As the ACCP Annual Meeting approaches, the Research Institute would like to share with you some new information.

The ACCP PBRN continues to grow since its launch in February 2009, with more than 600 members to date, including members who joined through existing PBRNs and whose data are not shown below. Each of you is encouraged to join!

If you are new to PBRN research, you will find FAQs and specific information regarding the mission, vision, and features unique to the ACCP PBRN at http://www.accpri.org/pbrn/whyJoin.aspx. Remember, no research experience is necessary to join the ACCP PBRN.

The financial support needed to operate a PBRN is substantial. Although cost estimates vary based on the structure and complexity of each PBRN, the ACCP PBRN infrastructure is estimated to cost more than $180,000 in 2010 alone. This is similar to other PBRNs across the country and does not take into account study-specific costs. The Research Institute requires your financial support to bring the ACCP PBRN forward. If every current ACCP PBRN member donated $100, $60,000 could easily be raised.

The ACCP PBRN plans to launch its first project soon, but there is still time to join. With the Cerner software donation (see story in the September 2009 ACCP Report), the ACCP PBRN is well suited to meet the demands of a large network. The first project is expected to roll out later this year. This project, which will be relevant to all members of the ACCP PBRN, will involve medication safety. Watch the ACCP Report for more details.

If you are attending the 2009 Annual Meeting in Anaheim, plan to join the Research Institute on Monday, October 19, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. in Hall A, where the Institute will have a live software demonstration during the “Get Plugged In” event. Come learn more about the programs and services of the Research Institute while you enjoy lunch. For additional information, check the ACCP Report.

To facilitate information exchange across the PRNs, the ACCP PBRN created a 5-minute informational video, which it will share with each PRN before the Anaheim meeting. Soon, the ACCP PBRN will post more information about the video on the ACCP Research Institute Web site.

Did you submit a challenge grant proposal last year that did not receive funding? Bring it to the Focused Investigator Training (FIT) Program. There, NIH-funded experts will analyze, dissect, chew on, think about, rehash, and then help you rebuild your proposal during the course of 1 week.

The FIT Program will be held June 11–17, 2010, at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy in Tucson. The FIT Program is an annual, intensive, 1-week, hands-on program for experienced investigators who have not yet been awarded significant peer-reviewed extramural funding as a principal investigator. Through this mentored program, research-track faculty will take necessary steps toward preparing a K, R, or similar investigator-initiated application for submission to the NIH or other major funding source. Online applications open January 1, 2010.

The Research Institute is pleased to report that two FIT attendees have already received federal grants, and several others are pending. This program works! (See ACCP Report, August 2009.)

The Research Institute thanks the HMON, INFD, AMED, and CRIT PRNs for offering tuition scholarships to 2009 FIT attendees and encourages all PRNs to consider this professional development opportunity for its members.

Last, but certainly not least, the Research Institute relies heavily on the steadfast support of ACCP members. Help the Research Institute “Go Forward” by making a personal contribution in 2009 to the Frontiers Fund. Online donations can be made at http://www.accpri.org.

Thank you.