Request for Applications for Pilot and Feasibility Program

Overview

The Pediatric Centers of Excellence in Nephrology (PCENs) at the University of Virginia (UVA), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) are issuing a joint RFA for Pilot and Feasibility (P&F) projects.

The PCEN program is funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and was established to:

1. Attract new scientific expertise to the study of human pediatric renal physiology, kidney development, and pediatric kidney disorders;
2. Encourage multidisciplinary research in these areas; and
3. Develop the pediatric nephrology research community—in part through the P&F Program.

The PCENs are seeking applications for one-year pilot and feasibility research projects. The maximum funding is $50,000 in direct costs for one year, with one optional no-cost extension (NCE).

Applications are expected to generate preliminary data to support future research applications. Research with science proposed that is not relevant to pediatric kidney disease or health will not be accepted. Proposals that utilize one of the PCENs’ Cores are encouraged but not required (see descriptions below).

Eligibility

Early-stage investigators, new investigators, or established investigators not previously involved in pediatric nephrology research are invited to apply. The P&F program and funds are not intended to support or supplement ongoing research of an established investigator.

Key dates

• Letters of Intent are due by Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 5:00PM EST.  
• Invitations to submit Full Applications will be issued by February 15, 2023.
• Full Applications are due by Wednesday, March 7, 2023 at 5:00PM EST.
• Awards will be announced in May 2023.

The funding period will be July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. All funds must be expended by June 30, 2024 unless an extension is granted. Final reports will be due by August 1, 2024.