Pilot Program

CFAR provides direct funding to stimulate new research on HIV/AIDS, including the formation of new, multidisciplinary HIV/AIDS research teams that leverage unique institutional strengths. The Developmental Core oversees this pilot award program which offers different types of peer-reviewed awards including:

• New Investigator awards to early career faculty wishing to develop initial HIV-related research projects.
• Multidisciplinary awards to support new interdisciplinary collaborations that span different departments and schools.
• High-Impact innovation awards to support innovative studies with the potential for high impact.

Current Funding Opportunities

Joint Funding Opportunity in HIV/AIDS through University of Rochester SMD, SON and Program Of Excellence - Due November 22, 2019 at 5:00 PM

• The UR CFAR is happy to announce a new request for applications through joint funding from the UR School of Nursing (SON) and UR School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD), under the auspices of the URMC Program of Excellence in HIV/AIDS (institutional funded).
• Up to 2 awards will be made for a one-year period with maximum funding of $25,000 in Direct Costs for each award.
• Applications are to be submitted as a single file attachment in PDF format by e-mail. Additional information and specific application requirements can be found in the full pilot announcement below.

Applications are due for the Joint Funded pilots before or on November 22, 2019, no later than 5 PM.

As for all CFAR funding opportunities, this pilot program is intended to provide support for investigator teams to generate preliminary data that will facilitate the submission of subsequent competitive proposals for NIH-sponsored/other grants.

Please see the full RFA for additional information.

View the 2019 Joint Funding Opportunity

Recent Funding Opportunities

CFAR 2018 Summer General HIV/AIDS Pilot RFA

Purpose: To support a broad range of highly innovative research projects and pilot studies to address key gaps in our understanding of HIV/AIDS and that address the NIH HIV/AIDS High Priority Research Topics that have been designated by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Office of AIDS Research (OAR) (see attached list). Proposals are expected to include investigators at both UR and UB,  and to have a high likelihood of follow-on funding and publications.

Up to one award will be made for up to a 10-month period, with pilots ranging from $20,000 - $30,000 in direct costs.  Earliest start date is 7/1/18.  End Date must be 4/30/19.  Extensions past 4/30/19 are not guaranteed. Additional information and specific application requirements can be found in the full pilot announcement below. Applications are to be submitted as a single file attachment in PDF format.

Please see the full RFA for additional information.

No longer accepting applications - Applications are due for the 2018 CFAR Summer General HIV/AIDS RFA Pilot before or on May 14, 2018, no later than 5 PM.

As for all CFAR funding opportunities, this pilot program is intended to provide support for investigator teams to generate preliminary data that will facilitate the submission of subsequent competitive proposals for NIH-sponsored/other grants.

View the 2018 CFAR Summer General HIV/AIDS RFA

CFAR 2018 Spring Therapeutic Discovery & Development Pilots RFA

Purpose: To support focused, highly innovative research projects and pilot studies that to discover and develop new therapeutic strategies for HIV infection* or infection-associated comorbidities, and that address the  NIH HIV/AIDS High Priority Research Topics that have been designated by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Office of AIDS Research (OAR) (see attached list). Proposals are expected to include investigators at both UR and UB,  and to have a high likelihood of follow-on funding and publications.  *Priority will be accorded to proposals that seek to advance the eradication or functional cure of HIV infection.

Up to four awards will be made for up to a 12-month period, with pilots ranging from $20,000 - $50,000 in direct costs.  Earliest start date is 5/1/18.  End Date must be 4/30/19.  Extensions past 4/30/19 are not guaranteed. Additional information and specific application requirements can be found in the full pilot announcement below. Applications are to be submitted as a single file attachment in PDF format.

Please see the full RFA for additional information.

No longer accepting applications - Applications are due for the 2018 CFAR Therapeutic Discovery & Development RFA Pilot before or on April 9, 2018, no later than 5 PM.

