Pilot Research Program

Overview

One of the primary goals of the University of Virginia Institute on Aging (www.virginia.edu/aginginstitute) is to stimulate research related to issues of aging, and to encourage the formation of collaborative teams to pursue innovative approaches to topics relevant to later life.  In support of this goal, funds are available for pilot projects that have a reasonable likelihood of generating data that will result in successful applications for external funding.  The pilot projects will be awarded for one year with a budget of up to $25,000. 

The Institute has funded 14 projects to date in areas including biology, molecular genetics, internal medicine, neurology, neuroscience, psychology, and complementary and alternative medicine.  

View Past Projects: 2006 | 2005 | 2004

How To Apply

The pilot program is open to investigators from all disciplines at the University of Virginia.  Collaborative teams bridging two or more disciplines are particularly encouraged.  The Institute on Aging views the pilot grants as an investment, and therefore the pilot grant funds should be used to collect data that will increase the likelihood that you will obtain external funding for aging-related research.  The money is not primarily intended to support research that will immediately increase knowledge in the field, or that might result in publications that could advance your career, but rather to allow you to demonstrate the feasibility of hypotheses and procedures to be used in the submission of an application for future funding.  It may therefore be helpful to start preparing your application for future funding now so that your pilot grant funds can be used in the most productive manner to strengthen the proposal.

Criteria

Criteria to be used by the Institute on Aging Advisory Board in evaluating the projects are: (a) identification of foundations or agencies that will be targeted for future funding upon completion of the project, and the perceived match of the project to the funding priorities of the foundation or agency; (b) degree to which the project consists of the collection of new data that will increase the likelihood of external funding directly related to aging, and not simply enhance existing knowledge or improve current practice or care; (c) proportion of the requested funds to be used for purchase of necessary materials and supplies or for payment of participants and/or research assistants, rather than for support of faculty or administrative staff; and (d) cost effectiveness of the project (e.g., ratio of new data per dollar).

How To Apply

Applications should be submitted electronically to uvaging@virginia.edu by November 1, and should consist of no more than 6 pages, plus a biographical sketch (or CV) for each principal investigator, and a budget justification.  The application should include: Study Aims (maximum 1 page), Background and Significance (maximum 1 page), Previous relevant experience of investigators (maximum 1 page), and Methods (maximum 3 pages).  Decisions will be announced in December, and funding can begin January.