CSRD November Newsletter

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TERRI TALKS

Vol. 112219

Message from the Director

November 1 was a deadline for Letters of Intent (LOI) for our CSRD mechanisms including clinical trials.  We received quite a healthy number of LOIs.  I wanted to make a few notes for folks to keep in mind as LOIs are being developed for future study ideas.  The overriding purpose is to make sure individuals are using the mechanisms as intended and that our interest in the ideas proposed are high enough for investigators to be dedicating time to developing the application.  The most common issues we see are questions being proposed that might not meet our service purview and are referred to another service, or are ideas that seem to be a slight variation of work already in progress and thus do not represent substantial progress or distinction from already funded trials.  We strongly encourage investigators to be aware of funded clinical trials via www.clinicaltrials.gov  search AND asking our scientific portfolio managers if the idea is distinct from other trials in our portfolio. Both of these should be done prior to submitting an LOI.  LOI decisions will be available by mid-December. Please consider the feedback provided in the approved LOIs to help strengthen your application.

CSRD funded Investigators Elected to the National Academy of Medicine

Dr. Rachel Yehuda of the James J. Peters VA Medical Center (Bronx, NY) and Dr. Kristine Yaffe of the San Francisco VA Medical Center were among the 90 new regular members elected to National Academy of Medicine at its annual meeting in October.  Congratulations to both scientists!

Importance of Citing VA Research

When we are asked to provide examples of the newest findings and advances of our funded scientists, we are often (greatly) challenged when PUBMED or other databases include the university affiliate citation but not the VA. In many cases, investigators are not citing the grant number, and this has a direct impact – not only for our use in supporting the program overall, but also in supporting the budget we receive from Congress. Please pay attention to the requirement to acknowledge your VA affiliation and funding in your publications, because it directly impacts all of us.

Survey Request: Interest in Medical Marijuana Research

We would greatly appreciate investigators taking a minute to complete a survey developed to ascertain capacity and interest on the topic of medical marijuana research. CSRD will be working to formulate a strategic, focused plan of research to determine risks and benefits for Veterans, and this survey is the first step in this process. Please participate by December 10: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K973V75

2020 John B. Barnwell Award Nominations

Applications for the John B. Barnwell Award for outstanding achievement in clinical science are due on February 3, 2020. Application instructions are available in the Program Guide and previous winners are listed on our website. For further details or information, please contact Dr. Mark Roltsch at mark.roltsch@va.gov.

Meet Us

American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, Orlando, FL, December 8-10, 2019

CSRD Staff Highlight: Kenute Myrie Dr. Ken Myrie was recently awarded the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s “Curing Together Award” acknowledging his long-term efforts with the PCF towards accelerating advances in prostate cancer research. The work Ken has been doing with PCF has resulted in a strong collaboration that extends to scientific partnership in centers of excellence and leveraging resources. Ken has been with CSRD since 2013 and not only manages the oncology portfolio but also the career development program. Ken’s contributions across the research environment are valued and appreciated. Congratulations on this PCF honor!

Helpful Links

CSR&D Home

Scientific Portfolio Managers’ Contacts

RFAs and Program Announcements (Can only be accessed on a VA computer)

ORD Field Conference Call Minutes

If you have any questions about this Newsletter, please email VHABLRD-CSRD@va.gov.