Funding Opportunities
The Corporate and Foundations Relations Office is able to work with faculty applying for corporate and foundation opportunities below. Please contact them by email or by phone at 919.962.2867. For all applications, please be sure to work with your Department of Pediatrics division grants administrator. Headlines are linked for more information.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: 2020 Epidemiology Grant
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) is accepting applications to support hypothesis-driven research that focuses on the epidemiology, early detection and prevention of childhood cancer or comparative effectiveness and outcomes research related to detection, prevention, and treatment. Areas of investigation using an epidemiological approach include: 1) Epidemiology and etiology and childhood cancer; 2) Early detection of childhood cancer; 3) Prevention of childhood cancer; 4) Comparative effectiveness and outcomes research; and 5) Molecular epidemiology studies. The application deadline is December 16, 2019.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: 2020 Young Investigator Grant
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) is accepting applications to support scientists in the early stages of their research careers, such as postdoctoral or clinical fellows. Demonstration of outstanding mentorship and demonstration of a career plan that shows commitment to pediatric cancer investigation are critical components of a successful application. The application deadline is December 16, 2019 at 11:59 pm EST.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), with support from AstraZeneca, is accepting applications to support postdoctoral or clinical research fellows, to combine research experiences in both an academic and industry setting. The research proposed for funding must have direct applicability to cancer with a specific focus on DNA Damage Response (DDR) pathways and may be basic, translational, or clinical in nature. The application deadline is December 3, 2019 at 1:00 pm ET.
American Association for Cancer Research: AACR Gertrude B. Elion Cancer Research Award
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is accepting applications to support tenure-eligible junior faculty. The research proposed for funding must focus on research in cancer etiology, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention and may be basic, translational, or clinical in nature. The application deadline is November 21, 2019.
American Association for Cancer Research: AACR Immuno-oncology Research Fellowships
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is accepting applications to support postdoctoral or clinical research fellows to conduct immuno-oncology research and to establish a successful career path in this field. The research proposed for funding may be basic, translational, clinical, or epidemiological in nature and must have direct applicability and relevance to immuno-oncology. The application deadline is December 5, 2019 at 1:00 pm ET.
American Association for Cancer Research: AACR Lymphoma Research Fellowships
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is accepting applications to support postdoctoral or clinical research fellows to conduct lymphoma research and to establish a successful career path in this field. Research projects may be basic, clinical, translational, or epidemiological in nature and must have direct applicability and relevance to lymphoma. The application deadline is December 18, 2019 at 1:00 pm ET.
American Association for Cancer Research: AACR-Genentech Cancer Disparities Research Fellowships
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), in partnership with Genentech, is accepting applications to support postdoctoral or clinical research fellows to conduct cancer disparities research and to establish a successful career path in this field. The research proposed for funding may be basic, translational, clinical, or epidemiological in nature and must have direct applicability and relevance to cancer disparities. The application deadline is December 19, 2019 by 1:00 pm.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), in partnership with Novocure, is accepting applications to support early career investigators conducting research focused on Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields; intermediate frequency, low intensity, alternating electric fields that disrupt cell division in cancer cells). These grants are intended to provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of action of this novel anti-cancer treatment modality and to accelerate the development of new treatment strategies to advance therapeutic options for cancer. The application deadline is December 11, 2019 at 1:00 pm ET.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), in partnership with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s PLGA Fund, is accepting applications with the goal to promote and support innovative and collaborative research focused on low grade glioma/astrocytoma pediatric brain cancers. The research proposed for funding should be translational in nature (though basic science and clinical proposals will also be considered), and should be focused on improving the understanding and identification of effective dosing parameters for treating children with PLGA brain tumors, with indications for children battling other types of brain tumors. Proposals should also include at least one collaborator from an institution separate from the applicant’s institution. The application deadline is December 9, 2019 at 1:00 pm ET.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), in partnership with the QuadW Foundation, is accepting applications to support a postdoctoral or clinical research fellow to conduct translational or clinical sarcoma research and to establish a successful career path in this field. The application deadline is December 6, 2019 at 1:00 pm ET.
American Association for Cancer Research: Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation-AACR Grant
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), in partnership with the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation, is accepting applications to support innovative cancer research. This grant is available to independent junior and senior investigators to develop and study new ideas and innovative approaches that have direct application and relevance to neuroendocrine tumors. Proposed research may be in any discipline of basic, translational, or clinical cancer research. The application deadline is January 7, 2020.