As for all CFAR funding opportunities, this pilot program is intended to provide support for investigator teams to generate preliminary data that will facilitate the submission of subsequent competitive proposals for NIH-sponsored/other grants.

View the REVISED 2018 CFAR Therapeutic Discovery & Development RFA

CFAR 2018 Spring Junior Faculty HIV/AIDS Pilots RFA

Purpose: To support a broad range of highly innovative research projects and pilot studies to address key gaps in our understanding of HIV/AIDS and that address the NIH HIV/AIDS High Priority Research Topics that have been designated by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Office of AIDS Research (OAR) (see attached list). Proposals are expected to include investigators at both UR and UB,  and to have a high likelihood of follow-on funding and publications.  At least one Co-PI must be a junior faculty member (See RFA).

Up to three awards will be made for up to a 12-month period, with pilots ranging from $20,000 - $50,000 in direct costs.  Earliest start date is 5/1/18.  End Date must be 4/30/19.  Extensions past 4/30/19 are not guaranteed. Additional information and specific application requirements can be found in the full pilot announcement below. Applications are to be submitted as a single file attachment in PDF format.

Please see the full RFA for additional information.

No longer accepting applications - Applications are due for the 2018 CFAR Spring Junior Faculty HIV/AIDS RFA Pilot before or on April 9, 2018, no later than 5 PM.

As for all CFAR funding opportunities, this pilot program is intended to provide support for investigator teams to generate preliminary data that will facilitate the submission of subsequent competitive proposals for NIH-sponsored/other grants.

View the 2018 REVISED CFAR Spring Junior Faculty HIV/AIDS RFA

CFAR 2018 Spring General HIV/AIDS Pilots RFA

Purpose: To support a broad range of highly innovative research projects and pilot studies to address key gaps in our understanding of HIV/AIDS and that address the NIH HIV/AIDS High Priority Research Topics that have been designated by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Office of AIDS Research (OAR) (see attached list). Proposals are expected to include investigators at both UR and UB,  and to have a high likelihood of follow-on funding and publications.

Up to three awards will be made for up to a 12-month period, with pilots ranging from $20,000 - $50,000 in direct costs.  Earliest start date is 5/1/18.  End Date must be 4/30/19.  Extensions past 4/30/19 are not guaranteed. Additional information and specific application requirements can be found in the full pilot announcement below. Applications are to be submitted as a single file attachment in PDF format.

Please see the full RFA for additional information.

No longer accepting applications - Applications are due for the 2018 CFAR Spring General HIV/AIDS RFA Pilot before or on April 9, 2018, no later than 5 PM.

As for all CFAR funding opportunities, this pilot program is intended to provide support for investigator teams to generate preliminary data that will facilitate the submission of subsequent competitive proposals for NIH-sponsored/other grants.

View the 2018 REVISED CFAR Spring General HIV/AIDS RFA

CFAR 2017 Fall General HIV/AIDS Pilots RFA

Purpose: To support a broad range of highly innovative research projects and pilot studies to address key gaps in our understanding of HIV/AIDS and that address the NIH HIV/AIDS High Priority Research Topics that have been designated by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Office of AIDS Research (OAR) (see attached list).

Background: The mission of the CFAR is to provide leadership, services and infrastructure necessary to: establish multidisciplinary collaborations that achieve high-impact discoveries; support the early career development of diverse young HIV/AIDS investigators; and to establish a distinctive scientific identity, placing the University of Rochester at the forefront of HIV/AIDS research.

Up to two awards will be made for a 6-month period (end date no later than 4/30/18) with maximum funding of $20,000 in Direct Costs. Additional information and specific application requirements can be found in the full pilot announcement below.

Please see the full RFA for additional information.

No longer accepting applications - Applications are due for the 2017 CFAR Fall General HIV/AIDS RFA Pilot before or on October 9, 2017, no later than 5 PM.

As for all CFAR funding opportunities, this pilot program is intended to provide support for investigator teams to generate preliminary data that will facilitate the submission of subsequent competitive proposals for NIH-sponsored/other grants.

