RESEARCH AWARD POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

Established in 1992, the Middle East Fertility Society (MEFS) is a non-profit professional society. The mission of MEFS is to improve fertility care of couples in the Arab world and Middle East through the transfer of medical knowledge and the promotion of scientific research.

To help us meet our mission, a generous research fund was donated by Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud to support meritorious research in the field of Human Reproduction and Embryology.

I. FACE PAGES

All Applicants should download and complete the Face Page. The Applicant (or Principal Investigator) should print and sign the Face page on behalf of all co-authors.

II. ABSTRACTS

Please provide a structured scientific abstract of no more than 250 words explaining the subject of your research proposal.

III. RESEARCH PLAN

The Research Plan for applications is limited in length to twelve (12) single-sided pages. Applications exceeding this page limit will not be reviewed.

In the Research Plan, include sufficient information to permit effective review. Information should be presented in a clear, concise manner, while being specific and informative.

At the top of each page, type the Principal Investigator's name. Each page must be sequentially numbered at the bottom right side of the page.

• A. Hypothesis and Specific Aims. State concisely and realistically the intent of the proposed research and the hypothesis to be tested. Do not exceed one page.
• B. Background and Significance. Briefly describe the background of the present proposal. Critically evaluate existing knowledge and specifically identify the gaps that the project is intended to fill. Concisely state the importance and rationale of this research by relating the specific aims to longer-term objectives. Do not exceed 3 pages.
• C. Preliminary Studies. Summarize any preliminary work pertinent to this application that has been undertaken by the Principal Investigator(s) and/or information that will establish the competence and/or experience of the investigator(s) to pursue the proposed study. Titles, complete references and supplemental charts, graphs, etc., may be submitted in the Appendix. Do not exceed 2 pages.
• D. Experimental Design and Methods. Provide detailed information about the study design and procedures. Please discuss: primary and secondary outcome measures; study design; study sample-inclusion and exclusion criteria; sample size estimates; subject enrollment including age range; gender distribution; randomization scheme if applicable; data collection, and a description of your proposed data analysis and statistical procedures for. Do not exceed 6 pages.
• E. Time Frame and Time commitment: A detailed time-line for the study should be included. Time commitment, effort and responsibility of each author must be mentioned as well.
• F. Literature Cited. References should be numbered in the sequence that they appear in the text and listed at the end of the Research Plan. Each citation must include the names of authors, the title, the name of the journal or book, volume number, page number and year of publication.

IV. BUDGET AND JUSTIFICATION

• Ø Personnel - List the names (if applicable) and positions of all professional and non-professional personnel involved in the project. Indicate the hours per week for each non-professional. For each individual, list dollar amounts separately for salary.
• Ø Equipment - List and justify the need of all items and equipment requested and the cost of each item in details.
• Ø Patient Care Costs - Funds may be requested for patient care costs specifically related to the proposed research. The basis for estimating funds requested in this category should be justified. The scientific need for patient care costs will be considered in the review of the application.

V. ORGANIZATION ASSURANCES & CERTIFICATIONS

Research Involving Human Subjects and/or Animals

In order to protect human subjects and animals, all proposals must include a letter from the applicant institution certifying that an Institutional Review Board (IRB) has reviewed and approved the procedures for the use of human subjects, or human organs, tissues and body fluids, or animals in the proposed research. If approval does not accompany the application, there should be a statement in the application indicating that such approval is pending and the date when such approval is expected. The approved certification should be submitted as soon as it is available taking into consideration that the grant will not be activated before the letter is received.

VI. APPENDIX MATERIAL

Appendix material should include:

• a. Short biographical sketch and a list of relevant publications related to the field of research proposed of the principle investigator.
• b. IRB approval letter.
• c. Other materials related to the grant proposal, not already described.