Research · Innovation · Pelvic Pain
Fred Howard Early Investigator Grant
Supporting emerging investigators whose work has the potential to improve the lives of people affected by pelvic pain.
The International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS) Fred Howard Early Investigator Grant offers young investigators interested in pelvic pain the opportunity to obtain funding for their research. IPPS seeks to promote and encourage education and research focused on interdisciplinary approaches to the evaluation and treatment of health conditions associated with chronic pelvic pain.
The grant may be awarded to a resident, fellow, or post-doctoral member (MD, MPH, PhD) proposing a clinical, research, education, or publication project with the potential to improve the lives of patients with pelvic pain. Because pelvic pain is a multidisciplinary field, applications are encouraged from across specialties involved in pelvic pain care. The grant is a membership benefit and requires mentorship by an IPPS member.
Eligibility Requirements
- Resident, fellow, or post-doctoral fellow in a related field, including medical specialties, pain, physical therapy, psychiatry, and nursing.
- Must have a post-doctorate degree such as MD, PhD, or MPH.
- Applicant and mentor must both be IPPS members.
- The final project must obtain Institutional Review Board approval if required. The institution conducting the research must have access to an IRB or equivalent.
Application Requirements
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Two letters of recommendation, including one from a department Chair or equivalent and one from a mentor
- Abstract of 250 words or fewer
- Introduction, background, and justification — limit 1 page
- Specific aims and hypothesis — limit 1 page, with no more than 3 specific aims
- Research design and methods — limit 3 pages
- Innovation and anticipated results — limit 1/2 page
- Budget, timeline, and deliverables — limit 1/2 page
- Appendix with study-specific materials — limit 3 pages
Research Design & Methods
The proposal should clearly describe the study design, study population, comparison groups or exposures, interventions if applicable, and primary and secondary outcomes. It should also explain inclusion and exclusion criteria, recruitment and enrollment methods, the statistical analysis plan, and how outcomes will be assessed.
Investigators should carefully consider strategies to decrease selection and outcome assessment bias and to minimize loss to follow-up. Risks and benefits to study participants should be described, along with methods to reduce risk. Whenever possible, validated tools should be used to assess exposures and outcomes.
Investigators are strongly encouraged to consult the Sample Research Protocol Template available through IPPS and published study-design guidelines such as STROBE, CONSORT, and PRISMA.
Additional Application Elements
- Abbreviations and references — no page limit
- If applicable, CITI training certificate for human-subject research or the Canadian equivalent, TCPS
Review Process
Applications are reviewed by the Research and Program Committees, which may recommend up to three finalists. The winner is selected by the IPPS President and the Chairs of the Research and Program Committees.
Reporting Requirements
The grant recipient is required to submit both a mid-term and final progress report to the IPPS Research Committee.
Post-Grant Requirements
IPPS must be credited as a sponsor in presentations and publications resulting from the research project. The recipient is also required to submit an abstract describing the results at the IPPS Annual Meeting.
Funding & Payment
Maximum award: $3,000
The primary purpose of the grant is to support research-related expenses. Funding is not intended to be the primary source for travel, lodging, meals, or other costs associated with attending IPPS meetings, although it may supplement those expenses.
Proof of grant expenditures may be required. Funds are disbursed in full once confirmation of IRB approval is received and are paid to the sponsoring institution rather than directly to the applicant or mentor.