Interdisciplinary Pilot Grants of up to $25,000

The mission of UCI Brain is to achieve a better understanding of the brain through collaborative, cutting-edge basic and translational research while providing exceptional training to the next generation of leaders in brain science.
To support this mission, we have launched an Interdisciplinary Pilot Grant program to support collaborative early-stage and proof-of-concept projects with clear milestones and future funding mechanisms. Through these transformative pilot grants, UCI Brain aims to make UCI a global leader in convergent brain science.

Program Benefits

The Initiative will award one or more Pilot Grants of up to $25,000. In addition to funding, the Initiative will provide enhanced support including the following:

• Premium License for Dimensions Team Science Tool for one year
• Dedicated support from the UCI Brain Research Development team including meetings, grant writing and editing, and pre-award support
• Training in team science and collaboration

Pilot Grant Criteria

UCI Brain Pilot Grants are intended to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration that furthers our understanding of the brain. Specific criteria include:

• Team of two or more UCI investigators representing at least two disciplines
• Plan for expanded funding within one year (RFAs, target institutions or foundations, etc)
• Clear milestones within the grant period

The Initiative’s Board will work directly with awardees to ensure team science values and practices are embraced, negotiated milestones are achieved, and timely future large-scale proposals are submitted to maximize return on investment. Awardees will also be asked to present to the campus and to the community on their work.

How to Apply

The UCI Brain Initiative will begin accepting applications after the UCI Brain Launch event on Thursday, November 21, 2019.
Applications may be submitted via an online portal and will include the following components:

• Three-page proposal that includes the following:
  • Project significance and innovation
  • Method of inquiry (including technologies, experimental approaches, aims/hypothesis, etc)
  • Plan for future funding
  • A brief multi-investigator leadership plan
• Five-page CV/Biosketch for each investigator that includes publications, current research, and active support

Due: January 15, 2020
Notified: April 2020
Funding Period: May 1, 2020 – April 30, 2121