Grant writing tips for translational research.

All investigators face the same challenge - the highly competitive nature of the grant review process. Innovation alone is not enough to ensure grant supported funding. Applied clinical research requires a diverse collaborative team of investigators with specialized skills, a supportive clinical research environment, and access to clinical material. In addition, ethical limitations, and lack of animal models for many diseases, prevent direct mechanistic experiments that are possible using in vitro systems or animal models. Therefore, specific granting mechanisms and program initiatives target translational research studies. This chapter provides grant writing tips and lists resources that may prove helpful for new investigators seeking research funding in support of translational research, biobanking, and research utilizing molecular biomarkers.