DREAMS - Pilot and Feasibility Program

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The Diabetes Research for Equity through Advanced Multilevel Science Center for Diabetes Translational Research (DREAMS-CDTR) maintains a robust Pilot and Feasibility Program that supports studies that lead to future R-level and K-level grants in diabetes translational research. Focusing on research aiming to reduce disparities or improve health equity, this Program aims to support two Pilot and Feasibility studies in each year of the HDS-CDTR renewal, conduct peer review of Pilot and Feasibility award applications on an annual basis, and leverage the Pilot and Feasibility awards as a mechanism to support junior investigators in developing robust careers in translational research in diabetes and diabetes prevention with a particular focus on health equity and disparities reduction. CDTR pilot awardees have submitted 10 grants, including four R-level and three career development awards. Of these 10 grants, 8 (80%) were funded. All former pilot awardees report still working in diabetes translational research. It is especially notable that two of our prior P&F awardees (Lyles and Brown) have gone on to develop very successful careers as independent investigators in diabetes translational research—so much so, that they have been invited to join the DREAMS- CDTR as core faculty. This renewal includes several innovations in direct response to feedback from current and former P and F awardees. First, to facilitate connections between pilot awardees and potential senior mentors across sites, we will identify senior mentors to serve as discussion moderator during pilot awardee presentations. Second, because awardees described challenges in connecting with other junior faculty, we propose to create a virtual coffee hour once per quarter to allow early stage investigators (ESI) (pilot awardees and other affiliated faculty) to meet and share their experiences in a safe and informal setting. Finally, we will pilot a new annual seminar series called the “bridge series” to increase the visibility of P and F awardees across the university, including among other Diabetes Research Center and the National CDTR. To ensure the continued success of the P and F program, The DREAMS-CDTR will work with the External Advisory Committee to evaluate progress with stated goals, as well as gather feedback from P and F awardees regarding specific activities on an ongoing basis.