To the TIMS board i have forwarded an email to the Canadian MS Society re my concerns, if you have any or share mine re this thread post your comments . I assure you the Society will read them
BB
-keep the heat to the feet-
From: Bill Date: 10/12/2009 9:31:49 AM
To:
msgrants@mssociety.ca
Cc:
info@mssociety.ca;
msessex@bellnet.ca
Subject: CCSVI Research Competition
Karen Lee, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice-President, Research
Research and Programs Department
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
MS. LEE
As the caregiver of over 20 years to my dear wife Laurie (CPMS) my excitement over Dr Zambonis research cannot be understated. Like many others I am very excited about the Societies position regarding research of CCSVI.
However i do have some concerns, could you please review the following thread found on the TIMS website, since I am a 2 finger typer it will save me a lot of time. (thanking you in advance) the thread and my personal posts under (bohemianbill) reflect my thoughts. I have never been involved in a grant process, are my concerns realistic, if in fact the Society is the Single Source of funding (as i suspect) should the grant guidlines not be reviewed? As i suggest should the grant of a maximum of 100,000 not be suspended until you receive the bids (to be determined). Will it not by its definition limit the scope therefor the quality of this most important research?
Thankyou
Bill
http://www.thisisms.com/ftopict-9231.html
Announcement of Funding Decisions, Following Approval by the MS Society’s Board of Directors
as it reads the date in which we will be advised who will receive the research grant. I will assume if there are no bidders we would know by Jan.6, 2010. Yet even than final approval is not until June 14. Leaving the possibility that even if a bid/s are submitted they may not qualify.
One last note the society was very specific about the amount specific to CCSVI research competition. Why the distinction Maximum, when in fact within there own guidlines there are no MAXIMUMS?
Up to $100,000 per year
" Maximum" Funding Amount Per Grant
Yet when your refer to there Grant application guidlines-see link below
<
shortened url>
Item #17 FAQ
DO OPERATING GRANTS HAVE A MAXIMUM BUDGET/TIME PERIOD THAT CAN BE APPLIED FOR?
" No, there is no maximum budget. However, the reveiw committee generally approves a grant for $100,000 CDN per year. New grants are usually funded for a maximum of two years; renewals are considered for three years. "
NO, there is No Maximum Budget, yet it is being applied to this CCSVI research Competition?
Since there are no best practise protocols to review regarding CCSVI Research would it not be resonable to forgo the Grant amounts (within the ccsvi competition guidlines) and qualify it with a "to be determined" after all bids have been reviewed.
Would the limit of 100,000 not pre conclude the quality of research therefor limit the scope.
IMHO
BB
TIMELINES
December 9, 2009
Launch of Request for Research Operating Grants
January 6, 2010
Letter of Intent Due
January 12, 2010
Invitation to Submit Full Application
February 9, 2010
Full Applications Due
June 14, 2010
Announcement of Funding Decisions, Following Approval by the MS Society’s Board of Directors
July 1, 2010
Anticipated Start Date of Funding
Up to 2 years
Duration of Research Operating Grant
Up to $100,000 per year
Maximum Funding Amount Per Grant
http://mssociety.ca/en/research/researc ... ms_rfa.htm