Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Dalio Center?

The Dalio Center sets a new standard for our patients, our team members, and the communities we serve. Through the Dalio Center, we will invest in research and education, advocate for policy change, and drive measurable improvements in health outcomes for all. Our mission is to be a leader in understanding and improving health, and the factors that create conditions for poor health.

What is the EQUIP Center?

The EQUIP Center for Learning Health System Science focuses on improving quality in healthcare by providing research support and training for embedded clinical investigators in the health system. LHS Scientists leverage health system data and collaborate with stakeholders to generate evidence that can be rapidly implemented to improve patient, population, and health system outcomes. Led by Columbia, the EQUIP Center brings together the complementary and multidisciplinary strengths of each institution to provide education, mentorship, rigorous research training, operations experience, and resources to support LHS Scientists’ research projects.

How long does it take for a proposal to be approved?

A two-step process is used, which involves submitting a letter of intent and then being asked to submit a full application. A detailed timeframe is provided in the RFA.

What is the timeframe for the 2024 Grant Program?

Feb 2024: Funding opportunity announced, application submission period opens

Mar 15, 2024: Letters of Intent Due

Apr 1, 2024: Finalists notified by Dalio Center, and asked to submit a long-form application

Jul 1, 2024: Long-form Application Due

Aug 2024: Award notifications sent

Aug-Sep 2024: Awardees submit IRB approvals to the Dalio Center; contracting to begin once IRB approval is received

Oct 1, 2024: Execute agreements; 24-month Award period begins; Award check provided (50% of award)

Oct 1, 2025: Mid-project progress report due; Award check provided (50% of award)

Aug 31, 2026: Final report due

What are the reporting and presentation requirements for awardees?

In addition to submitting mid-progress and final reports to the Dalio Center, awardees are expected to provide informal updates to the Dalio Center on research progress and barriers or challenges at least quarterly by conference call. Additionally, awardees are expected to present their findings at the Dalio Center’s annual research symposium.

Can you share a copy of a successful proposal or letter of intent?

No, we consider proposals the intellectual property of the applicant and do not share them.

Is there an electronic form for the LOI or the Long-form Application?

No, we request that applicants use MSWord for the LOI and application. Instructions for the contents of the LOI and Application, as well as formatting of the MSWord document and word counts are provided in the RFA.

If I am invited to submit a long-form application and I miss the submission deadline, will my application still be considered? Will it be automatically considered in subsequent rounds of funding?

In general, applicants who miss the submission deadlines will not be considered and will not be automatically included as a finalist in subsequent rounds of funding. But, applicants may re-submit a letter of interest for the same project in subsequent rounds of funding. In rare circumstances, the Dalio Center and EQUIP Center may make decisions about research grants outside of its regular funding cycles.

Are there guidelines on how much of the budget should be dedicated to protected time for the PI and guidelines around PI %FTE?

There are no requirements for dedicated protected time in the budget. However, applicants should be mindful of the need to build in protected time for the work of the project, as well as allow time for required education, which is typically ~25%-35% for a PI. Your budget will also be expected to allocate for other resources not provided by EQUIP such as participant reimbursement.

Who is on the selection committee?

The Dalio Center and EQUIP Center staff will review all LOIs and invite a subset of applicants to submit a full, long-form application for consideration. The Review Committee, composed of representatives of the Dalio Center and EQUIP Leadership, as well as faculty from both Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University, will review all long-form applications and select the final awardees. The committee will invite additional experts from NewYork-Presbyterian, Weill Cornell Medicine, and ColumbiaDoctors to participate in the review as needed.

What are the key elements in your selection criteria?

• Alignment and Impact: Does the proposed research align with the mission and vision of the Dalio Center and EQUIP? Does the proposed research advance knowledge and understanding, and/or create significant change to improve healthcare quality?
• Significance: Why does the research matter? Does the proposed research advance knowledge and understanding? 
• Innovation: Does the proposed research include creative, original, and transformative concepts and activities?
• Approach: Is the proposed research well-reasoned and well-organized? Has the applicant laid out a rational plan for carrying out proposed activities and evaluation?
• Resources: Does the applicant have adequate resources to carry out the proposed activities?
• Investigators: Does the proposed research have a qualified team conducting the proposed activities?

Investigators are strongly encouraged to submit IRB protocols early in order to avoid delays in project initiation. Applicants must also be current on institutional compliance regulations.

Can a researcher apply for multiple grants?

Although applicants may apply for multiple awards, a grantee may not be the principal investigator on more than one grant at any time.

The patient population I would like to study is based out of another institution outside of New York Presbyterian. Would that be an issue?

As long as the PI is faculty at Weill Cornell Medical College or Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, leveraging data from a patient population outside of NYP is allowed.

The application requires submission of investigator roles. What is the difference between Principal Investigator, Co-investigator, and Collaborator?

The Principal Investigator is responsible for directing the project and executing the grant agreement with the Dalio Center and EQUIP. We allow only one individual designated as Principal Investigator, (i.e., no co-principal investigators). A Co-Investigator is a vital contributor (at the same or a different institution), bringing a needed expertise to the research team. A Collaborator plays a lesser role in the thinking and logistics of the project than co-investigator.

Who is eligible to apply as Principle Investigator?

Applicants for the LHS and Health Justice Research and Training Award must be full-time faculty at Weill Cornell Medical College or Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons. They must have a clinical degree and an active clinical license.