CORE Grants Program Breaks Record
The Centralized Otolaryngology Research Efforts (CORE) grants program plays a critical role in advancing the field of otolaryngology by providing support to research projects, research training, and career development. CORE aims to unify the research application and review process; encourage young investigators to pursue research in otolaryngology; and serve as an interim step that may ultimately channel efforts for important NIH funding opportunities. The CORE grant program societies, foundations, sponsors, and partners have awarded more than 500 grants totaling more than $9 million since the program’s inception in 1985. In conjunction with the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), societies, foundations, and sponsors are involved in funding one- to two-year non-renewable grants ranging from $5,000 to $80,000. The leadership of each participating subspecialty society is ultimately responsible for determining who is selected to receive funding each year. The scores and critiques provided by the CORE Study Section are simply recommendations to help in the decision process. The AAO-HNSF leadership determines the recipients of the grants sponsored by Alcon, Cook Medical, Oticon, and The Doctors Company. This year the CORE Study Section reviewed a record 196 applications. Applicants were seeking a total of $3,501,900 in research funding. The 2013 CORE Study Section subcommittees included: Head and Neck Surgery, chaired by Jay O. Boyle, MD, and chair-elect Christine G. Gourin, MD; Otology, chaired by David R. Friedland, MD, PhD; and General Otolaryngology, chaired by Rodney J. Schlosser, MD. The 2013 CORE leadership, including the boards and councils of all participating societies, has approved a portfolio of 41 grants totaling $848,730 (up 13 percent from 2012). A record 28 percent of those selected to receive funding were resubmitted applications. Funding Organization 2013 Dollars Awarded AAO-HNSF $270,189 Triological $200,000 AAOA $92,587 AHNS $80,000 ARS $41,000 ASPO $39,990 Knowles Hearing Center $30,000 AHRF $25,000 AAFPRS $19,964 ALA $10,000 Alcon $10,000 Cook Medical $10,000 Oticon $10,000 The Doctors Company $10,000 HHF $0 TOTALS $848,730 In addition to providing > $200,000 to operate the CORE grant program and sponsor the annual CORE Study Section, the AAO-HNSF is also the largest individual donor. Congratulations to the 2013 CORE Grantees The Alcon Foundation AAO-HNSF Resident Research Grant sponsored by The Alcon Foundation Britni H. Jacobs, MD Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN Project: The role of vascular endothelial growth factor in palate development ($10,000) American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA) Foundation AAOA Foundation Research Grant Charles S. Ebert, Jr, MD, MPH The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC Project: Protease-activated receptors in allergic fungal rhinosinusitis ($47,687) Amber Luong, MD, PhD The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX Project: TLR4 signaling in the pathophysiology of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis ($44,900) American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) AAO-HNSF Health Services Research Grant Sydney C. Butts, MD SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY Project: Perceptual assessment of velopharyngeal dysfunction by otolaryngology residents ($10,000) AAO-HNSF Resident Research Grant Randall A. Bly, MD University of Washington, Seattle, WA Project: Computer modeled multiportal approaches to the skull base ($9,735) Samuel Hahn, MD University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA Project: Genetic variations in bitter taste receptors and sinonasal infection ($8,000) Kyle M. Hatten, MD University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA Project: Bitter and sweet taste receptor regulation of upper respiratory immunity ($9,955) Candace M. Hrelec, MD The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH Project: Prevention of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity by intratympanic dexamethasone ($10,000) Jinwei Hu, MD Loma Linda Veterans Association for Research and Education Project: Vitamin C deficiency-induced middle ear and inner ear dysfunction in mice ($7,500) Elliott D. Kozin, MD Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA Project: Optogenetic control of auditory neurons using a new generation opsin ($10,000) Jonathan H. Law, MD Washington University, St. Louis, MO Project: The contribution of HOXB7 to oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma metastasis ($10,000) Matthew K. Lee, MD University of California, Los Angeles, CA Project: Regeneration of mandibular defects using adipose-derived stem cells ($9,999) Lauren Luk, MD Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR Project: Gentamicin entry into hair cells and toxicity ($10,000) Brendan P. O’Connell, MD Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC Project: Impact of oral steroids on local dendritic cells in chronic rhinosinusitis ($10,000) Andrea M. Park, MD Washington University, St. Louis, MO Project: Evaluating the efficacy of post-operative voice rest: a pilot study ($10,000) Seiji Shibata, MD, PhD The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA Project: Using RNA-interference to rescue progressive hearing loss in the Tmc1 mouse ($10,000) AAO-HNSF Maureen Hannley Research Award Milan R. Amin, MD New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY Project: Investigation of the role of steroids in enhancing voice therapy outcomes ($50,000) AAO-HNSF Percy Memorial Research Award Richard Kollmar, PhD SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY