The Penn Center for AIDS Research is not currently accepting pilot applications. Please click here for information on our rolling Microgrant application process.
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The Penn Center for AIDS Research (Penn CFAR) periodically invites Pilot Grant applications. Projects can be in all areas of HIV/AIDS including clinical, basic, behavioral and implementation science research. Areas of focus might inlclude:
- Reducing HIV Incidence
- Implementation Science
- Collaborations with Philadelphia Department of Public Health *
- Addressing HIV-associated Comorbidities, Coinfections, and Complications including Aging (all scientific domains including basic to clinical are encouraged)
- Research on the Impact of HIV Communication and Policy *
- Single Cell HIV Reservoirs and Immune Analysis *
- Structural Biology Research on HIV Targets with joint funding from the Institute for Structural Biology
Pilot awards are open to investigators without prior R01-level funding in AIDS.
In FY2025 we offered a special pilot initiative with joint funding from the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation:
- Applying modified RNA technology to HIV research
Note: The CFAR/RNA Institute Special Pilot Initiative is open to all investigators, including those who have been previously funded in the AIDS field. If previously R01-level funded in AIDS, proposals must reflect a major new research direction involving applications of modified RNA technology.
*See the CFAR Pilot Grant RFA Addendum below for more information
Pilot projects are intended to lead to independent HIV/AIDS funding.
All proposals must address high or medium priority areas in the NIH Priorities for HIV/AIDS: https://www.oar.nih.gov/hiv-policy-and-research/research-priorities
Pilot Award eligibility criteria include:
- New investigators without prior R01 level funding from NIH
- Established investigators who have not previously been funded by the NIH for work in HIV/AIDS.
- The CFAR/RNA Institute Special Pilot Initiative is open to all investigators, including those who have been previously funded in the AIDS field. If previously R01-level funded in AIDS, proposals must reflect a major new research direction involving applications of modified RNA technology.
Two types of pilot award are available:
- General Pilot Research Awards
- Mentored Research Scholar Awards.
The award types are described below.
Amount: Awards are for a maximum of $50,000 per grant**. Applicants should provide justification for the proposed budget. Grants are for one-year and are not renewable. IRB approvals must be in place before funds can be dispersed.
**A single grant of up to $100,000 may be awarded for an exceptional mRNA-based project if well-justified.
Application Details: The required cover page and instructions can be found here.
Application Deadline: We are not currently accepting applications.
AWARD TYPES AND ELIGIBILITY
Note that researchers who are not eligible for these awards may be eligible for CFAR microgrants which are awarded on a rolling basis throughout the year: https://www.med.upenn.edu/cfar/microgrants.html)
General Pilot Awards: Faculty members
Eligible applicants must have a faculty appointment of at least Assistant Professor or its equivalent at a Penn CFAR institution. It is also acceptable to have an appointment by the award date.
For junior faculty applicants, a one-page mentorship plan with a senior faculty member is strongly encouraged; for non-HIV/AIDS investigators, a partnership plan with an established HIV/AIDS investigator is strongly encouraged. Contact the Developmental Core leadership for assistance with identifying HIV-focused mentors and partnerships.
Mentored Research Scholar Awards: Young Investigators (Pre-Faculty)
Young investigators at the Instructor, Research Associate, Wistar Staff Scientist, or Wistar Research Assistant Professor level are eligible for mentored awards. Senior fellows will also be considered if they have institutional commitment for a pre-faculty position at the time the award will start. Applicants should be poised to begin an independent research program. If you have any questions about eligibility, please contact Developmental Core Director (Liz Lowenthal, MD MSCE; lowenthale@chop.edu).
Mentored Research Scholar Award applications must include a letter of support from a scientific mentor and a 1-page mentorship plan. For fellows, an institutional letter of support is also required.
Community-based Organizations & Department of Health: Investigators at partner institutions may be eligible in collaboration with Penn, CHOP, or Wistar faculty. If you have any questions about eligibility, please contact Dr. Lowenthal.
Clinical Studies: The NIH restricts CFAR Pilot Grants from funding NIH-defined “Clinical Trials.” If you are planning to propose a human intervention study (biomedical, behavioral, etc.), please contact Dr. Lowenthal so we can help ensure that your study, if approved, could be supported by available funds.
Use of Fetal Tissue: Research plans using fetal tissue are not permitted in pilot awards.
International Applications: Applications with international components must be approved by the International Core Director (Robert Gross, MD MSCE grossr@pennmedicine.upenn.edu) prior to preparation of the application.
Successful awardees will be required to submit periodic progress reports and to take part in mentoring activities and feedback seminars. Pilot recipients will be followed for at least 5 years after the funding period ends for NIH reporting.
We strongly encourage all applicants to reach out to the Developmental Core prior to submission for help identifying resources including potential investigative partners.
Scientific Questions: Liz Lowenthal, MD MSCE, Director, CFAR Developmental Core
Administrative Questions: Cherylann McGee