Deadline: December 4th, 2026 05:00 PM EST
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Download Solicitation
About the CNRE
The Center for Neuroscience Research Excellence (CNRE) at Central State University is an NIH/NIGMS Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE, P20GM100001). The CNRE builds a critical mass of independent investigators in neuroscience, supported by an Administrative Core (Core A), a Molecular and Imaging Core (Core B) and a Physiology and Behavior Core (Core C).
Research Focus Areas
- Gene therapy and neural repair
- Sensory and motor systems
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neurodegeneration and aging
Purpose
The CNRE Pilot Project Program supports innovative, hypothesis-driven projects likely to lead to independent extramural funding. Pilot projects should use CNRE Core B and/or Core C services.
Award Information
| Amount | Up to $50,000 direct costs (no indirect costs) |
|---|---|
| Period | 12 months, April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2028 |
| Number of awards | 2 to 3 |
Eligibility
- Full-time faculty at the rank of Instructor, Assistant Professor or Associate Professor.
- Priority to early-stage and new investigators (no prior NIH R01-equivalent award as PI).
- Current CNRE Research Project Leaders are not eligible.
Timeline
| RFA released | October 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Applications due | December 4, 2026, 5:00 p.m. |
| NIH-style review | December 2026 to January 2027 |
| External Advisory Committee and NIGMS approval | February to March 2027 |
| Earliest start | April 1, 2027 |
Application Components
- PHS 398 Face Page
- Specific Aims (1 page)
- Research Strategy (6 pages, with a Core Utilization Plan)
- Bibliography
- NIH Biosketches
- Detailed Budget and Justification
- Department Chair letter confirming protected time
- Collaborator or mentor letter
- Facilities and Resources
- IRB or IACUC approval, if applicable
Review Criteria
Applications are reviewed by internal and external experts using the NIH Simplified Review Framework: Factor 1, Importance of the Research (1-9); Factor 2, Rigor and Feasibility (1-9); Factor 3, Expertise and Resources (sufficient or not).
Contact
Laura M. Bennett, Ph.D., Professor and CNRE Director; Kevin J. Ortiz, CNRE Program Coordinator. cnre@csu.example.edu, 1000 University Avenue, Capital City, ST 00000.
