The Award

Terumo BCT is committed to supporting clinicians, hematologists, immunologists and other researchers to further advance the safety of blood.

This program has been designed to encourage researchers to explore new concepts, procedures and/or methodologies that focus on an important problem or aspect of blood safety.

Applicants must send in their Expression of Interest by 31 December, 2012. The Grant Committee will request finalists to complete a Full Submission by 12 April, 2013. Applicants may submit more than one Expression of Interest, provided each proposal is scientifically distinct.

Grant Committee

  • Terumo BCT Medical Affairs Director, Eric Buenz, Ph.D.
  • Terumo BCT Vice President of Scientific and Clinical Affairs,
    Ray Goodrich, Ph.D.
  • Industry experts — up to three independent key opinion leaders/specialists, dependent on nature of final proposals

Expenses Covered

The length of study is dependent on its scope. Funds can be used to cover direct costs, salary and overhead (not to exceed 17 percent of the total funding) associated with the approved proposal. Product or disposables can also be supplied by Terumo BCT. The request, if any, should be included in the Expression of Interest and the amount will be defined in the final award agreement. Once determined, the amount for Terumo BCT equipment and disposables may be in addition to the grant award.

Although the financial plans include support of this program, awards pursuant to this opportunity are contingent upon the availability of funds and the submission of a sufficient number of appropriate proposals. Total funding, including costs and overhead, should not exceed USD $100,000 over the period of the program.

Grant Recipient Responsibilities

Follow specific but reasonable timelines within which to conduct the research including starting and midterm milestones.

  • Customized milestones will be set out in the contract specific to the approved study.
  • Start and midterm milestones will have reporting associated with each, after which different amounts of the grant will become available. Applicants may outline a proposed funds payment schedule in accordance with these reporting points, with an associated budget for how the funds will be used at each point. Complete funding is contingent upon objectives being met.
  • Based upon the risk and type of study proposed, the following approvals may be required. Identifying and submitting for the appropriate study approval is the responsibility of the study investigator. We will not award the grant funds until we have a copy of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval letter:
    • Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) — Studies of devices that pose a significant risk require both U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and an IRB approval prior to initiation of a clinical study. FDA approval is obtained by submitting an IDE application to FDA.
    • Investigational New Drug (IND) — Studies of drugs to be used on human subjects require both FDA and an IRB approval prior to initiation of a clinical study. FDA approval is obtained by submitting an IND application to FDA.
    • IRB — Studies of devices that pose a non-significant risk requires IRB approval prior to initiation of a clinical study.
  • Develop and conduct the study according to a budget — to be approved by the Terumo BCT Grant Committee — which must be drafted and submitted with the full submission.
  • Agree to pursue publishing/presenting the results in specified publications/venues, this will be included as a milestone for payment.
  • The data is owned by the investigator, but the Terumo BCT Grant Committee requires a courtesy review prior to submission.
  • Prior to funding, the award-winning applicant must submit a formal acceptance to the Terumo BCT Grant Committee and enter into a contract that outlines the responsibilities and obligations for all parties.
  • When requested, investigators must agree to meet with their
    Terumo BCT contact. Terumo BCT associates may visit the study
    site to help investigators ensure all milestones are met on a timely
    basis. Research funding can be withdrawn if milestones are not met
    and the study does not progress in a timely manner.