Pilot and Feasibility Program

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PROJECT SUMMARY – Pilot and Feasibility Program The Pilot and Feasibility (P&F) grant program at the Chicago Center for Diabetes Translation Research (CCDTR) supports new areas of inquiry in diabetes translation research, with a special focus on improving the care and outcomes of vulnerable populations. The main aim of P&F program is to provide funding for investigators to explore novel hypotheses and to obtain preliminary data in order to secure long-term support from conventional funding mechanisms. Funding from the P&F program has supported new investigators who are seeking to become fully independent scientists in diabetes translation research and established investigators who are seeking to initiate diabetes-related research. Since 2011, the CCDTR P&F has received 68 applications and has awarded 41 grants, leading to 52 abstract presentations, 55 publications, and funding of 29 grants from NIDDK, NHBLI, AHRQ, and others. Grantees have received $25 million in subsequent awards with a return on investment of $28 for every $1 invested. The P&F program has made a difference for many investigators and has help establish a more diverse and collaborative network of researchers while launching the careers of several investigators in the fields of diabetes translational research. Grants have gone to 31 (76%) women, 23 (56%) investigators who identify as racial/ethnic minorities, and 19 (46%) women of color across eight institutions and 12 departments. The areas of study have included sleep interventions, care of patients with pre-end-stage kidney disease, mobile phone interventions on sedentary behavior, and human centered design approaches. Looking forward, we will amplify our reach through a novel partnership with Northwestern University (NU). This partnership will further catalyze the work that UC and NU have been conducting by providing broader reach across disciplines, institutions, and geography. Additionally, the P&F program will be furthered strengthened by expanding our scope by encouraging applications from grantees who: (1) are testing novel interventions in health equity, dissemination, and implementation; (2) bring unique perspective to diabetes research through nontraditional fields of expertise (e.g. engineering, design, environmental science); and (3) identify as URM and/or engage with stakeholders/community organizations that are URM serving and/or led. Acknowledging the importance of the P&F program, the Deans of the Biological Sciences Division at UC and Feinberg School of Medicine at NU will support the P&F program by providing $100K total in matching funds per year. With $150K funds per year, we will grant up to five grants of $25k per year and up to five “mini” grants of $5K to improve engagement and dissemination efforts. The success of our P&F program to date is a reflection of the interdisciplinary nature of our center and the strong research base it provides. Through a renewal of the CCDTR and collaboration with NU, the P&F program will be able to continue to provide necessary funding support to a new generation of innovative and diverse diabetes translation researchers and increase their chances of securing long-term funding in the future.