Project: Restoration of recurrent-laryngeal-nerve function after injury in a rat model ($25,000) AAO-HNSF Saidee Keller Memorial Research Grant Mathew N. Geltzeiler, MD Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR Project: Personalized cancer care for head and neck malignancy ($10,000) American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) AHNS Alando J. Ballantyne Resident Research Pilot Grant Michael Sim, MD University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Project: Effects of carrier-based intralymphatic cisplatin on cancer stem cells ($10,000) AHNS Pilot Grant Matthew Hedberg, BA University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA Project: PI3K signaling and PIK3CA; critical mitogenic drivers in HNSCC ($10,000) AHNS/AAO-HNSF Translational Innovator Combined Award Luc G. Morris, MD Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY Project: The EGFR phosphatase PTPRS as a modulator of cetuximab resistance in HNSCC ($80,000) AHNS/AAO-HNSF Young Investigator Combined Award Nicole C. Schmitt, MD University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA Project: Effects of STAT1 on cisplatin and cetuximab sensitivity in HNSCC patients ($40,000) American Hearing Research Foundation (AHRF) AHRF Wiley H. Harrison Memorial Research Award Yen-fu Cheng, MD Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA Project: Manipulation of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway leads to inner ear regeneration ($25,000) American Laryngological Association (ALA) ALA-ALVRE Award Jacob Pieter Noordzij, MD Boston Medical Center Corporation, Boston, MA Project: Treatment of chronic laryngopharyngeal irritability with amitriptyline ($10,000) The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc., aka The Triological Society The Triological Career Development Awards Alexander T. Hillel, MD Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD Project: Role of inflammation in the development of laryngotracheal fibrosis ($40,000) Amy Anne D. Lassig, MD University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN Project: The effect of smoking on wound healing in head and neck surgery ($40,000) Amber Luong, MD, PhD University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX Project: Dissecting Fungal Induced IL-33 Production in Respiratory Epithelial Cells ($40,000) Andrew McCall, MD University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA Project: Influences of Limb Afferents on Central Vestibular Processing ($40,000) Albert Park, MD University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT Project: Congenital Cytomegalovirus Induced Hearing Loss in a Murine Model ($40,000) American Rhinologic Society (ARS) ARS New Investigator Award Nithin Adappa, MD University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA Project: T2R38 polymorphisms as a disease modifier of CF chronic rhinosinusitis ($25,000) ARS Resident Research Grants Adam J. Kimple, MD, PhD The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC Project: Regulator of G-protein signaling-22: a putative regulator of motile cilia ($8,000) Sarah Novis, MD University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Project: Variations in antibiotic usage for the treatment of acute sinusitis ($8,000) American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) ASPO Research Grant Erin Kirkham, MD Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA Project: Assessment and validation of lymphatic malformation functional assessment ($20,000) Jordan M. Virbalas, MD Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY Project: Evaluation of the CYP2D6 gene in a diverse urban population ($19,990) Cook Medical AAO-HNSF Resident Research Grant sponsored by Cook Medical Andrea M. Park, MD Washington University, St. Louis, MO Project: Low dose colchicine and paclitaxel inhibit post-traumatic nerve regrowth ($10,000) The Doctors Company Foundation AAO-HNSF Resident Research Grant sponsored by The Doctors Company Foundation Carrie L. Nieman, MD, MPH Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD Project: Hearing healthcare among minority and low-income older adults ($10,000) The Education and Research Foundation for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) AAFPRS Leslie Bernstein Grant No meritorious applications received. AAFPRS Leslie Bernstein Investigator Development Grant Preston D. Ward, MD University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT Project: Investigation of an implantable neuroprosthesis for facial reanimation ($14,964) AAFPRS Leslie Bernstein Resident Research Grant Meir Hershcovitch, MD University Ear, Nose, Throat Specialists, Inc. Cincinnati, OH Project: Enhancing peripheral nerve repair with a bioresorbable metal ($5,000) Hearing Health Foundation Centurion Clinical Research Award No meritorious applications received. The Knowles Hearing Center at Northwestern University Knowles Hearing Center Collaborative Grant David Kohrman, PhD University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Project: Genetic analysis of formin proteins in progressive hearing loss ($30,000) The Oticon Foundation AAO-HNSF Resident Research Grant sponsored by The Oticon Foundation Dunia Abdul-Aziz, MD Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA Project: Epigenetic regulation of hair cell differentiation ($10,000) The Plastic Surgery Foundation (PSF) PSF/AAO-HNSF Combined Grant No meritorious applications received. The 2013 Research Awards Ceremony recognizing the 2013 CORE Grantees will take place 10:30 am–11:50 am on Tuesday, October 1, at the AAO-HNS Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM in Vancouver, Canada.
