Pilot Funding and Travel Awards

We are excited to announce a Call for Applications for pilot funding and travel awards. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with no budget limit or deadlines across the following categories, please send all documents to CUREKYIDC@UKY.EDU

1. Pilot Projects for Faculty:
   For faculty initiating an Infectious Disease (ID) project for the first time or beginning a new collaboration with another researcher. Scope of the pilot project application should be collecting preliminary or feasibility data that would help with extramural grant submissions. These funds are not meant to support an entire project. Preference will be given to those who have limited or no discretionary funds.  

   To apply for pilot funding please submit the following:

   • Project Proposal:
     A detailed description of the project, including objectives, methodologies, and anticipated outcomes.
   • Team Composition:
     A list of team members, including their roles, qualifications, and relevant expertise.
   • Budget Estimate:
     An itemized budget outlining projected expenses and funding sources.
   • Timeline:
     A proposed timeline for project milestones and completion.
   • Previous Work:
     Summary of relevant ongoing research or projects that demonstrate capacity for the pilot project.
   • Collaboration Letters:
     Letters of support from any external partners or collaborators.
   • Impact Statement:
     A brief statement on the potential impact of the project on the field and community.
   • Biosketches:
     Current biosketches for all team members, highlighting their qualifications and contributions to the project.

2. Pilot Funding for Postdocs:
   This funding mechanism supports postdoctoral scholars preparing competitive career development award applications related to infectious disease research. Support is intended to help postdocs generate preliminary or feasibility data, strengthen application materials, and advance toward independent research careers.

   Eligible award paths may include NIH K awards and comparable career development mechanisms from other funders, including foundation-based awards such as K99, K22, K01, K08 and similar opportunities.

   Funds must be tied to a planned career development award application and may not be used for salary support, general laboratory operations, supplementing a mentor’s funding, covering PI project funding gaps, or supporting work unrelated to a career development award path.

   To apply for pilot funding please submit the following:

   • Project Proposal:
     A detailed description of the project, including objectives, methodologies, and anticipated outcomes.
   • Team Composition:
     A list of team members, including their roles, qualifications, and relevant expertise.
   • Budget Estimate:
     An itemized budget outlining projected expenses and funding sources.
   • Timeline:
     A proposed timeline for project milestones and completion.
   • Previous Work:
     Summary of relevant ongoing research or projects that demonstrate capacity for the pilot project.
   • Collaboration Letters:
     Letters of support from any external partners or collaborators.
   • Impact Statement:
     A brief statement on the potential impact of the project on the field and community.
   • Biosketches:
     Current biosketches for all team members, highlighting their qualifications and contributions to the project.

3. Travel Awards for Trainees:
   Available for trainees conducting research related to Infectious Disease, providing support for travel to conferences, workshops, or collaborative research opportunities. Financial need should be demonstrated by the applicant.

   To apply for a travel award please submit the following:

   • No more than a page describing the meeting you would like to attend and its potential impact on your training (why it is important for you to attend).
   • A copy of your CV.
   • A letter of support from your mentor.
   • A copy of the abstract accepted by the conference or organization for oral and/or poster presentation. 

Please note: Travel award funds must be used solely for the conference identified in the original award application. Use of these funds for another conference, a different trip, or other travel-related purposes are not permitted. Any funds not used for the approved conference will be returned to the CURE-KY travel award pool.

We encourage applications that ensure representation from various groups across our research community. Please reach out with any questions or for guidance on the application process.