The Wilske Center for Translational Research

The Wilske Center for Translational Research has recently been formed to build upon the expertise of our BRI Scientists and clinical expertise at VMMC. The purpose of the committee is to:

     1.  Identify barriers to research within VM and BRI and act as a voice within VM to encourage systems and strengthen research.
     2.  Develop a community of physicians performing research who can advise and assist each other in attaining their research goals, e.g., mentoring.
     3.  Review and recommend clinical research chair awards.
     4.  Review and award the Pioneer Grant.

The committee has two co-directors, Chris Porter, MD and Jane Buckner, MD.  They are supported by a Faculty that includes; John Corman, David Aboulafia, Stanford Peng, Chia Wang, David Robinson, Tom Hefty, Srinath Sanda, and Damien Chaussabel. 

The Committee will award:

1. Up to five Clinical Research Chairs in the following areas;  
           •  Cancer 
           •  Pulmonary 
           •  Neuroscience (with additional review by Mike Elliott, MD)
           •  Translational

2. Pioneer Award(s) to support investigator-initiated studies for translational pilot projects up to $40,000. This Pioneer Award has been established to promote translational research at Virginia Mason.  Awards of up to $40,000 will be available to VM clinicians.  Applications that incorporate the scientific expertise at BRI with the clinical expertise at VM are encouraged. The indirect costs will be covered in addition to the award. Applications will be reviewed semiannually. It is anticipated that the grant will leverage the expertise of both institutions to provide investigators with the ability to ultimately compete for national peer reviewed funding. The funds from the Pioneer Grant are for scientific research purposes and are NOT designed to be used to cover supported time.

The Wilske Center for Translational Research will be announcing a second round of applications for Pioneer Awards toward late summer/early fall of 2012.  Please direct any questions to Cheryl Weaver at extension 26911.

2012 Research Chair and Pioneer Grant Award Recipients

Clinical Research Chair Application
Pioneer Grant Instructions