Application Information

This funding opportunity aims to fund pilot and feasibility studies focused on the identification of novel therapeutic approaches for the whole spectrum of kidney diseases. Successful pilot and feasibility studies should serve as a basis for subsequent applications for independent research support from the NIH or other funding agencies. Proposals focused on any of the following areas will be accepted for review:

• Applications proposing studies of novel targets for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of kidney diseases;
• Applications proposing the use of nucleic acid therapeutic strategies for kidney diseases;
• Applications with a health equity focus proposing the development or study of innovative strategies to address kidney health disparities; or
• Applications proposing the study of mechanisms or new methods to advance the implementation science to improve prevention, early detection, or treatment of kidney diseases.

Investigators must specify which NUGoKidney Core facilities will be used for the conduct of their proposed studies and justify the need to utilize these services. It is expected that applicants consult with a navigator from the specific core(s) they plan to utilize about service options and cost estimates.

To schedule a core consultation, please complete the request form here.

• Both basic and clinical research investigators with an M.D., Ph.D. or equivalent within and outside of Northwestern University are eligible to apply.
• Investigators need to justify how the proposed studies relate to the broad area of kidney therapeutics.
• Applications that foster cross-disciplinary collaborations and collaborations between basic and clinical researchers with an immediate translational value are particularly encouraged.
• Investigators who received NUGoKidney P&F funds in the past two years are not eligible to apply.
• Resubmission of unfunded applications will be accepted. You DO NOT need an introduction for your resubmission.

Priority will be given to those projects with high translational potential or are designed to identify candidate pathways or targets with the greatest potential impact. In addition, junior investigators and investigators outside the field of kidney research are encouraged to apply to enhance opportunities to obtain additional external funds resulting from the successful use of seed funds. Interdisciplinary collaborations are highly encouraged. 

• Budgets will be approximately $50,000 (total costs) for the entire project period. When extremely well justified, budgets up to $100,000 (total costs) will be considered. 
• Budgets must be well-justified. 
• One year maximum. 
• Earliest state date is August 1, 2022. 
• Consult with appropriate NUGoKidney core about budget estimates. 

Download the proposal template here.

Each proposal should be 3 pages maximum (Arial font, size 11, margins no less than 0.5 inches; charts and figures included in 3-page limit) and contain the following: 

• Proposal title
• Principal investigator(s)
• Abstract (300 words max)
• Specific aims 
• Research strategy (significance, innovation, approach [preliminary data, if applicable]) 
• Expected outcomes and plans for subsequent grant submission 
• Statement of how the project will advance the mission of NUGoKidney
• Use of NUGoKidney Center Core services and facilities (REQUIRED)

Preliminary data are encouraged but not required.

Additional information to accompany the application (but outside the 3-page limit) should include:

• Investigator biosketch (NIH-style, limited to 5 pages)
• Project timeline
• Budget
  • Permitted budget categories include: PI salary support (not to exceed 10% of total direct costs including fringe benefits), supplies, salary support for other personnel (e.g., study coordinator, technician), animal purchase and housing, core service usage, patient incentives (for clinical studies only)
  • Budget categories not permitted: equipment
  • Please use the provided budget template.

• Bibliography and works cited.

Anticipated award date: August 1, 2022

NUGoKidney will manage the proposal submission and review process.

Proposals will be reviewed by a committee comprised of leading experts in kidney diseases and therapeutics development and represent an all-encompassing breadth of research to bridge basic discovery to development and implementation of new therapies into the clinic.

Awardees must deliver: 

• An interim progress report six months after receiving funding (about one page) submitted electronically via Redcap;
• A final report describing the study’s findings, related publications, and any other outcomes or subsequent grant submissions within twelve months of project’s conclusion (two pages); and
• A presentation of findings at NUGoKidney’s Kidney Disease Therapeutic Innovation Symposium after the conclusion of the pilot study.

Send the full proposal as a single PDF file to nephrohub@northwestern.edu with the subject line "FY2023 NUGoKidney P&F Application" by May 13th, 2022, 11:59pm.

Click here for additional information on NUGoKidney Cores and their services.

Please send questions about the application process to nephrohub@northwestern.edu