Research Program Committees (RPC)

Serpil Erzurum, M.D., Executive Director

Through a scientific peer-review process, the Research Program Committee (RPC) provides internal funding to promote the development of investigators initiating clinical or translational research projects. This competitive funding is awarded with the expectation that the project will result in abstracts, publications and/or pilot data that will enhance the ability of the investigator to compete for external funds.

The Research Program Committees funds pilot or focused research projects that address clinical problems. A well-designed, innovative clinical/translational research project, with an identifiable hypothesis that illustrates efficient use of resources within a realistic timeline will receive a favorable review.

RPC priorities include:

• Collaborative projects between Clinical Staff and Basic Science Staff are a priority.
• Pilot funds for clinical investigators early in their career (i.e., Assistant Professor level) to accomplish a one-year research project, with the future goal of seeking external funding. Proposals must outline how external funding will be sought.
• Senior clinical investigators changing their line of clinical research, in need of pilot data to seek external funding.
• Projects that intend to utilize the Clinical Research Unit are given priority.