View the Fall 2017 CFAR General HIV/AIDS RFA

Joint Funding Opportunity in HIV/AIDS through SMD, SON and Program Of Excellence
The UR-CFAR is happy to announce a new request for applications through joint funding from the UR School of Nursing (SON) and School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD), under the auspices of the URMC Program of Excellence in HIV/AIDS.

One award will be made for a one-year period with maximum funding of $50,000 in Direct Costs for each award. Additional information and specific application requirements can be found in the full pilot announcement below.

No longer accepting applications - Applications are due for the 2017 Joint SON SMD HIV/AIDS RFA Pilot before or on October 23, 2017, no later than 5 PM.

As for all CFAR funding opportunities, this pilot program is intended to provide support for investigator teams to generate preliminary data that will facilitate the submission of subsequent competitive proposals for NIH-sponsored/other grants.

View the full 2017 Joint SON SMD RFA

CFAR 2017 Spring Focused HIV/AIDS Pilots RFA - Extended Deadline - Due June 1, 2017 - no longer accepting applications

Purpose: To support a broad range of highly innovative research projects and pilot studies to address key gaps in our understanding of HIV/AIDS and that address the NIH HIV/AIDS High Priority Research Topics that have been designated by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Office of AIDS Research (OAR) (see attached list).

Background:  The mission of the CFAR is to provide leadership, services and infrastructure necessary to: establish multidisciplinary collaborations that achieve high-impact discoveries; support the early career development of diverse young HIV/AIDS investigators; and to establish a distinctive scientific identity, placing the University of Rochester at the forefront of HIV/AIDS research.

Scientific Areas of Interest:  This RFA is intended to support pilot awards that address one of these three scientific areas of interest. These include: 

• HIV-associated Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease:  HIV infection and antiretroviral treatment have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, thought to be partially mediated by atherosclerosis. Proposals investigating all aspect of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (in vitro, animal and human studies) are welcomed with strong interest in two common complications:  left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and cerebral small vessel disease.  
• Stress, Trauma, and Vulnerable Populations: Applications should address how experiences of stress and trauma, including stigma, abuse, violence, discrimination, or socioeconomic disadvantage, affect biological, behavioral, and structural factors to: (a) affect PrEP uptake and adherence;  (b) impact health-related outcomes for individuals infected with HIV, including HIV-associated comorbidities, co-infections, and complications; (c) impede access, linkage, and retention in HIV care and preventive services; (d) affect interventions to prevent HIV infection; or (e) influence HIV-related health disparities. Studies that focus on members of vulnerable populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM), individuals who abuse alcohol or drugs, justice-involved individuals, sexual and racial minorities, and vulnerable women are especially encouraged.
• HIV Cure: The HIV Cure SWG focuses on new basic research and translational approaches to curing HIV, and demonstrating that a cure has taken place. Focus areas include (but are not limited to) identifying mechanisms of viral latency and re-activation, novel biomarkers, therapeutic strategies, and novel diagnostic tools including integrated photonic sensors.

Up to three awards will be made for a 10-month period (end date no later than 4/30/18) with maximum funding of $50,000 in Direct Costs. Additional information and specific application requirements can be found in the full pilot announcement below.

Please see the full RFA for additional information.

No longer accepting applications - Applications are due for the 2017 CFAR Spring Focused Topic Areas Pilot before or on June 1, 2017, no later than 5 PM.

As for all CFAR funding opportunities, this pilot program is intended to provide support for investigator teams to generate preliminary data that will facilitate the submission of subsequent competitive proposals for NIH-sponsored/other grants.

View the CFAR 2017 Spring Focused HIV/AIDS Pilots Extended Deadline RFA

CFAR 2017 Spring General HIV/AIDS Pilots RFA - Extended Deadline - Due June 1, 2017 - no longer accepting applications

Purpose: To support a broad range of highly innovative research projects and pilot studies to address key gaps in our understanding of HIV/AIDS and that address the NIH HIV/AIDS High Priority Research Topics that have been designated by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Office of AIDS Research (OAR) (see attached list).