American Kidney Fund: Clinical Scientist in Nephrology Fellowship
The American Kidney Fund (AKF) is accepting applications to support researchers by enhancing the training and education of nephrologists who desire to pursue an academic career and whose primary professional commitment is to scholarship in the provision of patient care. The goal of the CSN Program is to improve the quality of care provided to patients with kidney diseases and to promote clinical research in nephrology. The application deadline is November 22, 2019.
American Lung Association: Allergic Respiratory Diseases Research Award
The American Lung Association, in a joint effort with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, is accepting applications to support applicants holding a primary faculty appointment in a Clinical Allergy and Immunology Division conducting research into advancing the understanding of allergic respiratory disease. The application deadline is December 12, 2019.
American Lung Association: Catalyst Award
The American Lung Association (ALA) is accepting applications to support outstanding investigators on the path to independence for research into the mechanisms of lung disease and general lung biology. Preference is given to projects that are novel; innovative in design/approach; utilize modern technologies; and incorporate a multidisciplinary collaborative training plan. The application deadline is December 12, 2019.
American Lung Association: Dalsemer Research Grant
The American Lung Association (ALA) is accepting applications to provide a mentored award to junior investigators on the path to independence for researching the mechanisms and biology of interstitial lung disease. Applicants should be on-track to pursue a career in lung heath research with a mentor who has a demonstrated history of lung disease research and mentorship. Application deadline is December 12, 2019.
American Lung Association: Innovation Award
The American Lung Association is accepting applications to support investigators with stellar track records of accomplishment, who have the potential to advance the field of lung disease science. Successful applicants are investigators with evidence of prior excellence and productivity in the early stages of their careers; the applicant must have held a K or R level grant in the three (3) years prior to the application. Applicants are due on December 12, 2019.
American Lung Association: Public Policy Research Award
The American Lung Association (ALA) is accepting applications to support research on and evaluation of existing public policy and programs, as well as projects that inject innovative ideas into public policies impacting lung health. Applications must include plans for public dissemination of the work which should include information on how to use findings to support and promote important policy change. The application is open to researchers in public policy, economics, political science, sociology, law, and related disciplines. Investigational areas of interest are broad and include, but are not limited to: tobacco control, air quality, health policy, disparities, modeling and informatics. The application deadline is December 12, 2019.
Angelman Syndrome Foundation Research Grant
The Angelman Syndrome Foundation (ASF) is accepting proposals to fund pilot projects to test new ideas about pathogenesis and therapeutics of Angelman syndrome, translational research and clinical research studies. Deadlines – October 15 and April 15.
C-Change Mentoring & Leadership Institute Fellowship
The C-Change Mentoring & Leadership Institute is inviting applications to a course specifically geared to the needs of mid-career faculty whose career aspirations include research. The NIH is funding a study of this Institute with the goals of 1) addressing the mentoring needs of members of underrepresented groups whose career aspirations include research, and 2) contributing to the science of effective mentoring. Applications are due December 6, 2019.
The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research is pleased to continue to support pre- and postdoctoral fellowships in health services research, funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). For the 2020-2021 academic year, the Center expects to offer 2 new predoctoral positions and 2 new postdoctoral positions, with an average duration of two years. Postdoctoral applicants seeking only one year of funding are encouraged to apply. Fellows receive instruction in responsible conduct of research, intensive weekly seminars and work-in-progress sessions on health services research, and intensive mentoring on individualized research projects. Applications are due February 15, 2020.
Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility: Method Development Funds
These funds will be used to support method development activities that utilize CEHS Molecular Analysis Facility Core labs. The purpose is to develop novel assays and methods related to the health effects of environmental exposures. Up to 20% of each award can be used for supplies, with the remaining 80% used for method development. Multiple awards are available. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, as long as funds are available. Project spending must be concluded by March 31, 2020.
Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility: Pilot Project Grants, 2020-2021
The UNC Center on Environmental Health and Susceptibility (CEHS) announces the availability of funding for pilot projects to advance understanding about how pollutants and other environmental exposures affect public health and health inequities. The CEHS Pilot Projects Program is accepting applications for two types of projects: 1) single investigator, with awards of up to five grants of $30,000 each, and 2) interdisciplinary team science, with awards of up to two grants of $50,000 each. Required letter of intent is due by December 20, 2019. Proposal deadline is due by January 20, 2020.
Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility: Rapid Response Funds
Get seed funding and technical assistance for environmental exposure studies. UNC faculty are eligible if they have not received Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility Pilot Funds within the past 3 years. These funds will be used to support specific experiments needed to quickly advance a project, and/or to generate preliminary data that will lead to new NIEHS grant proposals. Up to 50% of each award can be used to support graduate students. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, as long as funds are available. Project spending must be concluded by March 31, 2020.
How to apply: Submit a word document to Michael Sanderson via email that contains:
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- Email subject line: CEHS Rapid Response Seed Grant Application
- Cover Page, Title and Abstract, Aims (1 page),
- Budget, Budget Justification (1 page)
- Support letter from a CEHS Facility Core
Children’s Research Institute Research Grant Initiative
As part of the mission of the Children’s Research Institute (CRI) to coordinate and support pediatric research, we are thrilled to announce 2 research funding opportunities: 1) Carolina For the Kids (CFTK) Research Grant Awards and 2) UNC Children’s Development Early Career Investigator Grants. The deadline for the CFTK Fellows Award has passed for 2019. The CFTK Faculty Investigator Award and the UNC Children’s Development Early Career Investigator Grant deadline has been extended to no later than midnight on December 16, 2019.
Doris Duke Charitable Foundation: 2020 Physician Scientist Fellowship
The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (DDCF) is accepting applications to support physician scientists (MD, MD/PhD, DO or foreign equivalent) in subspecialty fellowship training work at US medical institutions. The aim of this funding program is to support research during the final years of subspecialty fellowship and to aid in the transition into an academic faculty appointment. The specific goals of the PSF program are to: 1) support physician scientists in subspecialty fellowship to conduct an outstanding clinical research project; 2) ensure research time protection to enable development of research skills; and 3) facilitate strong mentorship relations. The application deadline is January 7, 2020 by 3:00 pm ET.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator Program
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is seeking creative and innovative scientists to join its Investigator Program. Through this competition, HHMI will expand their community of basic researchers and physician scientists across the nation who catalyze discovery research in basic and biomedical sciences, plant biology, evolutionary biology, biophysics, chemical biology, biomedical engineering, and computation biology. The competition is open to all eligible applicants; no nomination or institutional endorsement is required or accepted. The application due date is March 18, 2020 at 3:00 pm EDT.
A Kids’ Brain Tumor Cure AKBTC Sponsored Grant
A Kids’ Brain Tumor Cure (AKBTC), also known as the Pediatric Low Grade Astrocytoma Foundation, Inc., is accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) to support researchers and provides funds that will act as a catalyst to help the researchers turn their attention to the area of pediatric low grade glioma brain tumor research. $100,000 – $500,000, depending on project scope and duration. The grant cycle is an ongoing process throughout the year.
JDRF International is accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) to support proof-of-concept or Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling clinical studies that address a key research/knowledge gap for translation of novel therapies focused on preventing or treating Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) pathology at the earliest possible stages in people with Type 1 Diabetes. The LOI deadline is November 26, 2019. Invited full applications are due on January 14, 2020.
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research: ASAP Collaborative Research Network
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), in partnership with the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Initiative, is accepting pre-proposals to establish “research hubs” around priority areas with teams comprising the best researcher expertise to address key knowledge gaps, regardless of their geographical location or institutional affiliation. This program solely funds basic research aimed at understanding the 1) structure and function of the nervous system (and related physiological systems) and 2) disease mechanisms that contribute to Parkinson’s disease. The pre-proposal deadline is January 8, 2020 by 6:00pm ET; invited full applications are due April 15, 2020.
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research: Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), in collaboration with longtime partner the Edmond J. Safra Foundation, is accepting applications to support academic centers to train new movement disorder clinician-researchers and to develop a network of highly trained specialists to be the next generation of leaders in Parkinson’s research and clinical care. The application deadline is December 13, 2019.
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research: Ken Griffin Alpha-synuclein Imaging Competition
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) is accepting applications to support projects that will accelerate work to develop a selective alpha-synuclein PET tracer. MJFF encourages multidisciplinary teams to apply to this program and is particularly interested in collaborations between academic and industry groups that have access to diverse compound libraries. Funding prioritization will be given to those teams that show the greatest promise for delivering a selective tracer for human testing at the end of the funding period. The application deadline is January 17, 2020.
