Clinical Research - Independent Research Studies Grant

The American Speech Language Hearing Foundation offers Clinical Research Grants aimed at fostering independent research studies that enhance treatment efficacy for communication disorders. These grants support early-career investigators and experienced researchers embarking on new projects. Proposals must demonstrate potential for significant impact, and funding of up to $75,000 over two years is available. This initiative seeks innovative solutions to improve the lives of individuals with communication challenges.

NOTE: The Letter of Inquiry deadline represents the submission time to submit the Intent to Submit Form.
Advances knowledge of treatment efficacy and assessment practices. When applying for a Clinical Research Grant, applicants will be able to choose one of the three support options listed below, depending on the type of research study.
Mentored Research StudiesIndependent Research StudiesCollaborative Research Studies
For investigators early in their careers who are developing an independent research record or for experienced researchers who are pursuing a new effort.
Background
The ASHFoundation’s Clinical Research Grants are intended to encourage research that will impact the delivery of services to people with communication disorders, who are striving to communicate and connect. Research should directly advance knowledge of treatment efficacy and assessment practices in audiology and speech-language pathology, or investigate the implementation of evidence into practice.
For Clinical Research Grants, priority is given to proposals that:
Investigate bold, forward-thinking solutions that could improve the everyday functioning of people with, or at risk for, communication and related impairments.Promote new directions for the discipline and likely would progress to future large-scale studies with the potential to compete for additional external funding.
The grants are not intended to provide the investigator with additional or extended support for an existing study already supported through extramural funds.
Independent Research Studies (one- or two-year studies)
Clinical Research Grants for independent research studies are similar to the NIH R21 award; investigators early in their careers who are developing an independent research record are good candidates for this grant mechanism. (Having developed an innovative treatment approach, an experimental study, or a quasi-experimental study may be required to demonstrate the feasibility for a larger grant proposal.)
Proposals must include a description of a research study that can be completed within two years. Because this grant mechanism is meant to fund research that will serve as preliminary data to support a proposal for a larger-scale, externally funded research study, the investigator will be expected to identify potential funding agencies, funding mechanisms, and timelines for submitting future grant proposals.
While there is no requirement for a mentored experience, collaboration or consultation with a seasoned, funded investigator is encouraged.
The maximum budget for independent research studies is $50,000 for one year or $75,000 disbursed equally over two years, contingent on satisfactory progress shown through a report.

Eligibility

Investigators must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the Clinical Research Grant.The investigator must have received a PhD or equivalent research doctorate within the discipline of communication sciences and disorders or a related field.The investigator must demonstrate the potential for, and commitment to, conducting independent research with a clear plan for applying for extramural research support.
The research must have significance and direct application to the development and evaluation of audiology or speech-language pathology intervention or assessment practices.
Experienced investigators should explain why the proposed work represents a  new effort  that is not fundable from existing research support or an extension of funding that is currently supporting or has supported related work.
Proposals submitted to the current Clinical Research Grant competition cannot be submitted to other current ASHFoundation grant competitions. However, the investigator remains eligible to submit to other ASHFoundation grant competitions in the same year, if proposing to investigate a different topic.There are no other restrictions, but the case must be clear on how the funds are essential to conduct the research in light of other resources or support available to you. Funding will be disbursed in U.S. currency to investigators in the United States or Canada.

Ineligibility

Funding will not cover institutional overhead and indirect costs. In addition, funding may not be directed to travel costs for conventions or meetings.