Who is eligible to apply for the AUA Data Research Program?

All AUA members are eligible and encouraged to apply.

How many research projects are supported?

Each year, two (2) projects using the AQUA Registry data and four (4) projects using the AUA Census data will be awarded annually to receive support.

What types of projects will be awarded?

Applicants are required to utilize data from AUA Data Repository, including the real-world clinical data from the AQUA Registry and the workforce and practice data from AUA Annual Census. Projects that address key knowledge gaps and emerging research questions related to urological care delivery, workforce development and health policy will have the greatest chance of being awarded.

Which data sources are available to investigators?

Participants must complete research using the AQUA Registry data or the AUA Annual Census data. Explore the data dictionaries for the data sources available through the program. 

• There are currently five disease-specific AQUA patient cohorts available for use.
  • Overactive Bladder (OAB)
  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
  • Male Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
  • Kidney and Ureteral Stones
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Diseases not listed above can be considered if patients of interest and the associated procedures and outcomes are well-defined by ICD/CPT codes

• There are ten years’ worth of data, 2014 to 2024, from the AUA Annual Census.
  
  

How do I apply? What is the deadline to submit letters of intent (LOI)?

Apply by submitting your letter of intent (LOI) starting on May 1, 2024. The letter of intent will be due by June 23, 2024, 11:59 p.m. ET.

How will my LOI be evaluated?

All letters of intent will be evaluated for feasibility and scientific merit and will receive an overall impact score, following the NIH scoring guide below:

When will I be notified if my LOI is chosen for further consideration?

You will be notified if your LOI is chosen for further consideration by August 1, 2024.

Do I need to have IRB and/or data use agreements in place?

No, IRB and/or data use agreements are not necessary as the Data Research Program will only support AUA-maintained data.

What is the application deadline?

Individuals will be required to submit a full application by September 30, 2024, 11:59 p.m. ET.

How will my application be evaluated?

Applications are evaluated based on the criteria below. Each section will receive an impact score based on the NIH scoring guide, and a weighted average of the section scores will be computed. The most meritorious applications will be recommended for discussion in a Scientific Review Group meeting.

OVERALL IMPACT AND SIGNIFICANCE (40%)

• What is the likelihood that the project will have a significant influence on the practice of urology?
• What is the likelihood that the project will change clinical practice, reduce medical costs and waste, improve patient outcomes, or result in substantial changes in health care policy?
• Does the project address an important problem or barrier to progress?
• How will the field of urology be improved with the results of this project?
• What will the urology community learn from this study?

INNOVATION (20%)

• Is the proposed investigation novel?

APPROACH (20%)

• Does the applicant describe an overall strategy, methodology, and analyses that are well-reasoned, methodologically valid, and appropriate to accomplish the aims?
• Does the applicant address potential barriers to completion of the study and provide a mitigation strategy to overcome these challenges?
• Does the applicant support the rationale for his/her study with appropriate literature?
• Does the applicant propose to obtain data that sufficiently represents the study population?
• Is the sample size sufficient and the power analysis and controls justified?

ENVIRONMENT (20%)

• Does the principal investigator possess sufficient credentials and a record of successful research projects?

When will I be notified if my application has been accepted or declined?

December 6, 2024.

What support will I get from the AUA?

You will receive the following support if your project is awarded:

• Complimentary access to the Annual Census Data or the AQUA Registry patient cohorts
• Full statistical analysis support from AUA statisticians and analysts.
• Assistance with developing the methodology section of abstracts and publications
• A $2,000 stipend to cover your costs for knowledge dissemination. Covered costs include travel to conferences and presentation/ publication costs.

Can I use my own statisticians?

No. AUA statisticians will perform the statistical analysis for all awarded projects, as a benefit of participation in the Data Research Program.

What are the advantages of using AUA statisticians?

AUA statisticians are familiar with the AQUA Registry and Census data and can generate fast, reliable results. They are experts in a wide variety of experimental and observational study methodologies, including medical studies with both categorical and quantitative variables; between-subjects, within-subjects, and mixed factorial designs; survey research; and single- and double-blind studies.

What will be required of me if my project is selected?

Program participants must follow the requirements below. Failure to meet the terms of the agreement may result in required repayment of the award and exclusion from the program. The requirements are to:

• Collaborate with AUA Statisticians on project design.
• Provide progress reports by email by July 31 and November 1 of the award year.
• Provide a final progress report by email within 60 days of the end of the award year.
• Participate in AUA scientific meetings and/or other required events.
• Provide acknowledgement of support in any publication or presentation arising from work supported by the AUA Data Research Program and send the AUA Data Committee copies of articles arising from AUA funded research.

Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns that are not addressed here?

Please send an email to dataservices@AUAnet.org.