What kind of treatment trials does SMRI support?

The purpose of this program is to support the testing of medications to assess their efficacy for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. SMRI is especially interested in supporting the testing of medications that are unlikely to be tested by pharmaceutical companies because they are not commercially profitable. At any given time, SMRI is supporting about 50-60 treatment trials, the majority of which are on generic and/or off-label medications.

Please check the List of Awarded Treatment Trials prior to completing your application. If SMRI is currently supporting trials with the compound you propose, we are unlikely to support an additional trial until results of the first trial are available. If the trial with the compound you are proposing has been completed with positive results, we may support follow-up trials of the same compound.

Who is eligible to study?

Applications will be accepted from researchers in any country except where prohibited by United States law. The skills and academic experience of the applicant will be considered, but no particular academic degree is required.

How is applications submitted, and when is the deadline?

SMRI has suspended open calls for submissions at this time.

What is the maximum award given?

For most awards the maximum amount $300,000 per year for up to three years, depending on the stage of development of compounds to be tested and the type of trial required. Special treatment trials may be funded at a higher level. If you want to propose a higher amount, please consult SMRI before submitting.

May I include indirect costs in my budget?

Yes, indirect costs of up to 15 percent may be included as part of the total grant budget, i.e., the total direct and indirect costs for each year cannot exceed $300,000.

What may I include in my budget?

You should request whatever funds you will need to conduct the proposed research. This may include money for salaries, supplies, laboratory costs, patient reimbursement, testing, etc. We are flexible on what applicants may include. We look at the budget vis a vis the proposed research, and we are especially impressed by economy.

How does the review process work?

Treatment trial grant applications are reviewed by at least two peer reviewers and/or by members of SMRI’s Scientific Advisory Committee. A priority score is compiled from all reviewers, and the applications are ranked according to merit.

How abbreviated should my CV be?

CV’s should be no more than five pages in length. A NIH biosketch is acceptable.

What do the members of the review committee really like?

We like economy. Ask for what you need and no more. No applicant has enhanced his or her standing by padding the budget. On the other hand, if you need the full amount, ask for it. We evaluate the budget simultaneously with the scientific content in what is essentially a cost-benefit analysis. You can attach one or two reprints if needed to explain a new technique or provide preliminary data, but for the majority of applications, they are not necessary. If we need more information, we will ask for it.

When will I find out if my application is funded?

Our complete application review cycle is approximately 6 weeks from deadline to notification.

If my application is selected for funding, when can I expect my funding to begin?

If your application is selected for funding, you will be required to complete and return a grant agreement along with two other accounting forms, and a copy of IRB or Ethical Committee’s approval letter for your grant project. Awards are tentatively scheduled for payment in February, pending receipt of the required documents.

Whom should I contact if I have additional questions?

Ms. Jana Bowcut, Grants Administrator
The Stanley Medical Research Institute
10605 Concord Street, Suite 206                                                                                                                                                                                  Kensington, MD 20895
Phone: 240.482.3018
Fax: 301.571.0768
Email: bowcutj@stanleyresearch.org