The Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology (GCB) supports the collaborative efforts of its faculty through pilot project funding. GCB invites applications for new interdisciplinary research projects in the areas of genomics, computational biology, synthetic biology, the microbiome, and related fields. The Center is most interested in proposals that suggest an exciting new direction for research across these areas, and expects these proposals will establish new collaborations between researchers within GCB and across the Duke community. Priority is given to the most innovative, integrative, bold and forward-looking applications.
The focus of these proposals is on multi-PI team-oriented research projects that involve at least one GCB tenure-track faculty member. Co-PIs do not have to be GCB members, but they must be a Duke faculty member or clinician. Although preference is given to proposals involving researchers not currently collaborating, consideration is also given to proposals that establish new initiatives among current collaborators.
Research objectives
Funding for these exploratory projects is intended to further the collaborative nature between GCB faculty and also across Duke campus. While the scientific scope of these applications will naturally range from computational to wet-lab, the theme of bridging disciplines is integral. The goal of these projects is to provide initial support for research that will result in peer reviewed publications and successful multi-PI or program project grant applications.
Eligibility
To be eligible for consideration, the PI of a proposal must be a tenure-track faculty member currently affiliated with the Center. Applications must incldue as co-PIs at least one additional faculty member at Duke. Additional collaborators from GCB Shared Resources are allowed.
Funding and Duration
The Center funds two to four projects during the calendar year, with budgets up to $50,000. Awards are made for one year, January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018. We will expect a project report to the GCB community at six months, and at the end of the year, it is expected the PIs wil present their research to the GCB membership, provide a one-page summary of research and plans for obtaining additional external funding.
Congratulations to the 2018 Pilot Project Award Winners:
- Jennifer Wernegreen, Joel Meyer, Richard Di Giulio
Harnessing genomics for environmental toxicology: Exploring how a key anthropogenic pollutant impacts mitochondrial mutation in the model vertebrate, Atlantic Killifish - Lingchong You, Junjie Yao
Listening to Gene Expression in Living Cells - Raluca Gordân, Hashim Al-Hashimi
The Impact of DNA Damage on Transcription Factor Binding