What does BTRP mean in RESEARCH

The Basic and Translational Research Program (BTRP) is a research initiative of the National Institutes of Health designed to fund innovative ideas in basic science and clinical research. BTRP funds research that can lead to advances in diagnostics, treatments, devices, standards of care, and prevention strategies for diseases or conditions with significant public health impact.

The Basic and Translational Research Program is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH sponsors basic research projects through its Institutes and Centers.

The Basic and Translational Research Program is focused on funding high-risk, high-reward projects that have a potential for major breakthroughs on diseases or conditions with significant public health impact. Other NIH grant programs focus on more traditional biomedical research topics with a greater emphasis on outcomes.

Any scientist from a nonprofit institution who has relevant qualifications in their field can submit an application to the BTRP program. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or foreign countries that have signed agreements with the US government related to scientific exchange programs.

Projects must focus on diseases or conditions with significant public health impact, such as cancer, heart disease, obesity, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s Disease, rare diseases, mental illness etc. Projects should have long-term objectives that address fundamental questions in life sciences such as genetics or cell biology; short term objectives focusing on diagnosis, treatment, device development etc., are also considered eligible.

No investigators do not need prior experience in basic science when applying for the BTRP program - although it may help them understand how certain concepts might be applicable to their application. However applicants are responsible for demonstrating their knowledge within their field as well as designing innovative approaches which can potentially yield breakthroughs.

Applications typically take around 4–6 months before they reach review stage. After review there may be additional delays related to decisions about budgeting and prioritization.

It is advisable to apply when you feel your project is ready to go - i.e you have done any necessary pilot studies, collected preliminary data where necessary etc. Applying too early can result in wasted resources once you realize what else needs adjusting.

Yes - many institutions offer comprehensive guidelines on how one should structure an application. Additionally, specific grant programs often provide detailed guidelines outlining what information / evidence needs submitting within an application.