UCSF Launches Resource Allocation Program (RAP)

UCSF has launched Resource Allocation Program (RAP), a major new campuswide granting program at UCSF for basic and clinical scientists. RAP combines the grant application and review process of the Clinical & Translational Science Institute's Strategic Opportunities Support program (CTSI-SOS), the UCSF-GIVI Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), the School of Medicine's REAC Committee and the Cancer Center's Clinical Investigator Research Program (CIRP). RAP looks forward to adding more funding agencies to the mix. This collaborative approach, catalyzed by the CTSI, has led to a common application and a common deadline for these intramural programs. Many funding opportunities are available for pilot studies, translational technologies, novel methods, planning grants and career development. The first deadline for filing a notice of intent is Thursday, Nov. 15 and the application is due Saturday, Dec. 15. RAP will improve the review process by drawing from a larger pool of reviewers, leading to a better match between the reviewer's expertise and the subject of a proposal, according to RAP organizers. The RAP steering committee includes faculty representation from UCSF's four schools and the various intramural funding agencies and is led by: * Kathy Giacomini, PhD * Dan Lowenstein, MD * Paul Volberding, MD * Fred Waldman, MD, PhD Review Process All applications submitted through the RAP funding portal will be assigned to a review subgroup organized by subject area (e.g. cancer, genetics, HIV and infections disease, clinical methods, technology, epidemiology, career development, etc.). Proposals will be reviewed by at least two individuals with expertise in a closely related field, and discussed by the entire review subgroup. Proposals will be scored according to criteria listed in the descriptions for each mechanism. Review critiques will be returned to the principal investigator. Each funding agency (CTSI-SOS, REAC, CFAR, Cancer Center, etc) will fund proposals based on their scores and their alignment with programmatic goals. RAP also is seeking faculty members with a diverse range of expertise for its review committees. For more details about RAP, including the application process, eligibility and criteria for review, go to the RAP website.