Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) is pleased to announce a call for proposals for a $10,000 Innovation Grant.Letters of Intent (LOI) must be submitted by April, 15 2017, and Proposals will be due by July 15, 2017.

HHRF seeks to advance knowledge of the unique impact of horses on the health of humans by supporting, promoting and funding scientific research that explores the benefits of equine-assisted activities and therapies.

The 2017 Innovation Grant may focus on basic or clinical research while approaching the study from a unique angle or by applying theoretical concepts differently. The overarching goal of this grant is to stimulate exploration, encourage testing of unique hypotheses, and generate preliminary data that will open new pathways for future research. Examples of innovative approaches may include:

Basic Research, investigating underlying mechanisms

Pathways of effect
Behavioral/Interaction studies
Theories and mechanisms of information transfer
Theories and mechanisms of energy transfer
The role of energy fields and their interaction
The role of human and equine biological systems such as the endocrine, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, and immune systems

Clinical Research, investigating new treatments and techniques

Advances in in measurement technology
Testing mechanisms of action regarding clinical effects
Unique interventions
Protocols
Comparisons with standard interventions

The LOI summary should clearly describe the proposed methodology and goals. Information for applicants, including guidelines, description of the grant, and previously funded projects are available at www.horsesandhumans.org.

Horses and Humans Research Foundation Innovative Research Grants 2017

Innovation Grant description

HHRF Innovation Research Grants will foster research focused on new ideas that have strong potential for a meaningful impact to bridge the gaps in our understanding of horse-human interactions. The goal of the program is to advance our scientific understanding of the relationship between horses and humans and their role in contributing to the wellness of people.

The goal is to connect practice with scientific knowledge through supporting the development of innovative research with high-impact potential that might not be funded through traditional channels. Our intent is to stimulate exploration, encourage the testing of hypotheses, and generate preliminary data that will open new pathways for future research.

Review Criteria

Innovation: The project concept should be original and innovative. It could challenge existing paradigms, present an innovative hypothesis, or address a critical barrier that exists in the field. A qualified project will develop or employ novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools, or technologies.
Significance: The project should address an important problem directly related to the study of horse-human interaction and/or the impact of horses on the wellness of people. If the aims of the application are achieved, scientific knowledge or clinical practice should be significantly impacted. A qualified study will have a positive impact on the concepts, methods, and technologies that drive this field.
Approach: The conceptual framework, design, methods of the study should be clearly developed to ensure successful achievement of the intended goals of the project. Potential problem areas should be acknowledged and corresponding alternative tactics included.
Investigator: The Principal investigator and/or the research team should be appropriately trained and reflect the experience needed to carry out this work.
Environment: The research environment should not only contribute to the probability of success, it should also reflect the highest related safety and quality standards. There should be clear evidence of availability of all resources or collaborations needed to support project’s success.
Impact: How does this project relate to and support the mission of HHRF? Through investment in rigorous research, Horses and Humans Research Foundation will serve as a catalyst to advance knowledge of horses and their potential to impact the health and wellness of people.

Disciplines

Proposals are encouraged from all disciplines that may contribute to our understanding of horses and their potential to impact the health and wellness of people. These include but are not limited to biological, behavioral, medical, epidemiological, psychological, clinical and multidisciplinary investigations.