Albert and Goldye J. Nelson Grant Policy
Department of Neurology &
Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences
Wayne State University School of Medicine
Terms of this policy are subject to revision
or alteration at any time
Date: August 19, 2019
PROGRAMS AND APPLICATIONS
I. PURPOSE OF RESEARCH GRANTS (RG)
II. APPLICATION PROCEDURE
III. DEADLINE DATES
IV. APPLICATION REVIEW
RESEARCH GRANT PROGRAM
I. ELIGIBILITY FOR RESEARCH GRANTS
II. DURATION OF GRANTS
III. DELAY IN ACTIVATION
IV. GRANT PAYMENTS
V. AUTHORIZED EXPENSES
VI. UNAUTHORIZED EXPENSES
VII. BUDGET REVISIONS
VIII. UNEXPENDED FUNDS
IX. NO COST EXTENSION
X. CHANGE IN STATUS
1. PROLONGED ABSENCE
2. MOVE TO NEW INSTITUTION
3. WITHDRAWAL FROM PROJECT
4. CANCELLATION OF GRANT
5. CANCELLATION OF GRANT BY the Chair of the Department of Neurology
XI. CURRICULUM VITAE / BIOSKETCH
RESEARCH REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS
I. REPORT OF EXPENDITURES
II. PROJECT STATUS REPORT
III. PUBLICATIONS, SCIENTIFIC PRESENTATIONS AND NEWS RELEASES
IV. PROGRAM ASSESSMENT
HUMAN AND/OR ANIMAL SUBJECTS/TISSUES
I. RESEARCH PROTOCOL
II. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
III. PATIENT CHARGES
IV. ANIMAL RESEARCH
PROGRAMS AND APPLICATIONS
I. PURPOSE OF RESEARCH GRANTS
To advance areas of scientific and medical knowledge that could improve understanding of the causes of Alzheimer’s
disease/related disorders or assist in developing strategies for their diagnosis and treatment.
We would like the Nelson grant to foster those promising research projects to become NIH-fundable studies.
II. APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applications are accepted from qualified applicants only. An application may be submitted and accepted based on the
nature of the research proposed and the qualifications of the applicant.
Only one (1) application is permitted per investigator each round. All past awardees may apply; but new applicants will
take the priority.
The proposal should include the following documents: 1. Specific Aim (1 page); 2. Research Plan (6 pages); 3. Human
Subjects if applicable (2 pages); 4. Vertebral Animals if applicable (2 pages); 5. Biosketch (NIH format) for all personnel
involved in the study; 6. Budget with budget justification (use the forms provided in Appendix); 7. Resource; 8. Support
Letters
Text must follow these minimum requirements:
• Text Color: black
• Font size: must be 11 points or larger. Smaller text (10 points) in figures, graphs, diagrams and charts is
acceptable.
• Type density: must be no more than 15 characters per linear inch (including characters and spaces).
• Line spacing: must be no more than six lines per vertical inch.
• Page margin: must measure at least 0.5 inch in top, bottom and sides on pages formatted to be no larger than
8.5”x11”.
III. DEADLINE DATES
The completed application must be submitted through email to Carla Santiago at csantiago@med.wayne.edu by
January 31 for a grant to begin the following August 1.
IV. APPLICATION REVIEW
To ensure support of meritorious research, applications are peer-reviewed through a review committee (consists of the
Chairs of Department of Neurology and Department of Psychiatry, plus two faculty members) to assess their scientific
merits. There will be one adhoc reviewer recruited for specific scientific expertise needs. Should a committee member
apply the grant, he or she will be excluded from the review process in the cycle. The reviewers’ evaluations and scores
will be reported to the Chair of the Department of Neurology. The Chair of the Department of Neurology, along with the
Chair of the Department of Psychiatry, will make the final decision to award the research grants.
The program encourages hypothesis driven studies. We expect the hypothesis to be supported by preliminary data,
even though the data may not be as extensive as those required by the NIH R01 grant. The merits of all applications
will be evaluated in the five areas (significance, investigator, innovation, approach and environment) described by NIH.
Adherence to the standards of scientific rigor is required.
Of each cycle, only those applications meeting the merits will be awarded, otherwise, the funds will be returned to the
corpus of the Nelson Endowment funds.
Resubmission is not allowed. However, you are welcome to submit a proposal that was previously not funded but
revised extensively (50-70% changes).
RESEARCH GRANT PROGRAM
Research Grants are awarded to directly support the research outlined in the original application submitted. This should
be considered a pilot project.
