The Case Coulter Translational Research Partnership and University Hospitals are offering a collaborative pilot award opportunity to promote the development of new translational research projects between problem owners (clinicians) and solution providers (engineers). The target areas for funding are in the infectious disease domain.
Total funding of $50,000 is available for this program. Award budgets of $10,000-$50,000 may be requested. Awards will be funded for a period of six months to one year. Between one and three applications are expected to be accepted.
Applicants should propose novel solutions to the clinical problems below:
- Central line related bloodstream infections: Central lines not only allow delivery of continuous fluids, therapies and food to critically ill patients while in the hospital, but also receive therapies at home. In caring for these semi-permanent lines, meticulous attention to infection prevention processes is needed to assure that bacteria (leading to life-threatening infections) does not enter the lines.
- Surgical site infections: Surgical site infection (SSI) continues to represent a significant portion of health care-associated infections. The impact on morbidity, mortality and cost of care has resulted in SSI reduction being identified as a top national priority in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections.
- Emerging Infectious Diseases: Each time a solution for antimicrobial therapy or eradicating diseases is developed through the use of vaccines, there is an evolution in the microbes that causes new diseases appear, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus.
Applications must not be longer than two pages and should address:
- Clinical problem;
- Technical solution proposed;
- End users of proposed technology;
- Project plan; and
- Budget summary.
Applications, which are due Nov. 1, should be sent in PDF format to steve.fening@case.edu with “CCTRP/UH Infectious Disease Pilot” in the subject heading.
The submitting co-PI is required to be a full-time CWRU engineering faculty member with an appointment in biomedical engineering.
The clinical co-PI will be matched to the program after the review process is completed. The submitting co-PI may include suggestions for the clinical co-PI.
For more information about the award and application formatting requirements, download the request for applications document.