Fralin Life Science Institute

From: Office of the Vice President for Research

Virginia Tech institutes request proposals for obesity research seed grants

The Fralin Life Science Institute and the Institute for Society, Culture and Environment (ISCE) together invite applications for seed funds in the broad area of Obesity Research.

The seed grant program provides funding for promising research at the intersection of life sciences and the social sciences. The goal is to stimulate scholarly initiative by encouraging faculty to explore new directions in research and scholarship. Collaborative research across disciplines is strongly encouraged. Also encouraged are pilot studies, feasibility studies, or preliminary research that initiates a larger line of research; and research within any area that impacts the molecular, physiological, psychological or social aspects of obesity.

Funds to support seminar speakers or a small symposium on the Blacksburg campus will also be considered if proposed by a group of investigators.

Approximately 10 seed grants will be awarded, with no individual award exceeding $10,000. Team projects that involve any combination of the above theme areas will be considered for a higher level of funding. Any faculty member or principal investigator at Virginia Tech may submit an application.

Additional benefits, application instructions, and review information are available with the full RFP at: www.research.vt.edu/announcement/fralin_grants.html

Submit proposals and/or questions to Tracey Schroeder at tschroed@vt.edu or 231-9821. Proposals are due November 16, 2009.

Awards will be announced by December 4.