AAALAC Funding for Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine

AAALAC International is seeking applications to support training in laboratory animal medicine, research projects in laboratory animal science and medicine, as well as applications for projects that will enhance the mission of AAALAC International.

For prospective applications in each of the above areas, applicants should provide a Letter of Intent to outline the focus and basic elements of the proposal.  Based upon this information, the AAALAC International Special Projects Committee will select proposals of interest that will then be invited to submit full application packages for review.  Please provide the information described below in a short (two pages maximum) Letter of Intent:

1. Training Applications:  Internship

Eligibility:  Veterinarian, postdoctoral fellow, or Ph.D. in any discipline involving the use of animal models in research, teaching and testing. The principal investigator (PI) must hold a doctoral-level degree (D.V.M./V.M.D., M.D., D.D.S., Ph.D. or equivalent) and will supervise the intern.  Applications may be submitted by the supervisor/mentor or by the intern with supervisor/mentor endorsement.

Duration:  As short as 3 months and as long as 1 year.
Budget:  $5,000 - $30,000/per project

 Requirements:  

·       Identify the area of career training.  If training is in laboratory animal medicine, identify a mentor with ACLAM or equivalent credentials; describe the mentor¹s background with the use of animal models in research
·       Provide a letter of support from mentor as well as an outline of the training plan within the time frame requested

·       If the training is in an area other than laboratory animal medicine, please explain how AAALAC International¹s support for the trainee is expected to influence the quality of the trainee¹s contributions to AAALAC International or its accredited community or how it will impact the policies, practices or standards used in the accreditation process.

·       Provide the amount requested for the internship.

·       If applying as a mentor in anticipation of trainee recruitment, please provide a copy of your curriculum vitae.

 
2. Research Projects

Eligibility:  Veterinarian, postdoctoral fellow, Ph.D.s and graduate students in disciplines involving the use of animal models in research, teaching and testing.  The principal investigator (PI) must hold a doctoral-level degree (D.V.M./V.M.D., M.D., D.D.S., Ph.D. or equivalent).

Duration: Maximum of 1 year

Budget:  Maximum of $25,000/project

Requirements:  

·       Research must be conducted in an AAALAC International accredited institution.  

·       State the area of interest, background, general hypothesis and objectives

·       Include an outline of the experimental design and anticipated time-line for project completion.

·       Explain how the proposed research inquiry is aligned with AAALAC International¹s mission to promote animal well-being, to enhance the quality of research, teaching and testing in animal models or to refine and inform AAALAC International¹s application of ³standards² in the accreditation process.  

·       Provide the amount requested for this research project.

·       Graduate students should provide a letter of support from the selected mentor.
 

3. Non-traditional Projects that reflect the mission of AAALAC International

Eligibility:  Veterinarian, postdoctoral fellow, and Ph.D. in any discipline involving the use of animal models in research, teaching or testing.

Duration: Maximum of 1 year

Budget:  Maximum of $10,000/project

Requirements:  

·       Provide a statement of the problem and how the problem will be addressed, analyzed and resolved.

·       Provide the amount requested for this non-traditional project.

·       Discuss how project reflects AAALAC International¹s mission or would address a critical issue of interest to AAALAC International¹s accredited community. 

 Letters of intent should be submitted by June 30, 2010 to:

Special Projects Committee
AAALAC International
5283 Corporate Drive, Suite 203
Frederick, MD 21703
U.S.A.

You will receive a confirmation of receipt of your submission. If you do not receive a confirmation, please contact Dr. Christian Newcomer, Executive Director.

Reviewers will evaluate Letters of Intent based on scientific merit, consistency with the mission of AAALAC International, appropriate animal use (in compliance with the ILAR Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals), expertise of the investigator(s) and mentor(s), and feasibility of completion of the activity within the time requested.
 
All parties submitting a Letter of Intent will be notified by August 1, 2010 on the status of their selection for the submission of a full proposal to the Special Projects Committee.  The submission date for full proposals will be October 1, 2010 with proposal funding to commence on a date to be negotiated with the successful applicants.