Pilot Projects
Expanding the footprint of environmental health research at Texas A&M
Goal
The TiCER Pilot Projects Program aims to support junior faculty, both TiCER members and non-members, while also encouraging senior investigators to pursue new lines of inquiry that expand the scope of environmental health research at Texas A&M. The program offers funding, access to TiCER cores, and intellectual support for high-quality, innovative proposals. All proposals must align with one of TiCER’s two research themes two research themes.
Awardee Benefits & Responsibilities
Awardees Receive:
- Funding for pilot project research
- Subsidized use of TiCER cores
- Participation in TiCER-sponsored seminars and annual retreats
- Opportunity to develop new collaborations and scientific interactions
Awardees Must:
- Participate in cooperative TiCER pilot project reviews
- Present experimental results at TiCER meetings & retreats
- Publish experimental results
- Submit National Institute of Health / Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) grant application
- Participate in community outreach activities
Application Process
1. Letters of Intent
Letters of intent will include a list of collaborators and a 5,000-character abstract that covers the specific aims, significance, innovation, approach, and plans for future NIEHS/NIH funding, along with the NIH biosketch and other support of the principal investigator (PI). They will be reviewed to ensure the proposed research is focused on environmental health and consistent with the goals of TiCER and NIEHS. You may use the Pilot Projects Application link to submit a letter of intent. Faculty with grant applications near fundable scores can submit a letter of intent for a maximum of $20K.
2. Invitation to Submit a Full Proposal
Investigators who submit letters of intent that meet the appropriate criteria will receive invitations to submit a full proposal.
3. Full Proposal
The format for the pilot project full proposal follows NIH R21 guidelines with these components: a) title/abstract page, a budget, NIH biosketches for all investigators, and a four-page Research Strategy in R21 format, with a one page Specific Aims in NIH format.
Also include: facilities descriptions, and a detailed budget ($50,000 maximum) with a budget justification.
Faculty salaries are not allowed. All criteria required for NIH grant applications need to be addressed, including sections on 1) scientific rigor and statistical considerations, 2) resource sharing plan, 3) explanation and description of animal use or human subjects (including the sex of animals or humans), and 4) letters of support.
Submit Full Pilot Project proposal.
4. Review of Pilot Project Submissions
Applications will be reviewed by qualified reviewers identified by the Pilot Projects committee. Proposals will be peer-reviewed and scored on 1 ) scientific merit (75 points), 2) potential for NIEHS funding (5 points), 3) utilization of TiCER’s cores (5 points), and 4) proposals from new and/or early stage investigators (10pt), and 5) proposals that are collaborative or from an early stage investigator (5 points).
5. Funding Announcements
Principal investigators of proposals selected for funding will be notified by the TiCER leadership team.
