A new, jointly funded-seed funding program has been developed between Carle and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The program provides a funding infusion to support and encourage new lines of research and collaboration among Carle physicians and Illinois investigators.
The Carle Illinois Collaborative Research Seed Funding Program is open to any discipline or clinical area. Neal Cohen, director of the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Initiative at Illinois, said the new program capitalizes on an already strong research connection between Carle and Illinois.
“Carle physician scientists and Illinois researchers have a history of working together. We are looking to encourage an even deeper collaboration by creating this new funding resource.” Cohen said. “We hope this program can inspire innovative approaches to the challenges facing clinical care and improve positive health outcomes.”
Jennifer Eardley, vice president for research at Carle Foundation Hospital, said the program requires each project to have at least one Carle and one Illinois investigator.
“This program is a wonderful way for us to support clinician engagement in research and education.” Eardley said. “It is also a great way for Illinois researchers to gain access to a top-notch clinical environment. It combines the best of both worlds for everyone involved.”
Applicants can apply for up to $50,000. The program anticipates making up to five awards in its first year, but the number and size of the awards will be determined by the size of the projects and the available budget. Proposals can be submitted beginning on February 20, 2016 and will be accepted through April 20, 2016. Award notifications will be made by May 27, 2016.
More information on the program and application details can be found here.