This RFA is for faculty at Delaware State University or the University of Delaware to submit their applications for pilot-level support for neuroscience-related research projects.  

We anticipate funding 5 new pilot projects  for 24-months duration, with a maximum budget of $50,000 (direct cost) each year.   Pilot project PIs must devote at least 50% of their calendar year effort to their research and professional development. Pilot project awardees at DSU will receive a 50% reduction in their teaching load, and the release time will be from institutional sources independent of the pilot grant funds.

 Pilot project PIs must have at least one mentor who is an established investigator with relevant expertise and a track record of winning federal funding for their research. The pilot application must include a support letter from the mentor or mentors, and a mentorship plan, as well as a plan for submitting a proposal for external funding. 

The funding is open to early-stage investigators who have not previously been the PI of an NIH Research Project Grant such as an R01, P01 or equivalent level of funding from another federal agency.  The Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research is funded by the NIGMS Institutional Development Award (IDeA) mechanism. Investigators are prohibited from receiving simultaneous support as PI or co-PI from more than one IDeA source. Investigators who have active support from other IDeA mechanisms (e.g., Center for Translational Research [ACCEL], or the Delaware INBRE) are not eligible to receive a Neuroscience Center Pilot Project.  Collaborators or contributors in a pilot grant other than the PI are allowed to be simultaneously funded by other IDeA sources.