ICTR Connect

ICTR CONNECT

Collaborative Open Network for Next-generation Engineering, Computing & Technologies

Ramana Vinjamuri, Director

With joint support from the Division of Research and Creative Achievement (ORCA) at UMBC and the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), we are pleased to announce a new initiative called CONNECT. This program is designed to spark and strengthen collaborations between UMBC and UMB, especially those that connect clinical/health partners with Cybersecurity, Machine Learning (ML), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and related disciplines.

CONNECT aims to help teams generate the preliminary data, prototypes, and partnership structures needed to compete effectively for larger external awards (e.g., NIH/NSF multi-PI grants, foundation grants), while also advancing solutions that address real-world health and societal needs.

Each application must include at least two Co-PIs: one Co-PI from UMB and one Co-PI from UMBC. Co-investigators and broader team members from either campus (or external partners) are welcome.

CONNECT will support focused, collaborative research activities across Cybersecurity, ML, and AI. Supported project activities may include, but are not not limited to, the following:

• Pilot data analysis (computational and clinical/ translational/ preclinical)
• Prototype or proof-of-concept development (devices, software, interventions, digital tools)
• Access to specialized facilities, cores, or equipment at UMB or UMBC

Proposal and Award Requirements

Eligible teams must submit a one-page proposal (pdf) that includes the following:

• Non-confidential Project Summary & Value Proposition
  • Briefly describe the collaborative idea, the unmet need or scientific gap, and the potential impact on patients, communities, or health systems.
  • Explain what makes this UMBC–UMB partnership uniquely positioned to address the need.
• Team & Partnership Structure
  • List the required UMBC and UMB Co-PIs, their departments, and respective roles.
  • Briefly describe how the expertise of each Co-PI is complementary (e.g., clinical, engineering, data science, policy, behavioral, etc.) and how the collaboration will be sustained beyond this CONNECT award.
• Pathway to follow-up Funding or longer-term Impact
  • Describe how the CONNECT funding will enable:
  • Submission of specific follow-on proposals (e.g., NIH R01/R21, NSF, DOD, other federal, foundation or private sector grants), or
  • Advancement toward clinical translation, implementation, commercialization, or broader adoption.
  • Cite any specific programs you are targeting (e.g., NIH mechanisms, UM Ventures, TEDCO,  etc., if applicable).
• Goals & Milestones
  • Provide a short list of concrete goals (e.g., collect pilot data on N=20 participants, build and bench-test prototype v1.0, complete usability testing with clinicians).
  • Indicate what threshold(s) you will cross by the end of the project (e.g., ready to submit grant X, complete IRB protocol, finalize prototype, generate preliminary efficacy data).
• Budget & Justification
  • Provide the total amount requested and a brief line-item budget table (personnel, supplies, core fees, etc.). $5,000 max.
• Timeline
  • Indicate when you will need the funds and the expected project duration.
  • CONNECT projects are anticipated to be up to 6 months in length.
• Deliverable
  • After the project is completed, awardees will provide a brief summary (2–3 paragraphs) describing how the CONNECT funding:
    • 1. Advanced the collaboration between UMBC and UMB, and
    • 2. Enabled concrete next steps (e.g., external proposal submitted, award received, IRB approved, manuscript submitted, prototype completed, clinical workflow piloted, etc.).
• Deadlines & Submission
  • February 15 and August 15 of every year (subject to availability of funds).
  • Please submit your one-page proposal (pdf-format) via email to: Dr. Ramana Vinjamuri – rvinjam1@umbc.edu
  • Questions about eligibility, fit, or proposal scope may also be directed to Dr. Vinjamuri rvinjam1@umbc.edu.