Pilot Grants Program

Early Career Investigator Pilot Awards

Mentored Pilot Research Project awards (similar to K08, K23 and K99 awards) provide one year of funding to support research projects and career development activities that will enhance the applicant’s ability to compete successfully for an independent R- or K-series award (e.g., acquisition of preliminary data, training in grant preparation). The projects can address a variety of topics, including vaccinology, therapeutics, laboratory studies and statistics. Scientists (MD, PhD or equivalent) nearing completion of postdoc or in early faculty positions (instructor or assistant professor) and those whom not have served as principal investigator (PI) or MPI on an R-grant (other than an R03) with NIH are eligible. Serving as PI on a K-series or other mentored career award does not preclude eligibility.

Request for Applications: IDCRC 2025 Pilot Awards

Please review the RFA for additional eligibility information. To maximize the success of pilot research projects with funding that is limited to a 12-month period, we strongly encourage the submission of pilot proposals that utilize existing data and/or samples that have IRB clearance for the intended use. 

Abstract due date: May 16, 2025
Application due date: August 1, 2025

VIEW RFA HERE