The Centralized Otolaryngology Research Efforts (CORE) grants program plays a critical role in advancing the field of otolaryngology by providing support to research projects, research training, and career development. CORE aims to unify the research application and review process; encourage young investigators to pursue research in otolaryngology; and serve as an interim step that may ultimately channel efforts for important NIH funding opportunities. The CORE grant program societies, foundations, sponsors, and partners have awarded more than 500 grants totaling more than $9 million since the program’s inception in 1985. In conjunction with the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), societies, foundations, and sponsors are involved in funding one- to two-year non-renewable grants ranging from $5,000 to $80,000. The leadership of each participating subspecialty society is ultimately responsible for determining who is selected to receive funding each year. The scores and critiques provided by the CORE Study Section are simply recommendations to help in the decision process. The AAO-HNSF leadership determines the recipients of the grants sponsored by Alcon, Cook Medical, Oticon, and The Doctors Company.
This year the CORE Study Section reviewed a record 196 applications. Applicants were seeking a total of $3,501,900 in research funding.
The 2013 CORE Study Section subcommittees included: Head and Neck Surgery, chaired by Jay O. Boyle, MD, and chair-elect Christine G. Gourin, MD; Otology, chaired by David R. Friedland, MD, PhD; and General Otolaryngology, chaired by Rodney J. Schlosser, MD.
The 2013 CORE leadership, including the boards and councils of all participating societies, has approved a portfolio of 41 grants totaling $848,730 (up 13 percent from 2012). A record 28 percent of those selected to receive funding were resubmitted applications.
Funding Organization | 2013 Dollars Awarded |
AAO-HNSF | $270,189 |
Triological | $200,000 |
AAOA | $92,587 |
AHNS | $80,000 |
ARS | $41,000 |
ASPO | $39,990 |
Knowles Hearing Center | $30,000 |
AHRF | $25,000 |
AAFPRS | $19,964 |
ALA | $10,000 |
Alcon | $10,000 |
Cook Medical | $10,000 |
Oticon | $10,000 |
The Doctors Company | $10,000 |
HHF | $0 |
TOTALS |
$848,730 |
In addition to providing > $200,000 to operate the CORE grant program and sponsor the annual CORE Study Section, the AAO-HNSF is also the largest individual donor. |
Congratulations to the 2013 CORE Grantees
The Alcon Foundation
AAO-HNSF Resident Research Grant sponsored by The Alcon Foundation
Britni H. Jacobs, MD
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
Project: The role of vascular endothelial growth factor in palate development ($10,000)
American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA) Foundation
AAOA Foundation Research Grant
Charles S. Ebert, Jr, MD, MPH
The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Project: Protease-activated receptors in allergic fungal rhinosinusitis ($47,687)
Amber Luong, MD, PhD
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX
Project: TLR4 signaling in the pathophysiology of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis ($44,900)
American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF)
AAO-HNSF Health Services Research Grant
Sydney C. Butts, MD
SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
Project: Perceptual assessment of velopharyngeal dysfunction by otolaryngology residents ($10,000)
AAO-HNSF Resident Research Grant
Randall A. Bly, MD
University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Project: Computer modeled multiportal approaches to the skull base ($9,735)
Samuel Hahn, MD
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Project: Genetic variations in bitter taste receptors and sinonasal infection ($8,000)
Kyle M. Hatten, MD
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Project: Bitter and sweet taste receptor regulation of upper respiratory immunity ($9,955)
Candace M. Hrelec, MD
The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Project: Prevention of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity by intratympanic dexamethasone ($10,000)
Jinwei Hu, MD
Loma Linda Veterans Association for Research and Education
Project: Vitamin C deficiency-induced middle ear and inner ear dysfunction in mice ($7,500)
Elliott D. Kozin, MD
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA
Project: Optogenetic control of auditory neurons using a new generation opsin ($10,000)
Jonathan H. Law, MD
Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Project: The contribution of HOXB7 to oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma metastasis ($10,000)
Matthew K. Lee, MD
University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Project: Regeneration of mandibular defects using adipose-derived stem cells ($9,999)
Lauren Luk, MD
Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
Project: Gentamicin entry into hair cells and toxicity ($10,000)
Brendan P. O’Connell, MD
Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
Project: Impact of oral steroids on local dendritic cells in chronic rhinosinusitis ($10,000)
Andrea M. Park, MD
Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Project: Evaluating the efficacy of post-operative voice rest: a pilot study ($10,000)
Seiji Shibata, MD, PhD
The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Project: Using RNA-interference to rescue progressive hearing loss in the Tmc1 mouse ($10,000)
AAO-HNSF Maureen Hannley Research Award
Milan R. Amin, MD
New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
Project: Investigation of the role of steroids in enhancing voice therapy outcomes ($50,000)