I. ELIGIBILITY FOR RESEARCH GRANTS
To be eligible to apply for an Albert and Goldye J. Nelson Grant, an applicant must:
1. Hold a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) or equivalent
degree (i.e. D.O.);
2. Be a faculty member (Professor, Associate Professor or Assistant Professor with a FTE at 0.5 or
above) at Wayne State University;
3. The principal investigator (PI) is allowed to recruit an external collaborator for the project, but no
funds can be distributed to any investigators outside of Wayne State University.
4. Be qualified to conduct and mentor a program of original research within his or her own laboratory;
5. Assume both administrative and financial responsibility for the grant; and
6. Have access to institutional resources necessary to conduct the proposed research project.
7. We would like this fund to foster those promising research projects to become NIH-fundable studies. Within
three years after the start of the Nelson Grant funding, all awardees are required to submit a grant application
to a federal grant agency (NIH, VA, NSF, FDA, CDC, etc). Non-compliance to this policy will result in
disqualification for any future opportunity to apply the Nelson Grant; nor obtaining any research support from
Department of Neurology and Department of Psychiatry.
NOTE: To apply for a Research Grant, you must be an independent investigator, i.e., not a trainee, not a
post-doctoral fellow, not a research assistant and not under the supervision of another person (Principal
Investigator/Independent Investigator) who is directing the research.
II. DURATION OF GRANTS
Research grant awards are for two or three years with a total of $50,000 and $100,000, including indirect costs.
Payments for years two and three are contingent upon submission of respective progress reports and Report of
Expenditures and confirmation that appropriate Institutional and Regulatory approvals are current and on.
III. DELAY IN ACTIVATION
The activation of a research grant by the PI may not be delayed. A PI who is unable to begin his or her grant on its
designated start date must relinquish the award and reapply.
All Institutional and regulatory approvals must be submitted, approved and distributed to appropriate offices, prior to
the release of funds.
IV. GRANT PAYMENTS
Payments to the PI are transferred to a specific WSU index and are issued quarterly providing all contingencies are
met at that time.
Should a delinquent deliverable cause a quarterly payment to be delayed it will be issued with the next quarterly
payment cycle.
The Department of Neurology has the right to withhold or cancel payments for non-compliance of Policies.
V. AUTHORIZED EXPENSES
When deemed justified by the research, the expenses identified below are permitted under the Albert and Goldye
J. Nelson grants program:
1. PI’s salaries are permitted to an equivalent ratio of effort up to a maximum of 10% but not to exceed a
total of $20,000, which includes fringe benefits. Requested salaries are not to be used to replace salaries
or partial salaries that are already assured by institutional or other funds. Salary and fringe benefits for
collaborating Investigators, co-Investigators or consultants are permitted providing the total salary cost
of the PI AND other collaborating investigators should not exceed $20,000.
2. Technicians', research assistants', post-doctoral fellows’, and graduate student salaries and fringe
benefits at levels appropriate to the institution;
3. Equipment cost is not allowed. Lab supply expenses are allowed if necessary to fulfill the project's
specific aims.
3a. Office supplies (i.e. pencils, notebooks, etc.) are limited to a maximum of $600 per year.
3b. Computer hardware (i.e., PC’s, printers, monitors, etc.) limited to a maximum of $2,000 per grant.
Any request for computers must be fully justified on the Budget Justification page of the application.
4. Travel expenses:
a. Are limited to Personnel listed on the project.
b. Must be directly related to the implementation of the research and/or expressly and solely for the
purpose of reporting the results of supported research at suitable scientific or medical meetings;
c. Are limited to $1,000 maximum;
5. Costs associated with publication of the research are not allowed;
6. Costs associated with making the products of the research (i.e., cell lines, DNA, protein and other
biological substances) available to others for research;
VI. UNAUTHORIZED EXPENSES
The following expenses are not permitted:
1. Salaries, travel and/or housing related to sabbatical leaves;
2. Salaries for administrative, secretarial and/or clerical staff;
3. Life and Disability insurance fees;
4. Purchase or rental of office equipment; (i.e., furniture, filing cabinets, and copy machines);
5. Expenses normally covered by the indirect cost of the PI’s institution i.e. General Liability Insurance
and General Auto Insurance;
6. Fees for tuition, registration or other fees relating to academic studies;
7. Membership dues, subscriptions, books or journals – including online subscriptions/access; and/or
VII. BUDGET REVISIONS
The Albert and Goldye J. Nelson Grants program requires the submission of a revised budget when the grant
awarded is less than originally requested. The revised budget must reallocate the amount awarded for items
requested in the original budget - except for any items specifically described in the award letter that must be deleted
from the budget.
