Abstract
Early Bird Registration Deadline: Feb. 3, 2025 | Register

April 10–11, 2025
Location: The Westin Anaheim Resort
 
Inaugural MAXImizing Training in MUScle Research (MAXIMUS) Retreat: Abstract submission now open!
The UCI Muscle Biology and Disease Research Center presents the Inaugural MAXIMUS Retreat centered on cutting-edge work in mechanisms and therapeutics of neuromuscular diseases. Activities will include talks from invited leaders in the field, current MAXIMUS awardees, and selected abstracts from UCI trainees, a career panel luncheon, and a poster session with awards. Additionally, a seed grant funding opportunity for trainees will be announced at the event. 

Highlighted speakers: Tom Lloyd (Baylor College of Medicine), Alessandra Sacco (Sanford Burnham Prebys) and Stephen Tapscott (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center)

Students, postdocs, and clinical fellows are encouraged to showcase their work by presenting a poster/talk:

  • Abstract submission deadline (short talk): Jan. 21, 2025
  • Abstract submission deadline (poster only): March 29, 2025

April 10, 2025, 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building (ISEB) Auditorium 1010


Register
 
Grand Rounds and CME Symposia
For Continuing Medical Education (CME) opportunities, view the weekly Grand Rounds & CME Symposia email.
 
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Open Research Positions
 
Junior Specialist
The Ezzati Lab is seeking a Junior Specialist with a background in neuroscience, public health, data science or related fields to join their interdisciplinary team for research in the field of headache disorders.

PI: Ali Ezzati, MD 
View the posting in AP Recruit
Closing Date: Dec. 31, 2024
 
Do you have an open research-related position you would also like announced in Research Insider? Please fill out this form to have your open position listed.

Submit Form
 
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Research Resources
 
What kind of grant support does the Research Development Unit provide?
 
What kind of grant support does the Research Development Unit provide to Physician Scientists?
Along with the general grant support the RDU provides (outlined above), there are multiple programs available outlined on the Physician Scientist Resources page
  • Physician Scientist Collective: Monthly seminar series with visiting speakers
  • Physician Scientist Pathways Certificate Course: Six-week, 12-hour hybrid course that introduce clinicians to research pathways
  • Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP): Helps physician scientists apply for their first K award
  • Dean’s K Scholar: Provides awardees the protected time and mentorship needed to obtain NIH K/ equivalent funding
  • Clinical Trialist Training Program (CTTP): Supports junior faculty on externally funded clinical trials through a 2-year partnership program with senior investigators already running clinical trials
 
Intramural & Foundation Funding Opportunities Lists
The Research Development Unit (RDU) has created lists of intramural funding opportunities and foundation funding opportunities. If you have additional opportunities that should be included, please do not hesitate to email at somrd@hs.uci.edu.
COVID-19 Information
 
If you have a positive COVID-19 test, you must report online using the Occupational Health COVID-19 Intake Form. Please refer to the new guidelines posted on July 3, 2024.
Contribute to Research Insider!
 
Submit your funding opportunities and events to next week's email here: Seminar/Event or Funding Opportunity.

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