Proteomics and Bioanalysis Core Seed Fund

Quantitative proteomics and related technologies constitute a very powerful tool that transforms biomedical research by generating and/or examining hypothesis on a global level, with high throughput, accuracy and precision. UB has a prestigious and state-of-the-art proteomics core with an excellent track record in supporting biochemical and pharmaceutical research activities. The services / collaborations include but are not limited to:

• quantitative proteomics by IonStar (e.g. reproducible quantification of >6000 proteins in >100 samples/batch)
• quantitative phosphoproteomics (e.g. quantify thousands of phosphorylation sites in a cell or tissue system)
• targeted and untargeted metabolomics
• targeted protein quantification with LC-MS

The goal of this OVPRED program is to stimulate new research directions and projects that foster the use of advanced proteomics technology and to develop preliminary data that can support external grant applications.

Awards will not exceed $15,000 for projects of one year or less.

Awardees will be provided vouchers to the Proteomics and Bioanalysis Core that can only be used toward LC-MS charges at full price and efforts of core personnel for sample preparation and basic data analysis. Supplies such as labeling reagents (where applicable), columns, traps, etc., and efforts on extended biological data interpretation are not included and must be provided by the awardee. Award recipients are required to submit a proposal for external funding within 18 months of the award start date.

All faculty whose appointments allow them to submit external proposals through the UB Sponsored Projects Services Office are eligible to apply.

Proposals will be reviewed by Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development and the Proteomics and Bioanalysis Core. The proposals will be reviewed according to these general selection criteria (100 point scale):

• Scientific, scholarly, or creative merit (30 points)
• Innovation and potential impact (15 points)
• Project investigative team (15 points)
• Potential for generating external funding (40 points)

In addition to the general criteria, proposals will also be evaluated based on quality and the extent to which the project truly takes advantage of novel proteomics techniques. Leveraging current resources or departmental/school cost-sharing to ensure the success of the project is encouraged.

Applicants can request Proteomics Core vouchers for projects of no more than a 1-year duration. Prior to issuance of the award, all  regulatory approvals needed to conduct the work must be in place. A final report is due within 60 days after the conclusion of the funding period summarizing the results in relation to the stated goals of the application.

External funding success related to a Proteomics Core award will be tracked.

• The awardees will be required to report annually on proposals submitted and awards granted for three years
• The application for extramural funding required within 18 months of the project start date should be sent to the OVPRED, as well as reviews from the sponsor
• The external application must have a proteomics aim and a budget for the Proteomics Core that has been approved by the Core Director

When external funding is awarded, the proteomics aim and associated budget may not be reduced except on a pro-rata basis if the budget was generally reduced by the agency.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.

To apply submit the following documents as a single PDF to Joe Balthasar @ ovpr.proteomics@research.buffalo.edu. 

• The application should include a 3-page description of the project clearly showing that the proteomics aim will enhance the competitiveness of a planned external funding application
• In addition, attach biosketches for the PI and other key personnel including current and pending funding  

Applicants should discuss their projects with Proteomics Core Director, Professor Jun Qu @ junqu@buffalo.edu prior to submission.