Background: The mission of the CFAR is to provide leadership, services and infrastructure necessary to: establish multidisciplinary collaborations that achieve high-impact discoveries; support the early career development of diverse young HIV/AIDS investigators; and to establish a distinctive scientific identity, placing the University of Rochester at the forefront of HIV/AIDS research.

Up to three awards will be made for a 10-month period (end date no later than 4/30/18) with maximum funding of $25,000 in Direct Costs. Additional information and specific application requirements can be found in the full pilot announcement below.

Please see the full RFA for additional information.

No longer accepting applications - Applications are due for the 2017 CFAR Spring General HIV/AIDS RFA Pilot before or on June 1, 2017, no later than 5 PM.

As for all CFAR funding opportunities, this pilot program is intended to provide support for investigator teams to generate preliminary data that will facilitate the submission of subsequent competitive proposals for NIH-sponsored/other grants.

View the CFAR 2017 Spring General HIV/AIDS Pilots Extened Deadline RFA

CFAR 2017 Spring Clinical and Translational Pharmacology Proposals RFA - no longer accepting applications

• The UR-CFAR is happy to announce a new request for applications for focused, highly innovative research projects and pilot studies that utilize the CFAR Pharmacology Shared Resource to address key gaps in our understanding of HIV/AIDS pharmacology and therapeutics and that address the NIH HIV/AIDS High Priority Research Topics that have been designated by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Office of AIDS Research (OAR) .

• Specific topic areas of interest include: 1) HIV, antiviral pharmacology and drug development, 2) HIV, antiviral pharmacology and drug interactions research, 3) HIV pharmacology and Cure, and 4) HIV pharmacology and HCV/HBV Co-Infection, Tuberculosis and End-Organ/Inflammation
• This is a collaborative application that should include PI’s and Co-I’s from both University of Rochester and University at Buffalo
• Up to 3 awards will be made for a 9-month period with maximum funding of $10,000 in Direct Costs for each award. Additional information and specific application requirements can be found in the full pilot announcement below.

No longer accepting applications - Applications are due for the 2017 CFAR Spring Clinical and Translational Pharmacology Pilots before or on May 30, 2017, no later than 5 PM.

As for all CFAR funding opportunities, this pilot program is intended to provide support for investigator teams to generate preliminary data that will facilitate the submission of subsequent competitive proposals for NIH-sponsored/other grants.

View the CFAR 2017 Spring Clinical and Translational Pharmacology Proposals RFA

Focused Clinical and Translational Pharmacology Proposals - no longer accepting applications

• The UR-CFAR is happy to announce a new request for applications for focused, highly innovative research projects and pilot studies that utilize the CFAR Pharmacology Shared Resource to address key gaps in our understanding of HIV/AIDS pharmacology and therapeutics and that address the NIH HIV/AIDS High Priority Research Topics that have been designated by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Office of AIDS Research (OAR) .

• Specific topic areas of interest include: 1) HIV, antiviral pharmacology and drug development, 2) HIV, antiviral pharmacology and drug interactions research, 3) HIV pharmacology and Cure, and 4) HIV pharmacology and HCV/HBV Co-Infection, Tuberculosis and End-Organ/Inflammation
• This is a collaborative application that should include PI’s and Co-I’s from both University of Rochester and University at Buffalo
• Up to 3 awards will be made for a one-year period with maximum funding of $10,000 in Direct Costs for each award. Additional information and specific application requirements can be found in the full pilot announcement below.

No longer accepting applications - Applications are due for the 2017 Focused Clinical and Translational Pharmacology Pilots before or on February 27, 2017, no later than 5 PM.

As for all CFAR funding opportunities, this pilot program is intended to provide support for investigator teams to generate preliminary data that will facilitate the submission of subsequent competitive proposals for NIH-sponsored/other grants.

