Pilot Projects Core
The OSCTR Pilot Projects Program is dedicated to enhancing our infrastructure and equipping investigators with the necessary tools to attract support for innovative and collaborative clinical and translational research. Our focus is on addressing the major health challenges affecting our state, partner IDeA states, and underserved communities.
Through early support in the form of leadership, grant funding, and mentorship, we aim to nurture a new generation of well-trained and funded investigators. These investigators will be better prepared to translate scientific discoveries into practical applications that improve public health.
We support groundbreaking research through the OSCTR Pilot Projects Program by soliciting and funding highly innovative grants that promote multidisciplinary and collaborative clinical and translational research. Our program offers mentoring to pilot project recipients to help them identify and secure resources needed to expand and complete their projects.
Core Leadership
Pilot Core Director – Tim Vanwagoner, PhD
Pilot Associate Core Director – Lurdes Quiemado, PhD
Pilot Associate Core Director – Anne Pereira, PhD
Funding Opportunities
Who can apply for pilot and feasibility project funding?
Principal Investigators with a full-time faculty appointment (or equivalent)at the applicant and/or partner institutions can apply.
Request for Applications
The current cycle is open with a due date of August 16, 2024. Click here for information about the application process.
Current and Previous Recipients
View past Pilot Principal Investigators and their projects.
Addressing Major Health Challenges in Oklahoma
Efforts are urgently needed to combat the disease burden across Oklahoma. The OSCTR and its Pilot Projects Program focus on addressing significant health issues such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, cancer, tobacco use, arthritis/autoimmunity, opiate addiction, and child health.
In the upcoming cycle, we will introduce new focus areas including mental health and healthy living choices, and broaden our efforts on substance abuse. The OSCTR has been proactive in addressing the opioid crisis, holding a retreat with our PARTNER community advisory board to develop strategies for tackling opioid dependence and reducing excess deaths. Our efforts have led to new awards, increased Naloxone distribution, and collaborations on trials related to Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome.
Oklahoma has made progress in reducing drug-related deaths, improving from 43rd to 18th in national rankings. The OSCTR has played a crucial role in this improvement, with a significant reduction in opioid overdose deaths and dispensing rates.
Impact and Innovation
The OSCTR Pilot Projects Program has been instrumental in fostering innovation and collaboration. Our program has successfully supported a diverse group of researchers, including those from tribal health systems and underrepresented minority communities. Over the past nine years, we have received 247 applications and awarded 50 pilot grants, demonstrating our commitment to advancing clinical and translational research.
Our program has facilitated significant funding successes, with recipients securing over $90 million in new grants, including more than $64.2 million in federal grants. The return on investment has been substantial, with a $24 return for every $1 spent on the core.
Critical Niche of OSCTR Pilot Core Programs
The OSCTR Pilot Core programs address critical gaps by focusing on diverse health needs and disparities in Oklahoma. Our efforts complement other seed funding programs in the state, providing a comprehensive pipeline from idea generation to independent research grants. We continue to strengthen collaborations to enhance research and career development opportunities for our investigators.