Developmental Research Project Program

Mount Desert Island Biological Lab, Salisbury Cove ME

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH PROJECTS PROGRAM PROJECT SUMMARY The Developmental Research Project Program (DRPP) of the Maine INBRE (ME-INBRE) aims to support innovative biomedical research and pilot projects led by outstanding faculty researchers at ME-INBRE network institutions. The program has three specific aims. 1) Funding: The DRPP will provide competitive funding for Research Projects (RPs), Pilot Projects (PPs), and Collaborative Pilot Projects (CPPs) that involve students in innovative biomedical research. RP Leaders, who are newly appointed or early-career faculty, will dedicate 50% of their effort to their projects. PP Leaders can be faculty members at any career stage from Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs), devoting 25% effort. CPP Leaders will form multi-disciplinary teams involving scientists from different INBRE network institutions. Funding duration varies, with RPs spanning two years and PPs funded for one year, with the possibility of one competitive renewal contingent on progress. 2) Mentoring: Project Leaders will be partnered with and receive guidance from experienced mentors. RPs will have both an internal mentor from their institution and an external mentor in their research field. PPs will typically have a single mentor. Project Leaders will also participate in workshops on data science, grant writing, lab management, and other relevant topics, fostering their career development. 3) Evaluation: The DRPP will undergo rigorous evaluation to ensure its effectiveness. Project Leaders will submit progress reports, and the DRPP Director and the Evaluation Team will assess project progress toward publications, major grant proposals, and mentoring effectiveness using a prescribed evaluation matrix. The External Advisory Committee will conduct semiannual evaluations and provide personalized feedback to the Project Leaders and their mentors, ensuring their continued success. The ME-INBRE DRPP prioritizes innovative projects, particularly those with data science components, engaging undergraduate students and leveraging core resources from ME-INBRE and other IDeA programs in Maine and the region like the Maine COBREs and Northern New England CTR. The program's impact will be to increase the amount of and capacity for high-quality biomedical research in Maine. It will do so by supporting innovative investigator-initiated research and pilot projects, both standalone and collaborative, and through effective mentorship and research oversight. The program will also promote collaborations across ME-INBRE network institutions.