In accordance with the mission of the AIUM, to advance the art and science of ultrasound in medicine and research, the AIUM is soliciting proposals for clinical and basic science ultrasound research projects. Researchers may apply for a grant in one of the following four ultrasound-related areas: (1) teaching, (2) clinical research - obstetrical/gynecological, (3) clinical research - non-obstetrical/gynecological, (4) basic science research.

Any area of ultrasound research and education will be considered for funding but preference will be given to projects satisfying the following criteria:

1. Projects which are related to teaching ultrasound and/or establishing guidelines for minimal physician education. Grants must result in the development of methods that can be utilized by individuals/institutions other than those that are being funded. The AIUM will not fund grants to teach a specific population in a single university/hospital.
2. Well-designed clinical ultrasound projects, which can be completed within a year, which investigate clinical outcomes, efficacy, role of new ultrasound applications, and in general, advance the science of ultrasound.
3. Projects which study an area of basic ultrasound research.
4. Projects which study the economics of ultrasound practice.

Applicants for research grants must be members of the AIUM. All applicants must have a letter of recommendation from an AIUM Fellow or Senior (unless the applicant is a Fellow or Senior of the AIUM) who has agreed to serve as a mentor to the principal investigator for the project. Only one application per individual will be accepted. Members of the AIUM Board of Governors or members of the granting committee may not apply. Previous grant awardees are ineligible for future grants and previously funded projects are ineligible for another round of funding. No more than $1,000 in grant funding may be used for travel. Travel expenses must be consistent with the AIUM travel policy. Funding of IRB and/or capital equipment is not allowed. The AIUM defines capital equipment as equipment greater than $1000.

The Grants Review Subcommittee of the Education and Research Fund Committee will recommend project selection to the Executive Committee. It is expected that the AIUM will fund several awards of up to $10,000.

Funds should be disbursed to tax exempt organizations. If the grant recipient is not tax exempt per IRS Publication 78, the grant recipient will be issued a 1099 for tax reporting purposes. Exempt organizations must supply a copy of their IRS Determination Letter and all others must complete a Form W9 before funds can be disbursed.

The AIUM will distribute all funds to the principal investigator and/or their institution. Subdivision of funds (identified in the budget proposal) to other participants will be the responsibility of the host institution, in coordination with the principal investigator. Prior to the distribution of funds, the AIUM will require a signed agreement between the host institution and the AIUM. Institutional overhead (indirect) costs will not be funded. Funds will be disbursed on the following basis: 50% at award, 40% at 6-month progress report, and 10% at final report.

Scientific papers resulting from AIUM supported research must be submitted for consideration at the AIUM Annual Convention. The AIUM strongly encourages submission of a manuscript to the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. A progress report will be required at six months and a final report within three months of completion of the project. The AIUM should be kept informed of publications and presentations resulting from AIUM support, even after submission of the final progress report. Notation acknowledging AIUM support should be made in all publications and presentations.

Follow these steps to apply for a grant:

• Review the Criteria for Research Proposals

Submit the following materials:

1. A completed Application & Budget Form
   
   
2. A two to three page summary describing the proposed project addressing the criteria listed below. Number and identify each section as indicated:
   1. Objective: Specific aims of the project.
   2. Relevance: To the field of ultrasound.
   3. Background: Including preliminary data.
   4. Methods: Experimental design to accomplish the aims of the project.
   5. Support: Facilities and equipment available at your institution needed for successful completion of this project.
   6. Bibliography: Relevant to the research - limit to one additional page.
      
      
3. A statement of the responsibilities of each of the investigators and support personnel (on a separate page).
   
   
4. An abbreviated, two-page curriculum vitae for each investigator (NIH format is appropriate) including education and/or professional experience and pertinent bibliography.
   
   
5. A page detailing current and prior grant support information.
   
   
6. A letter of recommendation from an AIUM Fellow or Senior member, if applicable. Applicants who are not an AIUM fellow or senior member must have a letter of recommendation.

Submission Instructions (YEARLY DEADLINE: November 1):

• Email a pdf of the completed application with all attachments to education_research@aium.org, or mail the completed application to: EER Grant Application, 14750 Sweitzer Lane, Suite 100, Laurel, MD 20707-5906
  
  
• You will receive a confirmation email within a week of your submission. If you do not receive a confirmation email within a week, please contact Elizabeth Rodrigues at 301-398-4100 to make sure we have received your application.

Most Common Submission Errors:

• The applicant fails to submit a letter or recommendation. Please double check to see if your name is on the Fellow or Senior list before assuming that you do not need a recommendation. To see the complete lists go to: Fellows | Seniors
  
  
• The applicant sends the application as a zip file. If you send a zip file, your email and zip attachment will be rejected due to antivirus filtering policies.

Awards are announced during the AIUM Annual Convention each year.