View the CFAR Focused Clinical and Translational Pharmacology 2017 RFA

Focused HIV/AIDS RFA - no longer accepting applications

Purpose: To support a broad range of highly innovative research projects and pilot studies to address key gaps in our understanding of HIV/AIDS and that address the NIH HIV/AIDS High Priority Research Topics that have been designated by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Office of AIDS Research (OAR) (see attached list).

Background:  The mission of the CFAR is to provide leadership, services and infrastructure necessary to: establish multidisciplinary collaborations that achieve high-impact discoveries; support the early career development of diverse young HIV/AIDS investigators; and to establish a distinctive scientific identity, placing the University of Rochester at the forefront of HIV/AIDS research.

Scientific Areas of Interest:  This RFA is intended to support pilot awards that address one of these three scientific areas of interest. These include: 

• HIV-associated Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease:  HIV infection and antiretroviral treatment have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, thought to be partially mediated by atherosclerosis. Proposals investigating all aspect of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (in vitro, animal and human studies) are welcomed with strong interest in two common complications:  left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and cerebral small vessel disease.  
• Stress, Trauma, and Vulnerable Populations: Applications should address how experiences of stress and trauma, including stigma, abuse, violence, discrimination, or socioeconomic disadvantage, affect biological, behavioral, and structural factors to: (a) affect PrEP uptake and adherence;  (b) impact health-related outcomes for individuals infected with HIV, including HIV-associated comorbidities, co-infections, and complications; (c) impede access, linkage, and retention in HIV care and preventive services; (d) affect interventions to prevent HIV infection; or (e) influence HIV-related health disparities. Studies that focus on members of vulnerable populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM), individuals who abuse alcohol or drugs, justice-involved individuals, sexual and racial minorities, and vulnerable women are especially encouraged.
• HIV Cure: The HIV Cure SWG focuses on new basic research and translational approaches to curing HIV, and demonstrating that a cure has taken place. Focus areas include (but are not limited to) identifying mechanisms of viral latency and re-activation, novel biomarkers, therapeutic strategies, and novel diagnostic tools including integrated photonic sensors.

Up to three awards will be made for a one-year period with maximum funding of $40,000 in Direct Costs. Additional information and specific application requirements can be found in the full pilot announcement below.

Please see the full RFA for additional information.

No longer accepting applications - Applications are due for the CFAR Focused Topic Areas Pilot before or on June 24th, 2016, no later than 5 PM.

As for all CFAR funding opportunities, this pilot program is intended to provide support for investigator teams to generate preliminary data that will facilitate the submission of subsequent competitive proposals for NIH-sponsored/other grants.

View the CFAR Focused Topic Areas RFA

CFAR General HIV/AIDS RFA - no longer accepting applications

Purpose: To support a broad range of highly innovative research projects and pilot studies to address key gaps in our understanding of HIV/AIDS and that address the NIH HIV/AIDS High Priority Research Topics that have been designated by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Office of AIDS Research (OAR) (see attached list).

Background: The mission of the CFAR is to provide leadership, services and infrastructure necessary to: establish multidisciplinary collaborations that achieve high-impact discoveries; support the early career development of diverse young HIV/AIDS investigators; and to establish a distinctive scientific identity, placing the University of Rochester at the forefront of HIV/AIDS research.

Up to two awards will be made for a one-year period with maximum funding of $25,000 in Direct Costs. Additional information and specific application requirements can be found in the full pilot announcement below.

Please see the full RFA for additional information.

No longer accepting applications - Applications are due for the CFAR General HIV/AIDS RFA Pilot before or on June 24th, 2016, no later than 5 PM.

As for all CFAR funding opportunities, this pilot program is intended to provide support for investigator teams to generate preliminary data that will facilitate the submission of subsequent competitive proposals for NIH-sponsored/other grants.

