This program envisions at least one investigator from each institution working collaboratively to develop a common research protocol that will be jointly implemented and supported by the two institutions. This innovative Pilot Program provides grants to investigators with the intention that they will use the funds to generate preliminary data to apply for external funding (preferably through NIH mechanisms, but also through other funding sources). We are currently accepting grant applications for the 2020 funding period. Proposals must be received by 5:00PM MST on Monday, February 3, 2020, and the funding period is anticipated to be March 2, 2020 through June 30, 2020 (optional extension).

For these awards, proposals should incorporate a basic science approach and should address the topic of autophagy, inflammation, or metabolism in the context of a disease state that also meets the requirements of the Bio-MT Center. Applications are welcome from high risk-reward proposals that might prove disruptive or of high impact. For relevant human studies, IRB approval must be received prior to submission of the application.

Proposals should articulate how work will be divided between the institutions, and how CoBRE scientific cores will be employed to further the work.