D-START

The application procedure for implementation sites is open until October 1, 2010 (see procedure at the end of the page).

On January 15 2010, IDF launched D-START (Diabetes, Supporting TrAnslational Research and Twinning).

The aim of this initiative is to promote and facilitate the:

  • Design and implementation of translational research projects on primary prevention of type 2 diabetes in Low and Middle income Countries (LMCs).
  • Creation of an active and effective partnership between established researchers with expertise in primary prevention, paired with investigators working in LMCs and local Health Care authorities.
  • Development of a critical number of trained researchers in LMCs who can continue working in the field of translational research activities after the BRIDGES grant is finished.
  • Establishment of a long-standing partnership and scientific link between the research groups and LMCs.
  • Implementation of research projects that will address the socioeconomic burden of diabetes and optimize the utilization of human and economic resources.
    A maximum of 2 implementation sites will be selected for this round of D-START and the maximum amount allocated per implementation site will be USD 250.000.

Inclusion criteria for implementation sites

  • Being located in a Low and Middle income Country as defined by the World Bank (http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-classifications/country-and-lend...).
  • Not have a similar study already implemented in the country.
  • Have sufficient resources (human and infrastructure) available for the project.
  • Have limited research experience and limited funding resources.
  • Have the support (infrastructure, human and economic resources) and commitment of the local health authorities (local/regional/state/provincial healthcare institutions) to sustain and develop the project after the funding period.

Countries with limited research experience and who have limited funding resources will be favoured over those who have been regularly receiving local and foreign economic support. Applications from countries with available resources for research funds (as demonstrated by the implementation of an “international” project in the last 5 years) will have lower priority. Applications from member associations of IDF are encouraged.

The project submitted by Dr Qing Qiao, Dr Markku Peltonen, Professor Jaakko Tuomilehto and Dr Weiguo Gao from the Deparment of Public Health, University of Helsinki (Finland) has been chosen to be used as the framework study design.

Application procedure

Links to useful tools to prepare your application for D-START:

You can also access 4 examples of projects in translational research:

Guidelines for submission of application for implementation sites:

Application form