Research “Shark Tank” Awards

The Wake Forest Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) is seeking clinically relevant project ideas for consideration in a virtual “shark tank” competition. Projects should address an existing issue or problem currently affecting our patient population and should propose a new practice, treatment, tool, approach, etc. that has the potential to improve patient care. Projects should consider ways to disseminate changes or new best practice to the affected patient population.

The CTSI Research “Shark Tank” program offers two sessions annually: Fall and Spring. Each session aims to fund one project for a 12-month period. Additional information can be found in the RFA.

Eligibility

This award is open to both faculty and non-faculty researchers throughout Advocate Health. Non-faculty researchers are required to have a faculty mentor from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Funding

The Clinical and Translational Science Institute will fund up to $5,000 in direct costs per project to be spent within a 12-month period. One project will be funded.

Review Criteria and Process

CTSI Sharks and Leadership will review projects with the following items being considered during review:

  • The quality of the science and potential for further project development.
  • Research feasibility and innovation.
  • Potential impact and demonstrated need.
  • Appropriateness of budget. 

Program Expectations

If any significant issues arise, the study team will be required to work with the CTSI to define an intervention strategy for the study to be successfully completed (or in rare cases, terminated).

  1. CTSI staff will work closely with funded teams throughout the grant period to monitor progress and, when necessary, provide assistance. A final progress report will be required. We expect PIs to report over the lifetime of the work the outcomes achieved due to the shark tank award, e.g., subsequent external funding, publications, presentations and patents.
  2. All publications that are the direct result of this funding must reference: “Research reported in this publication was supported by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.” Publications must also be registered in PubMed Central. 
  3. Any awardee who leaves his or her position should contact the CTSI to discuss future plans for the project.