UVA Wise Neuroscience Pilot Grants 2025

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The UVA Wise Neuroscience Committee offers this seed funding program to UVA Wise faculty for transformative neuroscience research projects. The purpose of the program is to tackle important questions, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and perform groundbreaking work that will enhance our research enterprise.

Application Process

Faculty from across the College at UVA Wise are invited to apply; no more than one proposal per faculty will be accepted each cycle. Proposed projects may be on any subject related to neuroscience research. Projects may be basic, translational, or clinical research, or a combination. 

Successful proposals will have high potential to promote the health and wellbeing of residents of Central Appalachia and concrete plans for pursuing subsequent extramural funding. Priority will be given to proposals that include community stakeholders and partners.

Examples of possible projects include: 

  • History and utility of regional botanical treatments for anxiety and depression
  • Endocrine disruptors influence on development
  • Characterization of neutrophil activity from Alzheimer and dementia patients
  • Generation of genetic model of Alzheimer’s
  • Examination of OPRD1 (opioid receptor) on immune response
  • Multilevel stress exposures and substance use disorders
  • Trauma-informed strategies to prevent or treat substance use disorders
  • Occupational exposures to contaminants and Parkinson’s disease
  • Studies to construct human cognition models and understand the roles of different brain systems and regions in thought and behavior.

Applications will be evaluated based on relevance, including the potential to promote the health and well-being of residents in Central Appalachia, scientific merit, and potential for future extramural funding. After initial review, a small number of applicants may be invited for a short 10-minute oral presentation to the review committee for final selection. Brief written feedback will be returned to all applicants.

Funding

Awards of up to $24,500 will be given for the duration of one year with the potential for no-cost extension after one year. Proposals that include multidisciplinary project teams of two or more faculty members or community partners may be eligible for additional support or extended project periods. Cost sharing is encouraged.

Required Proposal Components

  1. A two-page project description, which should include the following:
    1. Project title
    2. Investigators
    3. Significance
    4. Innovation & potential scientific impact
    5. Approach
    6. Project milestones at 6 months
  2. References Cited (not included in page limit)
  3. Biographical Sketches for Key Personnel (not included in page limit)
  4. Budget (up to one page)
    1. Personnel costs (including faculty course buy-outs)
    2. OTPS (equipment, supplies, travel, other).
  5. Other Support (up to one page, if applicable)
    1. Community partners, additional funding sources, and timelines.
  6. Impact Statement (up to one page)
    1. Describe the impact that this award will have on the health and wellbeing of the residents of Central Appalachia.
    2. Plans for Extramural Support: Provide a list of planned future proposals including agency/foundation and submission dates. Proposal planning and development by successful grantees will be eligible for further support by the Grand Challenge team.

*Additional information regarding the proposal may be requested by the review committee following initial review.

Proposal Submission Format

Applicants should assemble the entire application as a single PDF file titled: "Lastname_Firstname_2025PilotGrant.pdf"

Application Deadline: Applications from the April 2025 funding cycle are currently under review.