AGA-Pfizer Pilot Research Award in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Objective The objective of this AGA Research Foundation Pilot Research Award is to provide funds for early career investigators to help establish their research careers or to support projects that represent new research directions for established investigators. Projects must focus on the pathophysiology, epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis, treatment or patient outcomes of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Application requirements

• The proposed research must focus on the pathophysiology, epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis, treatment or patient outcomes of NASH.
• Early career investigators are required to have a mentor for this award. The preceptor will supervise the principal investigator’s research activities ensuring timelines and deliverables. MD applicants are considered “early career” if no more than seven years have elapsed following the completion of clinical training (GI fellowship or its equivalent) at the start date (i.e., April 2022) of this award. PhD applicants are considered “early career” if no more than seven years have elapsed following the awarding of the PhD degree and the start date (i.e., April 2022) of this award.
• For all applicants at the instructor or assistant professor level, a letter of recommendation from their division chief or department chair that outlines support of the applicant and their research project is required.
• Established investigators who are applying for this award should state explicitly how the proposed research is different from their previous line(s) of investigation.
• The application must indicate how the principal investigator will use the pilot data as an extension of their work that will allow them to apply for additional funding through another agency, such as NIH.
• A completed research facilities and resources form must be submitted.
• Biographical sketches for the applicant, mentor (if applicable) and all key personnel must be submitted.
• Upon notification of receipt of this award, the recipient must provide approval from the appropriate institutional committee(s) for use of human subjects or animals. If approval is not necessary, the recipient must provide documentation from the appropriate regulatory committee.
• Recipients must submit scientific and financial progress reports to AGA upon completion of the award and as needed at the request of the AGA Research Foundation.

Applicant eligibility

Applicants for this award must hold an MD, PhD and/or equivalent degree (e.g., MBBS, MBChB, DO) and a full-time faculty position or equivalent at an institution in North America (U.S., Canada or Mexico).

AGA membership is required at the time of application submission. Please visit the AGA membership page or call 301-654-2055 for membership information.

Applicants performing any type of research (basic, translational, clinical) relevant to digestive disorders are eligible to apply.

Applicants who are physician-scientists, female or from racial/ethnic groups underrepresented in biomedical research are strongly encouraged to apply.