Pilot Project Program
The University of Rochester Environmental Health Sciences Center (EHSC) supports a limited number of meritorious pilot projects to advance innovative translational environmental health sciences research. These funds are intended to provide investigators with the opportunity to obtain preliminary data for extramural grant applications, develop new and innovative research initiatives, access novel technologies, establish new collaborations, and address emerging community concerns or needs. The Pilot Project Program collaborates closely with the Translational Research Services Core, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core, Community Engagement Core, and Career Development Program.
Mission
The mission of the Pilot Project Program is to foster the development of novel translational environmental health sciences research by supporting new research directions and new collaborations across a broad range of disciplines, including basic, translational, clinical, and population-based research. The program supports projects using computational approaches, model systems, clinical investigations, and human population studies to better inform public health protection efforts.
Eligibility
University of Rochester faculty are eligible to apply. Investigators interested in pursuing new directions in environmental health research, developing interdisciplinary collaborations, and establishing partnerships with Rochester EHSC Center Members are especially encouraged to apply.
Available Pilot Projects
1. Full Pilot Projects – New RFA to be announced in Summer 2026
Full Pilot Projects are intended to provide seed funding to generate preliminary data for extramural grant submissions and/or support the development of new research directions.
Full Pilot Projects are solicited twice annually (Fall and Spring), and applicants may request up to $50,000 in funding. Applications require a one-page preliminary application. Please see the detailed description: Full Pilot Project Application
2. Mini Pilot Projects
The EHSC is re-launching the Mini Pilot Project Program to further stimulate innovative, early-stage environmental health sciences research among Center investigators.
Mini Pilot Projects are intended to support new projects, new collaborations, and exploratory lines of investigation that may lead to future extramural funding opportunities. These awards are designed to provide rapid, flexible funding for small-scale, high-impact research activities, including projects requiring preliminary data generation, exploratory analyses, or proof-of-concept studies.
Mini Pilot Projects are intended primarily for Rochester EHSC Center Members and applications are accepted on a rolling basis to support time-sensitive and emerging research opportunities. Applicants may request up to $10,000 in funding.
To ensure broad access to pilot funding opportunities across the Center, faculty members may hold only one active Mini Pilot Project award and one active Full Pilot Project award at a time.
Please see the detailed description below: Mini Pilot Project Application to aid in preparing the application.
Contacts
Dr. Martha Susiarjo (Director, Pilot Project Program)
Rebecca Ruston (Administrator and Coordinator)