FAQ

Coulter Translational Research Partnership Program/Faculty Inventors/FAQ

Who can apply to the program?

  • Only permanent, full-time faculty in the professorial ranks (assistant, associate, full or research) may apply.

What is a typical budget?

  • Grant budgets are typically $100,000 in direct costs for a one-year period.

What are the application criteria?

  • Proposals must contain a commercialization plan.
  • Each proposal must have co-PI’s, at least one of whom has a significant appointment or other significant involvement with the College of Engineering and at least one clinical investigator from a clinical department at the University of Michigan.
  • The research must relate directly to applications in health care, and the objectives of the project should include an outcome that will benefit patients.

What are some examples of desirable outcomes of the projects proposed?

  • Examples of desirable outcomes include inventions, patents, improved diagnosis and treatment of disease, commercial partnerships, start-up companies and follow-on funding targeted toward these same outcomes.

What are my responsibilities as an awardee?

  • Meet the objectives (including budgeted expenses) and deliverables outlined in your application.
  • Prepare a detailed project plan
    • Provide a broad one-year overview
    • Provide project plans with quarterly milestones
  • Regularly track the project
    • Monthly review of project with Program Director
    • Quarterly project report (IP, etc.)
  • Participate in Operational Review Meetings with Oversight Committee

What can I expect from Coulter Program Staff?

  • Business Develompent Support
  • Intellectual Property advice and legal support with the help of OTT license reps.
  • Regulatory guidance
  • Follow-on funding guidance
  • Mentorship from Oversight Committee

Who is involved with the UM Coulter Translational Research Partnership Program?

  • The U-M Coulter Program is a partnership between the UM’s BME Department and the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation and is lead on campus by:
    • Thomas Marten, Coulter Program Director
    • Michelle Larkin, Coulter Projects Manager
    • Therese Foran, Coulter Accounting support
    • Bradley Wise, Coulter Program Coordinator
  • The U-M Oversight Committee is comprised of University leadership, medical device industry experts, serial entrepreneurs, regulatory experts, and venture capitalists that oversee the Program.