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Call for Applications MCRC for Rheumatic Diseases in African-Americans Pilot Project MUSC directs one of nine Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Centers (MCRC) funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.   One component of this center supports the MCRC Pilot Project Program, a one-year program that provides support for pilot projects (up to $50,000) in patient-oriented research for graduate or post-graduate students, or junior faculty from MUSC or other institutions, with funding provided by MUSC’s Provost Office.   Eligible applicants must be an investigator or co-investigator who has not yet received R01 funding. The pilot studies should be designed as a vehicle to collect preliminary data for a subsequent competitive application (e.g. R03, R01, and K-awards). The focus of the pilot research should be patient-oriented research on rheumatic diseases with an emphasis on health disparities affecting under represented minorities. Examples of rheumatic disease research areas supported include (but are not limited to): systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Patient-oriented research includes: (a) mechanisms of human disease; (b) therapeutic interventions; (c) clinical trials; (d) development of new technologies; (e) epidemiologic and behavioral studies; and (f) outcomes research and health services research.   Applications must be submitted by Oct. 31 and include: (1) a research proposal (maximum of  3 pages) containing a statement of the problem (including specific aims and background/rationale), methods to be used, anticipated results, and discussion of how planned efforts will lead to future funding; (2) a biographical sketch for the investigator on the standard PHS 398 form; (3) a one-page signed letter from the applicant summarizing career development plans and committing to set aside one-half day per week for career development activities on-site at MUSC; and (4) budget and justification. All submitted proposals must be pre-reviewed by the MCRC Methodology Core prior to formal review. For information, contact Paul Nietert, nieterpj@musc.edu. The MCRC Steering Committee, chaired by Dr. Richard Silver, will serve as the review committee, and will select those to receive funding by Jan. 31, 2006.   Send application materials to: Richard M. Silver, M.D. Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, 912CSB, PO Box 250637, Charleston, S.C. 29425   Questions should be directed to Ann Donaldson at 792-2009 or e-mail donaldsa@musc.edu.   Applications from racial/ethnic minority individuals and women and persons with disabilities are encouraged.     Friday, Sept. 15, 2005 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.