Pilot Projects Program

ABSTRACT PILOT PROJECTS PROGRAM Both Phases I and II of this Developmental Biology COBRE included Pilot Project components. The primary focus of the Pilot Project component was to support early-stage investigators in establishing new projects that could attract future R01-level funding and that would enhance Developmental Biology capacity in Oklahoma. The Phase I and II Pilot Programs were successful in helping investigators launch Developmental Biology research projects that were ultimately funded by larger research grants. In Phase III, the Pilot Program will continue and will be expanded. Investigators at all career stages will be eligible to receive these funds to establish new research programs that will add to the Developmental Biology infrastructure established in Phases I and II. The Aims of the Phase III Pilot Project Program are listed below. Aim 1. Solicit, review, and select Pilot Project proposals. We describe protocols for the solicitation of Pilot Project proposals from investigators who are wishing to initiate new Developmental Biology research projects. We present eligibility considerations, steps of the review process, and criteria for selection to be awarded a Pilot Project grant. Aim 2. Evaluate progress of Pilot Projects. We present strategies by which mentoring faculty, a Steering Committee, and the External Advisory Committee will work together to monitor the progress of the Pilot Projects. Aim 3. Provide Pilot Projects with research resources. The Pilot Project Program will provide funds for conducting Pilot Projects and will also subsidize access to research cores that will offer advanced imaging and bioinformatics opportunities to Pilot Project Investigators. Aim 4. Provide Pilot Project Investigators with mentoring and research feedback. We present plans to provide mentoring to Pilot Project awardees who are in the early stages of their careers in multiple aspects of career development, including rigorous, ethical, and reproducible research, grantsmanship, personnel and fiscal management, and the presentation of results. In addition, for both early-stage and established Pilot Project Leads, we will provide a platform for science-based feedback on Pilot Project research programs.