The Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders administers a research grants program for the NCRG. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to investigators at universities, hospitals and research institutions worldwide in support of high quality scientific research on gambling and gambling disorders.
NCRG funds support a wide variety of research investigations, ranging from basic science studies of the brain’s reward system to research that will translate into effective responsible gaming strategies. The Institute periodically requests applications for projects in the following categories:
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Neuroscience
- New Investigators
- Translational Research for Responsible Gaming
For details about the latest request for applications, visit the extramural research section of the Institute’s Web site or contact Christine Reilly, executive director of the Institute (cjreilly@challiance.org; 781-306-8600).
The Institute is guided by the National Institutes of Health in the review of applications. Independent panels composed of distinguished researchers in the field evaluate proposals and make the final funding decisions. They use the following criteria to judge the scientific merit and feasibility of proposed research projects:
- Significance: Does the study address an important problem? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge be advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts or methods that drive this field?
- Approach: Are the conceptual framework, design, methods and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics?
- Innovation: Does the project employ novel concepts, approaches or methods? Are the aims original and innovative? Does the project challenge existing paradigms or develop new methodologies or technologies?
- Investigator: Is the investigator appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers?
- Environment: Does the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed experiments take advantage of unique features of the scientific environment or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support?