Penn Center for AIDS Research

Nonhuman Primate Pilot Grant Program

Vetrinarians from the Division of Veterinary Medicine at TNPRC perform video assisted thoracoscopic surgery on a rhesus monkey. Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery minimizes surgical morbidity and provides for a more rapid recovery when compared to open surgical techniques.

The most recent submission deadline was in Fall 2013. the NEXT pilot grant competition deadline will be coming up in Fall 2014.

The purpose of this Pilot Program is to facilitate opportunities for research investigators (from Penn, CHOP, Wistar) to utilize the nonhuman primate model of AIDS, our Nonhuman Primate (NHP) Core includes animals and animal support for Penn CFAR developmental studies. The goal of this program is to allow an investigator to accumulate sufficient data and expertise to apply for an independent NIH grant.

Funds are available for the procurement and care of 8 animals (up to 4 animals per project) a year, including appropriate animal laboratory studies (collection of body fluids, biopsies, surgeries, necropsies and basic or SIV-specific laboratory studies). This will permit funding for 1 to 3 projects each year, depending on the number of animals requested, the length of the project, and receipt of competitive applications. Laboratory studies performed at Penn will be the responsibility of the investigator, and there are no funds available for salary support.

All investigators (from Penn, CHOP, Wistar) are eligible for the CFAR pilot funds. If interested, it is required that you contact one of the investigators (listed below) from the Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) as early as possible to discuss potential studies, study design, and availability of animals.

TNPRC Investigators:

Previous Nonhuman Primate Pilot Projects