European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD)

and

sanofi-aventis

European Programme:
The Endocannabinoid System from Bench to Bedside

Request for Applications

EFSD and sanofi-aventis announce
Research Funding in 2008

Deadline for Submission of Applications: 15 January 2008

   Background

The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) was founded in Montecatini, Italy, in 1965. In 1999, the Association created the European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD). The aims of EFSD are to encourage and support research in the field of diabetes, to rapidly diffuse acquired knowledge and to facilitate its application.

The sanofi-aventis Group is the world's third largest pharmaceutical company, ranking number one in Europe. Backed by a world-class R&D organisation, sanofi-aventis is developing leading positions in seven major therapeutic areas. Their commitment to diabetes medicine has been longstanding since 1923 and the involvement of Hoechst, a legacy company of sanofi-aventis. Today sanofi-aventis produces several medicines to treat diabetes including the number 1 selling insulin in the world. With a dedicated team of research scientists devoted to diabetes research, it is entirely appropriate that the company partners with EFSD to support further research in this field.

   Emphasis of Research Project

Projects should focus on the integration of central and peripheral control of fuel and energy metabolism, and its role in the pathophysiology of multiple cardiometabolic risk factors including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, with particular emphasis on the following:

• molecular mechanisms of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) activation under conditions of nutrient overload at the cellular level;
• effects of genetic manipulation of the ECS on integrated physiology in pre-clinical models;
• parameters of pancreatic and gastrointestinal function regulated by the ECS;
• the role of genetic variability in human populations in modulating the role of the ECS in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance, insulin secretory function and type 2 diabetes.

Studies focusing on pharmaco-epidemiology and patient care will be specially considered.

   Funding

The Programme will fund one project of up to Euro 120,000, from either a clinical or basic research background.

All budgets are to be prepared in Euro.

   Mechanism of Support and Review

Applications for an EFSD/sanofi-aventis grant are invited from single non-profit institutions or groups of such institutions from Europe and associated countries. The principal investigator and any co-investigators must be normally employed at a non-profit institution and the study must be performed at such a place of work.

Applications will be subject to scientific review by a specialised ad hoc committee. It is anticipated that applications will be received, reviewed and the successful projects approved for funding by April 2008.

Prior to any final decision on funding, and in order to offer applicants the opportunity to benefit from the review process, EFSD reserves the right to request revision to applications in accordance with the recommendations of the Review Committee.

Application forms may be requested from: Foundation@easd.org

All applications must be prepared on the official forms and completed in strict accordance with the detailed instructions to be found on these forms. In particular, applicants are reminded that any pages in addition to the maximum of 10 allowed for the scientific section of the application will be deleted prior to review. Similarly, no applications using a font or line-spacing smaller than that defined in the instructions will be considered for review. Additional material (in the form of an appendix, attachment, reprints, etc.) is not receivable and will not be sent to reviewers.

Applications should be submitted by post no later than 15 January 2008 (date of receipt) to:

Dr. Viktor Jörgens
Executive Director
European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes
Rheindorfer Weg 3
40591 Düsseldorf
Germany

   Review Considerations 

Completed applications will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria stated below for scientific/technical merit by an appropriate scientific committee convened by EFSD and sanofi-aventis.

Review criteria are as follows:

• Significance: Is the study relevant to the Programme? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge be advanced? What will be the effect of the proposed studies on the concepts or methods that drive this field?
• Approach: Are the conceptual framework, design, methods and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics?
• Innovation: Does the project employ novel concepts, approaches or methods? Are the aims original and innovative? Does the project challenge existing paradigms or develop new methodologies or technologies?
• Investigator: Is the investigator appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers (if any)?
• Environment: Does the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed experiments take advantage of unique features of the scientific environment or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support?
• Relevance: A brief statement of the impact of the proposed study on diabetes research within the framework of the Programme's plan and objectives.

   Reporting Requirements

All investigators funded by this Programme are required to submit a scientific report at the end of the funding period. Investigators must provide EFSD with copies of papers accepted for publication, and must acknowledge the support of the Programme in all written material by use of the phrase: "This work was supported by an EFSD/sanofi- aventis research grant".

   Schedule