Pilot and Feasibility Program

PROJECT SUMMARY - PILOT/FEASIBILITY PROGRAM The mission of the Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease (CGIBD) is to promote multidisciplinary research to reduce the burden of digestive and liver diseases. The pilot/feasibility (P/F) program is an important strategy to achieve that mission. The program is designed to help investigators obtain preliminary data necessary to successfully compete for external funds. The specific aims are: 1) To assure a large pool of eligible applicants by actively publicizing the program. 2) To enhance rigor and reduce bias through a thorough scientific merit review process with initial review by members of the CGIBD Executive Committee and content experts, and a second review and selection by the CGIBD External Advisory Board and community representative. 3) To improve the chances for subsequent success among awardees by providing mentorship and oversight. The program supports investigators in the following categories: 1) new investigators; 2) at risk investigators who will have no independent R01 or R01- equivalent grant support if they do not secure a substantial grant award in the near future; and 3). established investigators from other areas of biomedical research to apply their expertise to an area of need in digestive disease research. We place the highest priority on funding new investigators. During the past 5 years 92% of awards were given to new investigators. Each year the CGIBD will fund 3 new proposals with budgets of up to $35,000. The Dean of the School of Medicine provides funds for an additional award. The review process is highly structured and rigorous using an online process that mirrors that of the NIH. The Executive Committee and reviewers with expertise in the topic of the application conduct the first phase of review. The top 8 applications are reviewed by the External Advisory Board who selects candidates for funding after brief oral presentations by the applicants. Critiques from both levels of review are rapidly shared with the applicants and reviewers. Following funding, the awardees meet with the CGIBD biostatistician. Their progress is carefully monitored with formal written progress reports every 6 months. The awardees present their research at one of our weekly seminars. Excluding projects that have not been completed, 40/42 (95%) of awardees in the past 10 years have received subsequent funding with awards totaling more than $38 million. Among the subsequent awards are 17 R01, 2 K23, 5 K01, 1 P01, 5 R35 and 7 R21.The program is an important incubator for the Center. Of our current members, 71% have previously been supported by a P/F award including the co-directors, associate directors, assistant directors, and core directors.