Muscular Dystrophy Association: Discovery Development Grants
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) to fund senior postdoctoral researchers on the brink of becoming independent investigators. These awards are intended as seed money to help launch the scientific programs of new neuromuscular disease researchers. Successful applications will include a training plan which details how the applicant will receive the necessary training and mentorship to transition to an independent research career. Letters of intent are due on December 1, 2019. Invited full applications are due January 31, 2020.
Muscular Dystrophy Association: Discovery Research Grants
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) to support independent, established investigators to accelerate progress toward understanding and treating muscle disease. Discovery research includes the search for understanding the causes of disease, unraveling pathways involved in disease, identifying novel drug targets, and testing new strategies to treat disease. The goal for discovery research is to form a solid foundation which informs and accelerates all subsequent drug development. Letters of intent are due on December 1, 2019. Invited full applications are due January 31, 2020.
Myocarditis Foundation: Research Grant Fellowship
The Myocarditis Foundation (MF) is accepting applications to support research related to all forms of myocarditis. The Myocarditis Foundation (MF) accepts fellowship grant applications on an annual basis for innovative basic, clinical or translational research relevant to the cause or treatment of myocarditis. MF’s fellowship grant program is designed to provide seed funding to investigators for the testing of initial hypotheses and collecting of preliminary data to help secure long-term funding by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and other major granting institutions. The application deadline is December 1, 2019.
NCBiotech’s Flash Grant program aims to identify and energize the most creative ideas that exhibit early indications of commercial potential. Flash Grants provide up to $20,000 to support short, sharply focused research projects that address one or both program goals: 1) To obtain crucial proof-of-concept or feasibility testing data necessary to suggest the disruptive potential of a life science technology; 2) To conduct the final experiment(s) needed to advance a basic life science research program into the translational research phase of development. The application deadline is Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at noon EST.
NCBiotech Translational Grants
The TRG program funds projects that explore potential commercial applications or initiate the early commercial development of university-held life science inventions. The technology must have the potential to solve a real-world problem as a commercial product in the life science sector. Applicants must be researchers employed by North Carolina-based universities or nonprofit research institutes. Technical projects may be conducted at awardee institutions or outsourced to contract research organizations. Applications are due by Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 12:00 pm.
The North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute (NCTraCS) provides a variety of pilot funding opportunities to facilitate the transfer of research findings to clinical practice in order to improve the health of the people of North Carolina. Multiple grant mechanisms are available.
Office of Research: 2019 Emerging Challenges in Biomedical Research Award
The UNC School of Medicine’s Office of Research (OoR) sponsors an annual pilot award, Emerging Challenges in Biomedical Research (ECBR), to provide support for innovative, early stage research relevant to NIH strategic priorities. For this round of funding, the OoR will provide support for innovative, basic science research projects. The purpose of the current challenge is to recognize the importance and impact of fundamental research by supporting interdisciplinary, technology focused, basic science research that can lead to new discoveries or technologies. Proposals are due by December 1, 2019, at 5:00 pm.
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: 2020 Career Development Award
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is accepting applications to support junior faculty to conduct pancreatic cancer research and establish successful career paths in this field. This grant provides funding for junior investigators that have not yet secured their first major research funding. The research proposed for funding may be basic, translational, clinical or epidemiological in nature and must have direct applicability and relevance to pancreatic cancer. The application deadline is December 13, 2019.
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: 2020 Translational Research Grant
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), in partnership with Celgene Corporation, is accepting applications to support pancreatic cancer research that is poised for important translational next steps to help move scientific discovery to application in patients. To be eligible for a Translational Research Grant, the research project should aim to identify novel targets and approaches to the treatment of pancreatic cancer or understand and circumvent treatment resistance. Of interest are research projects that fall into at least one of these three areas of research: a) Immune context and tumor microenvironment interactions, (b) Regulators of pathogenesis, progression and metabolism, with particular interest in epigenetic mechanisms and (c) Transcriptional networks essential for viability and maintenance of malignant phenotype. The application deadline is December 6, 2019.
Progeria Research Foundation: Research Grants
The Progeria Research Foundation is accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) to support:
- Projects that are likely to lead to clinical treatment trials within 5 years. This includes the discovery and/or testing of candidate treatment compounds in cell-based or animal models of HGPS. Only proposals that test compounds in a progerin-producing animal or cell model will normally be considered. Analyses in non progerin-producing models are acceptable, but only as a comparison to progerin-producing models and with strong justification.
