How To Apply

UVA's Coulter Center for Translational Research has multiple funding mechinisms. Each year, our spring funding cycle invests approximately $700,000 in six to eight projects. These grants are typically $100,000, but they can range from $75,000 to $175,000. We also seed-fund projects on a real-time basis, ranging from $5,000 to $40,000.

No two projects have the same needs. A team that is building a medical device has a different path than a team that is developing a software application. As a result, we develop a customized suite of services for each research team we work with.

Proposal Process

  • Pre-Proposal Guidance

    One of the responsibilities of the UVA's Coulter Center team is to stay abreast of research underway in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and across the University. As a result, we are often instrumental in connecting biomedical engineering faculty with potential collaborators, fostering relationships that can lead to projects eligible for UVA-Coulter funding.

    We also build relationships to existing teams considering Coulter Center funding, helping them access the resources across Grounds and from external sources. We work closely with them to strengthen their proposals and provide feedback as they hone their project presentations to the Advisory Committee. In doing so, we recognize that each project has its own narrative and its own strengths. Our goal is to help Coulter Center applicants craft the most compelling narrative for their technology.

    Contact David Chen, Director of UVA's Coulter Center for Translational Research

  • Proposal Requirements

    Applications should be submitted as a single PDF and not exceed five pages, excluding a cover page, a budget page, and two-page CVs from the co-investigators. Use Arial font of 11-12 point size. The cover page must contain the project title, names of the co-investigators, amount requested, a one-paragraph summary, and the approval/signature of the department chair of the co-investigator who is not in the BME Department (the signature can be scanned as part of your proposal.

    For more detailed information please review the Coulter Format Guidelines.pdf

  • Selection Process

    The Coulter Center's Oversight Board evaluates proposals on the basis of innovation and scientific merit, potential health care impact, technical feasibility and the potential for commercialization.  During its Triage meeting, the Oversight Board selects the most promising proposals.  At the Board Selection meeting, the principal investigators give a 10-minute presentation.  The committee announces its decision later that day.

    UVA-Coulter Oversight Committee
  • Timeline

    January/February: Annual Request for Applications is issued.

    May 10, 2023: Deadline to submit a proposal.

    Early Summer: Phase I triage review by the Coulter Center's Oversight Committee.

    July: Phase II oral presentation and review.

    August: Awards announced and funding begins.

     

    Do you fund proposals off-cycle?

    Yes. Please contact uvacoulter@virginia.edu with your project idea.

Postaward

As projects mature, we provide guidance, information and contacts that project leaders can use to move their innovations toward commercialization. Depending on the project, this might include clinical trials, licensing, regulatory approval, patent protection, market development and customer acquisition and fundraising.

 

  • Reporting and Renewal

    During the year of their award, Principal Investigators deliver oral progress reports at each of the four UVA-Coulter Oversight Committee meetings.  A one-page summary report is required. Principal investigators can apply for an additional year of support on a competitive basis.

    Contact Hannah Moore, Coulter Center Associate Director 

  • 2023 Project Team Meeting Dates

    Funded Projects are required to present to the funding Oversight Committee twice a year. Presentations cover meaningful progress to milestones, significant findings and progress to follow-on funding.

    Fall Meeting: December 13th, 2023

    Spring Meeting: March 22nd, 2024

  • Frequently asked questions

    Do Coulter proposals go through the UVA Office of Sponsored Programs? 

    No. Coulter is a locally funded program. OSP review is not required. 

     

    Do Coulter proposals require Department Chair approval?

    Yes. This is particularly important for clinical faculty, in order to gain time release for research.

     

    Should I include indirect costs in the budget?

    No. Coulter is a locally funded program. Indirects are not assessed.

     

    Do I need to pre-identify the graduate student, post doc, or researcher who will work with me on the project?

    No. Coulter proposals do not need to have named or identified personnel.

     

    Are Coulter proposals reviewed externally?

    No. Projects are reviewed by the Coulter Oversight Committee. Review happens in two phases. Phase I is a triage review. Phase II is an invited oral presentation.

     

    What is the timeline?

    February/early March: Annual Request for Applications is issued.

    April: Deadline to submit proposal.

    Early Summer: Phase I triage review by the Coulter Oversight Committee.

    June/early July: Phase II oral presentation and review.

    July: Awards announced and funding begins.

     

    Do you fund proposals off cycle?

    Yes. Please contact uvacoulter@virginia.edu with your project idea.