AAO-HNSF Percy Memorial Research Award
Richard Kollmar, PhD
SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
Project: Restoration of recurrent-laryngeal-nerve function after injury in a rat model ($25,000)
AAO-HNSF Saidee Keller Memorial Research Grant
Mathew N. Geltzeiler, MD
Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
Project: Personalized cancer care for head and neck malignancy ($10,000)
American Head and Neck Society (AHNS)
AHNS Alando J. Ballantyne Resident Research Pilot Grant
Michael Sim, MD
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Project: Effects of carrier-based intralymphatic cisplatin on cancer stem cells ($10,000)
AHNS Pilot Grant
Matthew Hedberg, BA
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Project: PI3K signaling and PIK3CA; critical mitogenic drivers in HNSCC ($10,000)
AHNS/AAO-HNSF Translational Innovator Combined Award
Luc G. Morris, MD
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Project: The EGFR phosphatase PTPRS as a modulator of cetuximab resistance in HNSCC ($80,000)
AHNS/AAO-HNSF Young Investigator Combined Award
Nicole C. Schmitt, MD
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Project: Effects of STAT1 on cisplatin and cetuximab sensitivity in HNSCC patients ($40,000)
American Hearing Research Foundation (AHRF)
AHRF Wiley H. Harrison Memorial Research Award
Yen-fu Cheng, MD
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA
Project: Manipulation of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway leads to inner ear regeneration ($25,000)
American Laryngological Association (ALA)
ALA-ALVRE Award
Jacob Pieter Noordzij, MD
Boston Medical Center Corporation, Boston, MA
Project: Treatment of chronic laryngopharyngeal irritability with amitriptyline ($10,000)
The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc., aka The Triological Society
The Triological Career Development Awards
Alexander T. Hillel, MD
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
Project: Role of inflammation in the development of laryngotracheal fibrosis ($40,000)
Amy Anne D. Lassig, MD
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN
Project: The effect of smoking on wound healing in head and neck surgery ($40,000)
Amber Luong, MD, PhD
University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX
Project: Dissecting Fungal Induced IL-33 Production in Respiratory Epithelial Cells ($40,000)
Andrew McCall, MD
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Project: Influences of Limb Afferents on Central Vestibular Processing ($40,000)
Albert Park, MD
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Project: Congenital Cytomegalovirus Induced Hearing Loss in a Murine Model ($40,000)
American Rhinologic Society (ARS)
ARS New Investigator Award
Nithin Adappa, MD
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Project: T2R38 polymorphisms as a disease modifier of CF chronic rhinosinusitis ($25,000)
ARS Resident Research Grants
Adam J. Kimple, MD, PhD
The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Project: Regulator of G-protein signaling-22: a putative regulator of motile cilia ($8,000)
Sarah Novis, MD
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Project: Variations in antibiotic usage for the treatment of acute sinusitis ($8,000)
American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO)
ASPO Research Grant
Erin Kirkham, MD
Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA
Project: Assessment and validation of lymphatic malformation functional assessment ($20,000)
Jordan M. Virbalas, MD
Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY
Project: Evaluation of the CYP2D6 gene in a diverse urban population ($19,990)
Cook Medical
AAO-HNSF Resident Research Grant sponsored by Cook Medical
Andrea M. Park, MD
Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Project: Low dose colchicine and paclitaxel inhibit post-traumatic nerve regrowth ($10,000)
The Doctors Company Foundation
AAO-HNSF Resident Research Grant sponsored by The Doctors Company Foundation
Carrie L. Nieman, MD, MPH
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
Project: Hearing healthcare among minority and low-income older adults ($10,000)
The Education and Research Foundation for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS)
AAFPRS Leslie Bernstein Grant
No meritorious applications received.
AAFPRS Leslie Bernstein Investigator Development Grant
Preston D. Ward, MD
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Project: Investigation of an implantable neuroprosthesis for facial reanimation ($14,964)
AAFPRS Leslie Bernstein Resident Research Grant
Meir Hershcovitch, MD
University Ear, Nose, Throat Specialists, Inc.
Cincinnati, OH
Project: Enhancing peripheral nerve repair with a bioresorbable metal ($5,000)
Hearing Health Foundation Centurion Clinical Research Award
No meritorious applications received.
The Knowles Hearing Center at Northwestern University
Knowles Hearing Center Collaborative Grant
David Kohrman, PhD
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Project: Genetic analysis of formin proteins in progressive hearing loss ($30,000)
The Oticon Foundation
AAO-HNSF Resident Research Grant sponsored by The Oticon Foundation
Dunia Abdul-Aziz, MD
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA
Project: Epigenetic regulation of hair cell differentiation ($10,000)
The Plastic Surgery Foundation (PSF)
PSF/AAO-HNSF Combined Grant
No meritorious applications received.
The 2013 Research Awards Ceremony recognizing the 2013 CORE Grantees will take place 10:30 am–11:50 am on Tuesday, October 1, at the AAO-HNS Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM in Vancouver, Canada.