Subsequent to budget approval the PI must submit a written request to the Albert and Goldye J. Nelson Grant
program for authorization to reallocate funds for the following reasons:
a) totals more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the current annual budget,
b) changing salaries or approved supply purchases
Such requests must include the amount of the reallocation and a detailed justification. Requests for budget revisions
will be accepted up to the last three (3) months of the full funding period of the award. The Albert and Goldye J.
Nelson Grant does not permit budget revisions exceeding twenty five percent (25%) of the total approved annual
budget Reallocations are permitted only during the current funding year.
VIII. UNEXPENDED FUNDS
If funds are not completely expended at the end of a support year, they must be returned to the Department of
Neurology within twelve (12) weeks of the support period. If a second year of funding of support still exists, a carry
forward of funds may be requested. Carry-over of unexpended funds is limited to a maximum of ten (10) percent of
the award for that budget year. Such a request must be submitted in writing no later than twelve (12) weeks after
the termination date of that year of support. The request must state the amount that remains unexpended and how
those funds will be used in the following year. All category maximums remain in effect.
IX. NO COST EXTENSION
Under exceptional circumstances, a project may be extended for a period of either three (3) or six (6) months beyond
the grant's original expiration date. The PI must request such an extension in writing by completing the No Cost
Extension Request form. The request must be sent no later than four (4) weeks BEFORE the termination date of
the award. The originally approved budget remains in effect throughout the extension period, inclusive of all category
maximums.
X. CHANGE IN STATUS
The continued use of grant funds following any major change in status of the PI requires prior written authorization
from the Chair of the Department of Neurology. As described below, such changes include but are not limited to
prolonged absence, change in institution or withdrawal from the project.
1. PROLONGED ABSENCE
Continued use of funds by or reassignment of a project to another qualified investigator during a
prolonged absence of the PI (excluding institutionally authorized vacation) requires prior written
authorization. The PI must write to the Department of Neurology requesting such authorization at least
six (6) weeks before the starting date of the period of absence. The request must contain an explanation
of the reasons for the absence and details about the arrangements made for conducting the research
project during the absence. The letter must include the following:
a. Inclusive dates of absence;
b. Reason(s) for absence;
c. Name, address, telephone number, and curriculum vitae of the investigator who has agreed to be
responsible for the scientific conduct of the research project;
d. Proposed method and frequency of communication between the PI and the investigator-incharge;
e. Signature of the investigator referred to in item "c" above confirming that he or she is familiar with
all aspects of the project and accepts full responsibility for the conduct of the research during the
absence of the PI.
When a request for continued use of grant funds during a prolonged absence of the PI is not authorized,
the grant is terminated and all unexpended funds, if any, must be returned to the Department of
Neurology accompanied by a Report of Expenditures within eight (8) weeks of the date of termination.
2. MOVE TO NEW INSTITUTION
The Albert and Goldye J. Nelson program does not allow to transfer the funds to other institutions. Upon
the departure of the PI, unexpended grant funds, if any, must be returned to Department of Neurology
and a final Report of Expenditures be submitted within eight (8) weeks of the departure date.
3. WITHDRAWAL FROM PROJECT
When a PI withdraws from a project, his/her grant terminates and all unexpended funds, if any, must be
returned to the Department of Neurology accompanied by a Report of Expenditures within eight (8)
weeks of the withdrawal from the project.
4. CANCELLATION OF GRANT
If, for any reason, the recipient of a grant must relinquish the award, the PI should promptly so notify the
Department of Neurology in writing. The notification should state the effective date of cancellation of the
grant. Unexpended grant funds, if any, must be returned to the Department of Neurology accompanied
by a final Report of Expenditures within eight (8) weeks of the cancellation date.
The Department of Neurology reserves the right to cancel a grant if circumstances render the individual
on whose behalf the award was made unfit, unqualified and/or unable to perform under the terms and
conditions of this Research Grants Policy. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to,
abandonment of the project, loss of license, conviction of a crime, or withdrawal of insurance or other
material institutional protections.
5. CANCELLATION OF GRANT by the Chair of the Department of Neurology
The Department of Neurology has the option of canceling an award at any time with notice for any of the
following reasons:
1. If within ninety (90) days from the scheduled funding start date or the established deadline date for
receipt of required reports, the Department of Neurology has not received the required supporting
documentation, i.e. copy of IRB, FDA, IACUC approval letters; IND confirmation; copy of
informed/consent form(s); progress report; or other documentation as defined by the Albert and
Goldye J. Nelson Grants Policy.
2. For any violation of the guidelines governing by the Albert and Goldye J. Nelson grants program
Policy.
XI. CURRICULUM VITAE/BIOSKETCH
Curriculum vitas of all investigators, advisors, co-investigators and post-doctoral fellows who will be participating in
the execution of the research project must be provided to the grant review committee with the grant application.
