Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Opens Online Application System for New Research Funding, Announces Applicant Webinars and Call for Reviewers

Mandatory Letters of Intent Due June 15; Applicant Webinars Scheduled June 6 and 13

WASHINGTON, June 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has opened its online application system for individuals to register to respond to its recently issued research funding announcements. Required letters of intent (LOI) from applicants are due June 15 and applications for awards, totaling up to $96 million this year, are due July 31.

The funding announcements, issued May 22, seek proposals for innovative projects that effectively incorporate patients and stakeholders in research teams that will address the areas of focus of the first four of PCORI's five National Priorities for Research and Research Agenda. A fifth announcement will be issued during the summer.

PCORI has scheduled two webinars to support interested applicants for this initial round of funding, on June 6 and 13, each from 3:00-4:30 p.m. ET. The webinars will provide an overview of the funding opportunities, outline PCORI's merit review criteria and process, explain the online registration system, and review requirements for submitting the LOI. Individuals must register through PCORI's website, pcori.org, to participate.

"Through our first funding announcements, we are encouraging the community to think boldly about patient-centered research projects that align with our agenda and criteria," said PCORI Executive Director Joe Selby, MD, MPH. "We have created a user-friendly announcement and application process, and we hope our webinars will help inform and attract new and diverse research teams to the process."

PCORI also seeks scientists, patients, caregivers, clinicians, and other stakeholders to review the funding applications that will be submitted. Scientific reviewers will assess the scientific merit and the potential clinical impact of the proposed research.

Stakeholder reviewers, who will include patients, caregivers, clinicians, and others with previous experience in reviewing research or other appropriate qualifications, will assess the potential impact of the research and ensure that patients and stakeholders are well represented in the proposal and on the research team. Individuals can learn more and apply to be a reviewer through PCORI's website.

"Reviewers are highly valued members of the PCORI community," Selby said. "Their work is essential to helping us support research that will be scientifically rigorous and truly patient-centered."

About PCORI

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is an independent, non-profit organization authorized by Congress. Its mission is to fund research that will provide patients, their caregivers and clinicians with the evidence-based information needed to make better-informed health care decisions. PCORI is committed to continuously seeking input from a broad range of stakeholders to guide its work. More information is available at www.pcori.org.

SOURCE Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute