Call for applications for Texas D-CFAR pilot program grant


By Roman Petrowski, Office of Communications

Texas D-CFAR Stock Research Image

Overview of two scientists working together

The NIH-funded Texas Developmental Center for AIDS Research (D-CFAR) is seeking pilot project grant applications offered through its Developmental Core.

Proposals in all areas of HIV/AIDS basic, clinical, behavioral, substance use, and implementation science research are welcome, however, clinical trials are not allowed. The Texas D-CFA is especially interested in proposals aligned with its theme – “Ending HIV and Optimizing Health in Texas,” including research on ending the HIV epidemic, reducing health disparities, and research that focuses on, or includes, community engagement components.

Faculty with primary appointments who are early-stage investigators (defined here), or who are established investigators new to HIV/AIDS research are eligible to apply. Although proposals from individual investigators are welcome, collaborations between investigators at two or more D-CFAR institutes are encouraged. Co-investigators may be from institutes that are not D-CFAR institutes. All six schools at UTHealth Houston are participating members in the Texas D-CFAR alongside Baylor College of Medicine and the Teas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio.

A letter of intent to submit an application is due Jan. 24, and full applications are due March 1. The LOI is limited to one page and must include the title of the project, a brief description of the project, and a list of key personnel with their titles, institutions, and roles.

Additionally, the LOI should include the proposed use of Texas D-CFAR Core facilities. Please find information about the cores, including contact information, here. The letter of intent is recommended but not required. All investigators who submit an LOI should plan to submit a complete application. The purpose of the LOI is to allow the constitution of a review panel with appropriate expertise.

Pilot project grants will be awarded for one year. Budgets range from $50,000 for individual applicants to $100,000 for collaborative applicants in direct costs only. Budgets cannot exceed $50,000 at a single Texas D-CFAR institution. Indirect costs will not be awarded.

For a complete list of application instructions, click here and visit the link labeled “Current Texas D-CFAR Funding Opportunity.”

The Texas D-CFAR Development Core can provide assistance to early-stage investigators seeking to identify a mentor to assist in pilot project applications and career development. Additionally, the D-CFAR Community Advisory Board (CAB) can assist applicants in the development of projects that involve community participants. Submit requests for assistance, questions, LOI, and applications to Carmen.Avalos@bcm.edu.