Pilot Projects

Now Accepting Pilot Project Applications

The NIH COBRE-sponsored Center for Cardiovascular Research in Biomechanics (CRiB) is seeking submissions for Pilot Projects. These projects should focus on the development of innovative materials and devices aimed at treating cardiovascular diseases. We will provide funding for two projects, each receiving up to $50,000 for a one-year period.

Eligibility for Principal Investigators (PIs) includes those who are on the tenure track or tenured faculty members at UNO and classified as either Early Stage Investigators (ESI) or New Investigators (NI), as per NIH definitions.

Applicants are required to submit the following materials:

1. An NIH biosketch clearly indicating their ESI or NI status (Biosketch Format Pages, Instructions and Samples | grants.nih.gov)
2. Project summary
3. A grant proposal that includes: A) specific aims page detailing the objectives of the project, and B) a research strategy section (preferably 3 pages but not exceeding 12 pages, Arial font size 11, 0.5” margins) outlining the Significance, Innovation, Approach, and a Timeline for the proposed activities.
4. A detailed description of how this pilot funding will facilitate the pursuit of larger-scale extramural independent funding. This should include specific plans for future grant applications and intended publications.

5. Budget and budget justification

Preference will be given to faculty members who plan to utilize CRiB’s Tissue Analysis Core (TAC) for their project.

Please submit applications to crib.center@unomaha.edu.

Upon completion of the project, investigators are expected to submit a final report summarizing the results, along with a list of grants applied for and publications produced with the aid of this pilot funding. Additionally, presenting the findings at the ORCA Fair is highly encouraged, if applicable.