When a project is underway, the Department of Neurology must be informed immediately in writing of any change
in personnel participating in the project, the reason(s) for such a change, and be provided the curriculum vitae or
biosketch of any additional or replacement personnel.
RESEARCH REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS
The protocol cited in the original application to the Department of Neurology is the protocol that is being funded
unless otherwise notified in writing by the Department of Neurology. Any amendments or adjustments to the original
protocol by the PI MUST be reported to the Department of Neurology in writing. The Department of Neurology must
be IMMEDIATELY notified of ALL substantive changes to the protocol.
I. REPORT OF EXPENDITURES
A Report of Expenditures should be sent to the Department of Neurology upon the completion of the grant. The
awardees may produce the report based on the Banner system’s format and data. The expenditure report should
be submitted along with scientific report and other documents. The expenditure will be verified through the banner
system. Unexpended funds during the first or second year may be carried over the following year by submitting a
request to Department of Neurology for approval. This request should be made 8 weeks prior to the end of the fiscal
year. Upon the end of the funding period, no cost extension may be requested as described above.
A deficit balance may not be carried forward to a new funding period.
Once the final Report of Expenditures has been submitted department of Neurology will not accept revisions to the
submitted report.
II. PROJECT STATUS REPORT
Progress reports must be submitted at least three (3) months prior to the expiration dates. A final report must be
submitted no later than four (4) weeks following the grant termination date. The Department of Neurology may
require additional progress reports at any time during an award period as a condition of continuing the award.
III. PUBLICATIONS, SCIENTIFIC PRESENTATIONS AND NEWS RELEASES
The Albert and Goldye J. Nelson Grant Program expects timely publication of the results of all research projects it
supports and requires that every such publication or presentation - whether in peer-reviewed journals, meeting
abstract formats, platforms, and poster presentations or in review articles or similar publications - contain the
following statement or its equivalent: “Supported by The Albert and Goldye J. Nelson Endowment Grant,
Department of Neurology and Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences at Wayne State University.”
IV. PROGRAM ASSESSMENT
The PI will be required to participate in follow-up assessments of his/her scientific and professional progress. For a
period of three (3) years after the grant end date and in response to a request from the Albert and Goldye J. Nelson
Grant Program, the PI will annually inform the Albert and Goldye J. Nelson Grant Program of his/her professional
status, research support, patents, publications, etc. in order to assess the effectiveness and impact of grant funds.
The final assessment will occur five (5) years after the grant end date. This provision shall survive expiration or
termination of the grant.
HUMAN AND/OR ANIMAL SUBJECTS/TISSUES
I. RESEARCH PROTOCOL
When human subjects, tissues and/or materials are to be used in a research project, it is the responsibility of the PI
to ensure that the institution has the following on file and email an electronic copy to Department of Neurology:
1. A complete copy of the research protocol approved by the Institution's Human Subjects Review Board
and a copy of that Board's current approval notice;
2. A copy of the Board’s approved patient informed consent form(s) to be used.
A copy of the Board's current approval notice and a copy of the Board’s approved patient informed consent form
must be submitted with the application and upon each annual renewal.
Projects must be in compliance with all policies, rules and regulations governing clinical trials including those of the
federal regulatory agencies, the respective university. Department of Neurology must be advised about any
amendments to the original research protocol (including the participant consent form) occurring prior to the
commencement of or during the course of the research project.
II. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
When experimental drugs and/or experimental medical devices are to be administered to patients, the materials
required in the "Research Protocol" section "E" of this document are necessary. In addition, it is the responsibility
of the PI to ensure that the institution has the following on file and send to Department of Neurology:
1. A complete copy of the Investigational New Drug (IND) and/or Investigational Device Exemption (IDE)
application approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and a copy of the FDA's
approval notice; and
2. Copies of all correspondence during the application and award periods between the FDA and the MDA
Principal Investigator pertaining to the experimental drug(s) and/or device study.
III. PATIENT CHARGES
Nelson Funds should not be used to pay the patients participations in experimental drug and/or device studies.
Patients must be fully advised about their responsibility for ancillary costs relating to participation in a research
project -- travel, lodging, food, etc.
IV. ANIMAL RESEARCH
The PI should use animals and animal tissues for research purposes only when reasonable and practical
alternatives do not exist. When attainment of the specific aims of a project requires the use of animals and/or animal
tissues, a detailed justification must be included in the research grant application submitted. The justification shall
include statements confirming that institutional guidelines:
1. Are at least as protective as those of the National Institutes of Health;
2. Conform to all applicable laws and regulations;
3. Meet prevailing community standards for responsible scientific research;
4. Apply throughout the project to ensure the humane treatment of any animals involved in the project.