Pilot Project

Overview: The UNH Center of Integrated Biomedical and Bioengineering Research (CIBBR) is dedicated to promoting multidisciplinary, high impact biomedical and bioengineering research at UNH. Our mission is accomplished by supporting the career development of faculty so that they are successful in competing for investigator-initiated external awards from NIH, as well as encouraging biomedical scientists to develop collaborations on multidisciplinary research projects that advance clinical research, commercial opportunities, and translational medicine. 

Award Information: The CIBBR Pilot Project Program is intended to support research enabling a research team to prepare and submit a major research project grant from the NIH by the end of the funding period.  Direct costs for a Pilot Project historically have not exceeded $50,000, but submissions seeking a greater level of funding will be considered if well justified. Pilot Project Investigator (PPI) applicants are highly recommended to consult with the Leadership Team if a higher level of funding is requested.

Eligibility

In this funding cycle, the Pilot Project Program is prioritizing funding for: 

  1. Former CIBBR Project Leaders who have yet to receive a major research project grant (RPG)
  2. CIBBR investigators with a well-documented, realistic timeline to submit a major RPG (e.g., R01, R35)
  3. UNH researchers (especially recently hired faculty) with a documented commitment to submit (and re-submit as necessary) a major RPG within CIBBR’s thematic focus. 

Pilot project applications utilizing the CIBBR Research Cores and/or other UNH core facilities will be viewed favorably. 

Responsibilities

  1. One month of effort (over the entire budget period) must be devoted to the Pilot Project per NIGMS policy.
  2. Awardees are required to adhere to the timeline they propose for submission of a major RPG.
  3. Awards include the expectation that the investigator will participate in CIBBR mentoring, eventsm and activities.
  4. Awardees are required to cite the COBRE grant (NIH P20 GM113131) on all publications.  
  5. Awardees are required to participate in the annual COBRE reporting process. 

Pilot Project Application Process - Solicitations not currently accepted

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Applicants are expected to prepare a letter expressing the intent to submit a Pilot Project that includes:

  • Title of the project
  • 1-paragraph project summary

Due date: TBA

e-mail Letter of Intent

or e-mail Michelle.Lemos@unh.edu, Program Manager, subject "CIBBR Pilot Project Letter of Intent"

Proposals must include the following materials using .

  1. Specific Aims page (1 page maximum)
    • The specific aims should reflect the aims of the to-be-submitted RPG, not just the work to be accomplished during the period of Pilot Project funding.
  2. Research Strategy Section (Significance, Innovation, and Approach); recommended length, 2 pages.
    • Significance (~250 words) should also include the biomedical relevance and impact of the proposed research to the CIBBR and to the career development of the faculty. Include a brief description of the scientific premise for the proposed project.
    • Approach section should align with the specific aims but the experimental plan should focus on work to be carried out during the funding period, typically a single specific aim. Detailed methodology can be omitted.
    • Key supporting data for the scientific premise of the application should be incorporated into the Significance or Approach sections.
  3. Include the following additional components:
    • Budget using the UNH Excel budget template file along with the budget justification document. Please review Budget Guidelines section below.
    • Current NIH-formatted Biographical Sketch
    • Rigor and Transparency: Include a brief statement addressing how robust, unbiased results will be obtained, as well as methods to ensure the identity and validity of key biological and/or chemical resources used in the proposed project.
    • Products/outcomes and timeline: Provide a timeline for submission of NIH grant applications, manuscripts, conference presentations, patent applications, etc.
    • Previous NIH submission relevant to proposed project: please include the summary statement and your 1-page response (Introduction section) to the critiques.
    • External Scientific Mentor(s): If you do not already have an external scientific mentor, provide the names of up to 3 senior biomedical/bioengineering researchers outside UNH who might serve in this capacity if the project is funded.
  4. IRB and/or IACUC approval (if applicable)
    • for animal studies, the Vertebrate Animal Section must be submitted.
    • for studies with humans, please submit the Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information Form. 

  1. The budget should include 1 or 2 semesters of GRA support, or equivalent staff support to conduct preliminary studies in support of grant application. Salary support for the PI is discouraged.
  2. Funds for grant preparation services and preparation of Data Management and Sharing plan (~$3500).
  3. Funds for compensating senior-level, NIH-funded External Scientific Mentor(s); $1000 each.
  4. Supplies and expenses for service providers limited to <30% of total direct costs.
  5. Acquisition of equipment (>$10K) not allowed, except in unusual circumstances.
  6. Travels funds to present research at a scientific conference are allowed.
  7. No carryover of unspent funds at the end of the budget year.

Compile into a single PDF document your e-mailed Letter of Intent and Proposal Materials #1 through #4.

Timeline - TBA

Announcement Date

Intent to Submit Due Date

Proposal Due Date

Proposal review

Funding notification

Project Start Date

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Project proposals: Rick.Cote@unh.edu
Application and process: Michelle.Lemos@unh.edu