Pilot Grant Program

Advance Your Research. Build Towards What’s Next.

The RCMI at the University of Houston Pilot Grant Program supports innovative research addressing chronic disease health disparities while helping early-stage and new investigators strengthen their research programs and prepare for future extramural funding.

Selected investigators receive $30,000-$50,000 in direct research support, structured mentoring, and professional development through the RCMI Elevating Talent in the Academy program.

Fall 2026 Applications Are Now Open

Proposal Deadline: November 6, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT
Anticipated Award Start: March 31, 2027

Apply Now
View Full RFP

Funding at a glance

$30K — $50K

Research Funding
Direct costs for a one-year period. Indirect costs are not permitted.

1 Year

Project Period
Support designed to move promising research toward its next stage of development.

Research + Mentoring

Investigator Development
Awardees receive structured mentoring and professional development designed to strengthen research capabilities and future funding competitiveness.

More Than Pilot Funding

Supporting the Investigator Behind the Research

The Pilot Grant Program combines financial support with a structured investigator-development experience.

Through the RCMI Elevating Talent in the Academy program, investigators receive mentoring and professional development designed to strengthen their research capabilities, advance scientific productivity, and support successful transitions into developmentally appropriate external funding opportunities.

Who should Apply?

The Pilot Grant Program is designed for eligible University of Houston Early Stage and New Investigators conducting research that advances understanding of chronic disease health disparities.

Proposed projects may include:

Basic Research • Clinical Research • Behavioral Research • Translational Research

Projects must address chronic disease health disparities and align with NIH priorities.

Principal Investigator Eligibility

The PI must:

  • Hold an eligible appointment at the University of Houston.
  • Meet the NIH definition of an Early Stage Investigator or New Investigator.
  • Submit a project focused on chronic disease health disparities.
  • Complete all required institutional approvals and signatures before submission.
Review NIH Investigator Eligibility

Fall 2026 Application Timeline

Applicant Webinar + Q&A

September 15, 2026
11:00 a.m. CT

Learn about the Pilot Grant Program, application requirements, and review process, followed by an opportunity to ask questions.

Register for Webinar

Applicant Office Hours

September 25, 2026
October 7 and 20, 2026
11:00 a.m. CT

Drop in for optional guidance and proposal support during the application period.

Register for Office Hours

Full Proposal Deadline

November 6, 2026
11:59 p.m.

Earliest Anticipated Award State Date

March 31, 2027

How Apply?

Full proposals must be submitted by the Principal Investigators as a single PDF through the RCMI submission portal.

Before submitting, applications must obtain all required signatures from:

  • The appropriate department chair(s)
  • The affiliated pre-award research administrator within the applicant’s college

Applications without the required approvals should not be considered complete.

Before You Submit

Review the complete Request for Proposals for:

Eligibility Requirements • Proposal Components • Budget Guidelines • Review Criteria • Required Signatures • Submission Instructions

View the Full RFP
Submit Your Proposal

Invest in an Idea. Advance a Career. Expand the impact.

The RCMI at the University of Houston is building research capacity and supporting investigators whose work can advance our understanding of chronic disease health disparities and help translate discovery into meaningful impact.

Applications close November 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT

Apply Now

Questions?

Our Investigator Development Core is available to help applicants navigate the Pilot Grant Program.

Contact: UHrcmi@uh.edu

Resources

Discover groundbreaking features designed to tackle tomorrow’s challenges head-on. Explore innovative solutions shaping the future landscape.

RFA Guidelines
PGP Cover Page
OMB Uniform Guidance