CTSI Update
This funding opportunity encourages researchers to submit a pilot project grant application that will identify, develop, test, evaluate and/or refine strategies in order to advance the preparedness of government agencies, healthcare systems, and community organizations in influencing the support of COVID-19 vaccine distribution among populations at the greatest risk of spread or exposure to the virus. Review the RFA Here.
Accepting Applications for Spring 2021

The Early Stage Research Career Development Program will provide a roadmap and targeted guidance for senior post-doctoral fellows and junior faculty (both MD and PhD) committed to launching an independent research career. Read More.
Are you planning to submit a Career Development Award (K01, K08 or K23)? Have you assembled mentors and developed a Specific Aims page, but want to ensure that you submit the most competitive application possible? The K Grant Writing Workshop, sponsored by the BU CTSI, is open to Faculty and accomplished Post-Doctoral Students/Fellows who will be remaining at BUMC. Review the RFA Here.
The BU CTSI Voucher Program is designed to support the short-term needs of research investigators that are not otherwise covered by grants. Vouchers are intended to enable preliminary work, to generate data for new or ongoing projects and/or to secure fee-based core services for expert consultation services (such as biostatistics & data management) with the ultimate goal of furthering clinical and translational research. Read More.
New Funding Opportunities

Mechanistic Studies of the Interaction between SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and Diseases and Organ Systems of Interest to NIDDK (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Discovery of the Genetic Basis of Childhood Cancers and of Structural Birth Defects: Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (X01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Office of Strategic Coordination

Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Effects of smoking and vaping on the risk and outcome of COVID-19 infection

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Availability of Emergency Awards for Limited Clinical Trials to Evaluate Therapeutic and Vaccine Candidates Against SARS-CoV-2

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

Notice of Special Interest: Competitive Supplements for Implementation Science Research as Part of NHLBI-funded Phased Awards (R61/R33 and UG3/UH3)

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Urgent Phase I/II Clinical Trials to Repurpose Existing Therapeutic Agents to Treat COVID-19 Sequelae (U01 Clinical Trial Required)

National Center for Advancing Translational Studies (NCATS)
News & Events

Detailed Study Finds Accurate Antibody Fingerprint for COVID-19

Artificial intelligence has paved the way for scientific development of accurate, inexpensive, and easy serological testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Read More

New CRISPR Technology can Diagnose COVID-19 in Less Than 30 Minutes

Assay using CRISPR technology enables superior specificity and sensitivity for detecting SARS-CoV-2, requiring minimal equipment and rapidly accelerates the pace of diagnosis.
NIH Scientists Discover Key Pathway
in Lysosomes that Coronaviruses
Use to Exit Cells

Normally, the lysosome destroys viruses and other pathogens before they leave the cells. However, researchers found that the coronavirus deactivates the lysosome’s disease-fighting machinery, allowing it to freely spread throughout the body. Read More

Partnering with Industry to Speed Development of Promising Treatments

The preclinical work focuses on the evaluation of therapeutic candidates to identify potential treatments. Two research papers from the ACTIV Preclinical Working Group offer new tools to speed drug discovery and testing.


SARS-CoV-2 Antiviral Therapeutics Summit - November 06, 2020;
11:00 a.m. EST

Join NIH for the Virtual SARS-CoV-2 Antiviral Therapeutics Summit, where the experts will discuss progress & challenges in developing antiviral treatments for COVID19. Read More.
COVID-19 Seminar Series
October 8, 2020 - December 17, 2020;
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m. EST

A 10-week series to dive deeper into the COVID-19 outbreak, from understanding its evolution to its impact on minority communities to the complexities involved in tracking and containing the virus. Read More.
Implement Your Research Project Within an Electronic Health Record System
December 16, 2020; 1:00 p.m. EST

Learn about pioneering research from dedicated teams of informaticians, forging a path for your research protocols, guidance on the capabilities between healthcare and research paradigms, and selecting the best path for you. Read More.
Accelerating Discoveries Towards Better Health 
bu.edu/ctsi | ncats.nih.gov