The Mid-South Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for Health Disparities Research (Mid-South TCC) (U54MD008176), led by the University of Alabama at Birmingham in partnership with Jackson State University, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Louisiana State University, and Dillard University, invites applications for community-engaged research that uses technology approaches to address the social determinants of obesity and related chronic diseases in the Mid-South.

Technology-based approaches to address the social determinants of obesity and related chronic diseases. Examples of such approaches include:

• Projects that use smart technology and mobile devices as tools for ameliorating disparities in obesity and related chronic diseases;
• Projects that use technology to promote healthy lifestyles and lead to sustained behavior change in populations at increased risk for obesity and related chronic diseases;
• Family- or school-based interventions that incorporate technology to improve the health of children and youth in disadvantaged populations;

Formative assessments and feasibility studies to guide future interventions that will use smart technology to ameliorate disparities in obesity and related chronic diseases.

Number of Awards

Three projects will be funded up to $100,000 in total costs for the entire duration of the project.

Awards Budget

The Mid-South TCC intends to commit approximately $300,000 for this round of applications. Community partners must participate in the budget development and be funded at a level commensurate with their role in the project.

Awards Project Period

The award project period is 1 year. Quarterly progress reports will be required for all funded projects.

Eligibility

Faculty members at the rank of Instructor, Assistant Professor, or Associate Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Jackson State University, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Louisiana State University, Dillard University, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, University of Kentucky, and the University of Memphis are eligible to apply. Applicants at the levels of Instructor or Assistant Professor must have a senior faculty serving as a mentor. Collaboration with community partners is required.

Key Dates

Letter of Intent due: January 25, 2016

Application due: April 11, 2016

Announcement of recipients: May 16, 2016

Project start date: August 1, 2016