CDU Accelerating Excellence in Translational Science (AXIS) Center
Pilot Project Program 202X
Request for Applications (RFA)

Key Dates:
Release Date: 04/15/2021
Letter of Intent Due Date: 04/30/2021
Full Application Due Date: 06/01/2021
Anticipated Award Date: 08/01/2021

Purpose

In order to augment the quality and quantity of research conducted at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), the AXIS Center is inviting investigators to apply for pilot funding to facilitate innovative approaches in translational research in basic mechanisms, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that disproportionally affect minority and underserved communities. In addition, we strongly encourage applications that employ Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) methods.

Cross-disciplinary projects that address new approaches to health disparities in the areas of Cancer, Cardiometabolic diseases, HIV Aids, Mental Health and Behavior Sciences will be given high priority. In this cycle, we encourage applications that focus on addressing health disparities and inequities associated with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection, testing, treatment and vaccination.

Partnerships with CDU’s Community faculty and local community organizations engaged in addressing health disparities are also encouraged to participate.

There must be a clear plan to use the pilot project support to secure subsequent independent funding, such as ROI. R21, R03 and K awards from other non-institutional sources, e.g., NIH, DOD, CDC and others. An applicant may submit only one application as principal investigator but can be a co-investigator on another proposal.

If the principal applicant is a junior-level investigator at the Postdoctoral Fellow or Assistant Professor Rank, s/he must designate a mid-level or senior-level mentor/collaborator, with a brief but clearly described mentoring plan. Additionally, each application must show utilization of AXIS resources whenever applicable. With the pilot funding, we hope to better position CDU investigators for conducting basic, clinical and translational research, especially research that focuses on reducing and/or eliminating health disparities.

Maximum Budget and Project Award Period

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