The Center for Nursing Research (CNR) is pleased to announce that the Fall 2020 Pilot Funding Program application cycle is upon us. The program is open to DUSON faculty members interested in conducting pilot and/or feasibility studies that will lead to a NIH R-level or equivalent grant submission.

We are requesting applications that explore novel, current and innovative ideas addressing the DUSON Research Areas of Excellence (RAEs). The four RAEs are: data science, health innovation, population health and precision health.   

Intent to Submit is required and is open; applications may be submitted as early as August 1, 2020.

In 2020, applicants must choose one of two Path Options: 

• Path 1: Assistant Professors (AP)

  • This path is for new pilot research. Faculty members who hold the rank of Assistant Professor as of August 1, 2020 are eligible for this path. Assistant Professors in Tracks 1, 2 and 3 are eligible to apply, unless they have a CNR pilot grant still active (within initial period of performance or no-cost extension). Any Assistant Professor who applies to this path must plan to submit an NIH R-level (or equivalent) within one year of completing the pilot.

• Path 2: Revise and Resubmit (RR)

  • This path is for researchers who have recently submitted a proposal that was not funded but is eligible for revision and resubmission. It is often the case that additional preliminary data can boost a proposal revision. Faculty members at any rank and in any track are eligible to apply for this path, unless they have a CNR pilot grant still active (within initial period of performance or no-cost extension). Any individual who applies to this path must plan to submit their revision application to the external sponsor within one year of completing the pilot.

Pilot studies may include the collection of preliminary data, analysis of secondary data or piloting new technology. Each pilot award is up to $20K for a one-year period. Requesting less than the allowable total may enable the committee to award more projects, so please carefully consider your budget needs. A progress report and grant development consultation is required at six and 12 months. Proposals for external follow-on funding should be submitted within a year of completion.

Faculty members are strongly encouraged to submit proposals that either create new partnerships or leverage existing teams of researchers. Priority may be given to proposals that include meaningful collaborations with School of Medicine departments, Pratt School of Engineering, Nicholas School of the Environment, “Big C” centers and institutes such as Margolis Center for Health Policy, Social Science Research Institute or community partners, among others.

Key Dates

• Last Day for Intent to Submit: August 31, 2020

• Intent to Submit Form: https://redcap.duke.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=CRC9YD8CE4

• Earliest Proposal Submission Date: August 1, 2020

• REDCap survey link to be released on August 1, 2020.

• Last Day for Submitting Proposals: October 1, 2020

• REDCap survey link to be released on August 1, 2020.

Please contact Christin Daniels, director of research development, at christin.daniels@duke.edu with any questions.