Applications Open: Implementation Science Network Pilot Grant

The Dissemination & Implementation Science Catalyst Implementation Science Network (DISC-ISN) is currently accepting applications for its Implementation Science Network Pilot Grant. Up to $50,000 in direct funds can be used to support a new standalone project or to enhance an existing research project that examines dissemination or implementation of an effective practice. This mechanism is not intended for effectiveness studies. Up to 2 awards may be funded this cycle. Eligible applicants are full-time U-M faculty (12-month and 9-month appointments) with lecturer or instructor appointments or higher from all schools/departments. Applications are due December 6, 2024.

Forms for this funding opportunity can be found by logging into Competition Space and searching for the MICHR Dissemination & Implementation Science Catalyst (DISC) Implementation Science Network Pilot Grant. Investigators may contact [email protected] with questions about eligibility or appropriateness of their project.

Background: The mission of the Michigan D&I Catalyst Implementation Science Network (ISN) is to connect researchers to promote more innovative dissemination and implementation research to ultimately close the gap between science and practice and improve care in our health systems and communities. The purpose of this grant is to provide support to U-M investigators whose research focus is in any area of research related to D&I science.

Specific Areas of Research Interest: For the purposes of this solicitation, implementation science is the study of methods and strategies that promote the uptake of evidence-based practices in routine care and community-based settings. In contrast to effectiveness research which focuses on development and testing of interventions that are usually delivered by study team members to improve patient health, implementation science research typically focuses on the development and testing of strategies to deliver and support the uptake of effective interventions in health systems or community-based settings.

This funding mechanism supports small-scaled pilot projects which examine dissemination or implementation of an effective practice to inform the design of a larger, competitive application for further funding such as a hybrid implementation trial. This mechanism is not intended for effectiveness studies. Examples of submissions appropriate for this funding opportunity include, but are not limited to small-scaled pilot and feasibility projects which:

• Focus on data collection or analysis related to dissemination and/or implementation strategies in efforts to adapt an effective intervention to different settings, and/or assess barriers and facilitators to intervention uptake in routine health system, practice or community settings. Specifically:
  • Collection of additional data on barriers and facilitators from providers, patients, managers, community members, and/or leaders to inform further adaptation and spread of the intervention
  • Additional data collection to validate measures of intervention reach, adoption, fidelity, and impact on overall quality, outcomes, and sustainment across different settings
• Focus on the development and pilot testing of tools, strategies and/or methods to support implementation of an effective intervention in health system or community supported settings by existing providers. Note: the intervention to be implemented must have demonstrated prior efficacy and effectiveness in prior randomized controlled trial research. Specifically:
  • Development of manuals, tools, training programs on the use of the intervention, especially for existing providers or community-based organizations to learn how to use the intervention
  • Development of implementation strategies to help existing providers or community-based organizations to use the intervention in their routine practice