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EXPORT pilot program accepting applications MUSC and South Carolina State University (SCSU) direct one of 20 Centers of Excellence in Partnerships for Community Outreach, Research on Health Disparities and Training (Project EXPORT).   The focus of the EXPORT Center at SCSU and MUSC is the metabolic syndrome, a cluster of disorders, including hypertension, diabetes, lipid abnormalities and obesity, which have a strong impact on health disparities and are particularly burdensome for residents of South Carolina.   The MUSC/SCSU EXPORT Pilot Program is a one-year program that provides support for up to two pilot projects (up to $15,000 per project) in patient-oriented research for graduate or post graduate students, clinical fellows, or junior faculty from SCSU or MUSC. The period of funding will be from the date of the award in fall 2006 through Aug. 31, 2007.   Eligible applicants must be minority investigators who have not yet received independent funding. The pilot projects should be designed as vehicles to collect preliminary data for subsequent competitive application (e.g. K-awards, R03, and R01 awards). The focus of the pilot research should be patient-oriented research on the metabolic syndrome and its components in underrepresented minorities. Patient-oriented research includes clinical research, nursing research, education research, health services research, epidemiological studies, and community-based interventions. Priority will be given to proposals that tie into EXPORT Cores and programs or other sponsored minority research projects at MUSC and SCSU. Investigators should plan their project such that it can be completed by Aug. 31, 2007.   Applications must be submitted by Oct. 1  and must include: (1) a research proposal (maximum of three pages) containing a statement of the problem (including specific aims and background/rationale), method to be used, anticipated results, and discussion of how planned efforts would lead to future funding; (2) a one-page letter of support from a primary mentor who would guide the applicant during the one-year period of funding; (3) biographical sketches for the investigator and mentor in the standard PHS 398 format; (4) a one-page signed letter from the applicant summarizing career development plans and committing to set aside a half-day per week for career development activities on site at MUSC or SCSU, and (5) budget and justification on the standard PHS 398 form.   Three independent reviewers will review all applications. Selected applicants (two) will be notified in mid-October for funding that will begin Nov. 1. Questions regarding the application procedures should be directed to Richelle Koopman,M.D., or to Robin McNeal in the MUSC Office of Special Initiatives, 792-2136.   Send application materials to: Richelle Koopman, MD, MS, EXPORT Pilot Core Director, Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Family Medicine, 295 Calhoun Street, P.O. Box 250192, Charleston, S.C., 29425.     Friday, Aug. 25, 2006 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 catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.