In accordance with the mission of the AIUM, to advance the art and science of ultrasound in medicine and research, the AIUM is soliciting proposals for clinical and basic science ultrasound research projects. Researchers may apply for a grant in one of the following four ultrasound-related areas: (1) teaching, (2) clinical research - obstetrical/gynecological, (3) clinical research - non-obstetrical/gynecological, (4) basic science research.

Any area of ultrasound research and education will be considered for funding but preference will be given to projects satisfying the following criteria:

1. Which are related to teaching ultrasound and/or establishing guidelines for minimal physician education. Grants must result in the development of methods that can be utilized by individuals/institutions other than those that are being funded. The AIUM will not fund grants to teach a specific population in a single university/hospital, or
2. Well-designed clinical ultrasound projects, which can be completed within a year, which investigate clinical outcomes, efficacy, role of new ultrasound applications, and in general, advance the science of ultrasound, or
3. Which study an area of basic ultrasound research, or
4. Economics of ultrasound practice.

Only AIUM members are eligible to apply for research grants, with the exception of the AIUM Board of Governors or members of the granting committee. Applicants for grants must be an AIUM fellow or senior member, or a member with a letter of recommendation from a senior or fellow who has agreed to serve as a mentor to the principal investigator for the project. Only one application per individual will be accepted. Previous grant awardees are ineligible for future grants and previously funded projects are ineligible for another round of funding. No more than $1,000 in grant funding may be used for travel.

The Grants Review Subcommittee of the Education and Research Fund Committee will recommend project selection to the Executive Committee. It is expected that the AIUM will fund several awards of up to $10,000.

Funds should be disbursed to tax exempt organizations. If the grant recipient is not tax exempt per IRS Publication 78, the grant recipient will be issued a 1099 for tax reporting purposes. Exempt organizations must supply a copy of their IRS Determination Letter and all others must complete a Form W9 before funds can be disbursed.

The AIUM will distribute all funds to the principal investigator and/or their institution. Subdivision of funds (identified in the budget proposal) to other participants will be the responsibility of the host institution, in coordination with the principal investigator. Prior to the distribution of funds, the AIUM will require a signed agreement between the host institution and the AIUM. Institutional overhead (indirect) costs will not be funded. Funds will be disbursed on the following basis: 50% at award, 40% at 6-month progress report, and 10% at final report.

Scientific papers resulting from AIUM supported research must be submitted for consideration to the annual AIUM meeting and the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. A progress report will be required at six months and a final report within three months of completion of the project. The AIUM should be kept informed of publications and presentations resulting from AIUM support, even after submission of the final progress report. Notation acknowledging AIUM support should be made in all publications and presentations.