View the CFAR General HIV/AIDS RFA

CFAR / CTU Collaborative Pilot Announcement - now closed

Due to changes, this RFA has been extended.  The new deadline is April 8, 2016. Additionally, a Letter of Intent with a one page concept sheet or a discussion regarding the application topic with CFAR / CTU faculty (Dr. Keefer and/or Dr. Schifitto) is required by March 4, 2016. 

The purpose of this pilot funding opportunity is two-fold:

1. To support highly innovative research projects that address key gaps in our understanding of HIV/AIDS and in HIV treatment and prevention; high-risk/high reward science is strongly encouraged, along with studies likely to result in new extramural funding and
2. To facilitate interdisciplinary and inter-professional collaborations between the UR HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Unit (CTU; consisting of clinical research sites for the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) and the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) and members of the UR CFAR.

Applications may be targeted to either therapeutics research (ACTG), prevention research (HVTN) or both, and are also expected to address both goals listed above.

One award will be made for a one-year period with maximum funding of $50,000 in Direct Costs. Additional information and specific application requirements can be found in the full pilot announcement below.

No longer accepting applications - Applications are due for the CFAR / CTU Pilot before or on April 8, 2016, no later than 5 PM.  Letters of Intent with a one page concept sheet or a discussion regarding the application topic with CFAR / CTU faculty (Dr. Keefer and/or Dr. Schifitto) are required by March 4, 2016.

As for all CFAR funding opportunities, this pilot program is intended to provide support for investigator teams to generate preliminary data that will facilitate the submission of subsequent competitive proposals for NIH-sponsored/other grants.

*View the full CFAR / CTU Pilot Announcement
*Updated announcement is dated 3/31/16

CFAR RNA Pilot Announcement - now closed

The UR-CFAR is happy to announce a new request for applications in HIV RNA and RNA in HIV/AIDS-associated conditions.

One award will be made for a one-year period with maximum funding of $50,000 in Direct Costs. Additional information and specific application requirements can be found in the full pilot announcement below.

No longer accepting applications - Applications are due for the RNA Pilot before or on October 15, 2015, no later than 5 PM.

As for all CFAR funding opportunities, this pilot program is intended to provide support for investigator teams to generate preliminary data that will facilitate the submission of subsequent competitive proposals for NIH-sponsored/other grants.

View the full RNA Pilot Announcement

CFAR Major Collaborative Pilot Announcement - now closed

The UR-CFAR is happy to announce a new request for applications.  The purpose of this pilot is to facilitate interdisciplinary and inter-professional collaborations between experienced HIV/AIDS researchers and researchers who are new to HIV/AIDS and/or junior investigators and to support highly innovative research projects that address key gaps in our understanding of HIV/AIDS and in HIV treatment and prevention; high-risk/high reward science is strongly encouraged, along with studies likely to result in new extramural funding.

One award will be made for a one-year period with maximum funding of $100,000 in Direct Costs. Additional information and specific application requirements can be found in the full pilot announcement below.

No longer accepting applications - Applications are due for the Major Collaborative Pilot before or on October 22, 2015, no later than 5 PM.

As for all CFAR funding opportunities, this pilot program is intended to provide support for investigator teams to generate preliminary data that will facilitate the submission of subsequent competitive proposals for NIH-sponsored/other grants.

View the full Major Collaborative Pilot Announcement

Joint Funding Opportunity in HIV/AIDS through SMD, SON and Program Of Excellence - now closed

The UR-CFAR is happy to announce a new request for applications through joint funding from the UR School of Nursing (SON) and School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD), under the auspices of the URMC Program of Excellence in HIV/AIDS.

Up to 2 awards will be made for a one-year period with maximum funding of $50,000 in Direct Costs for each award. Additional information and specific application requirements can be found in the full pilot announcement below. 

No longer accepting applications - Applications are due for the Joint Funded pilots before or on October 30, 2015, no later than 5 PM.

As for all CFAR funding opportunities, this pilot program is intended to provide support for investigator teams to generate preliminary data that will facilitate the submission of subsequent competitive proposals for NIH-sponsored/other grants.

View the full Joint Funded Pilot Announcement 2015