As an applicant, you are solely responsible for planning, directing and executing the proposed project. Any individuals with the skills, knowledge and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) are invited to work with their institution to develop an Expression of Interest.

As part of the scientific review, all applications will undergo a selection process. The applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit will be discussed and assigned a priority score. A written critique will be provided for all full proposals. The Terumo BCT Grant Committee will consider applications based on the following criteria:


Significance

  • Does this study focus on an important problem or aspect of blood safety that needs to be addressed?
  • If the goals of the proposal are reached, how will they advance scientific knowledge about blood safety or associated clinical practice?
  • What will the effect be of these studies on the methods, procedures, services or preventive interventions in regard to blood safety?

Novelty

  • Is the proposal original and innovative?
  • Does the proposal push existing paradigms, challenge existing practices, address a unique idea or critical barrier to progress in blood safety?
  • How does the proposal employ or explore new concepts, procedures and/or methodologies in this area?
  • Does the proposal standardize a procedure or treatment approach that may have been previously unclear or undocumented?

Approach

  • Are the conceptual framework, research design, scientific methods and analyses adequately developed, reasoned and appropriate to the goal and objectives of the proposal?
  • How does the applicant address or acknowledge potential risks or problem areas in their proposal and outline alternative tactics?

Investigators

  • Are the project leaders appropriately qualified and trained to carry out the proposed project?
  • Does the project team bring complementary expertise and experience to the project (if appropriate)?

Environment

  • Does the location or facility in which the work will be done support the proposed project?
  • Will the environment contribute to the probability for successful completion of the project on time and within budget?

Additional Review Considerations: the budget and requested support period proposed in each application will be reviewed for reasonableness by the Terumo BCT Grant Committee.