- Development of gene- and cell-based therapies to treat Progeria
- Assessment of natural history of disease that may be important to developing outcome measures in treatment trials (preclinical or clinical)
The LOI deadline is January 2, 2020; invited full applications are due April 1, 2020.
The PROMISE study is currently recruiting underrepresented postdocs for peer mentoring and professional development activities as part of the study and will extend to junior faculty in the Spring. You may qualify to participate if you identify as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Native Indian or other Pacific Islander, and/or Multiracial and are involved in biomedical research. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to participate. Please see attached flyer for more information.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars
Clinical Scholars is a national leadership development program for experienced health practitioners. Clinical Scholars fellows include pharmacists, physical therapists, veterinarians, dentists, social workers, nurses, physicians, and many others working in clinical or academic settings. Working in teams of three to five representing diverse disciplines, they design an innovative project to address a complex health problem in their area. Clinical Scholars is one of several programs created by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to develop a network of strong, interdisciplinary leaders from every sector working to create a nation where everyone can reach their best possible health and well-being. Applications to join the program open January 10.
RTI University Scholars Program
Since 2014, the RTI University Scholars Program has provided partial support for distinguished academic researchers to spend scholarly leave time at RTI, actively collaborating with our experts. The ideal Scholar is a tenured or research-track faculty member at the Associate Professor level or higher with a commitment to collaboration and a strong research record in a field that aligns with RTI’s practice areas and services and capabilities. The program’s goal is to foster collaboration and catalyze opportunities for externally funded, joint projects in the future. For the 2020-2021 Academic Year cycle, the Program is open to faculty from Duke University and the University of North Carolina’s 16 university campuses. Expressions of interest are due on January 9, 2020. Full proposals are due on March 30, 2020.
Thrasher Research Fund – Early Career Awards
The Thrasher Research Fund is accepting Concept Papers to support young investigators in pediatric research. The program’s aim is to encourage the development of medical research in child health by awarding small grants to new researchers. The grant cycle is an ongoing process throughout the year.
UNC Center for Health Innovation: Pilot Award
The Center is interested in proposals of novel and innovative approaches to be piloted within the UNC Health Care System across a broad spectrum of interest areas, including:
- Innovative care delivery models and pathways (e.g., population health management, coordination of care, integration of care, novel patient engagement approaches)
- New technologies and new applications for existing technologies (e.g., applications, mobile applications, mobile devices, wearables, clinical devices, decision support)
- Advanced analytics (e.g., clinical risk assessment, event prediction and detection, health outcomes analysis)
- Business model innovations (e.g., financial incentives, new reimbursement models, changes to cost structure)
- Alternative staffing and new workforce development
- Translational research
Applications are due January 14, 2020.
UNC Institute for Healthcare Quality Improvement’s Improvement Scholars Program
The UNC Institute for Healthcare Quality Improvement (IHQI) is soliciting applications from UNC School of Medicine and Health Care System clinical leaders who want to develop clinical improvement skills by participating in the IHQI Improvement Scholars Program. Projects are intended to improve clinical care and outcomes for a population of patients by implementing proven and/or expert-recommended strategies and approaches. Projects should consider strategies for reducing cost of care and unwarranted care variation. Proposals to research new interventions for efficacy and/or effectiveness will not be selected. Competitive letters of intent are due December 2, 2019. Invitations to apply will be sent on December 9, 2019.
The Provost’s Office is now accepting applications for competitive Senior Faculty Research and Scholarly Leaves to be taken during Fall Semester 2020, Spring Semester 2021, or Academic Year 2020/2021. Any permanent, full-time, salaried member of the faculty holding a tenured, tenure track, or fixed-term position at the associate or full professor level (or equivalent rank) is eligible to apply. Assistant professors are not eligible for these leaves. Applications are due no later than 5:00pm on Friday, December 6, 2019.
UNC School of Medicine and NCTraCS Translational Team Science Awards
The School of Medicine’s Strategic Plan includes an annual award jointly administered by the Office of Research and NC TraCS—the Translational Team Science Award (TTSA). This award is aimed at capitalizing on the “culture of collaboration” at UNC Chapel Hill to foster new synergistic interdisciplinary teams of basic science and clinical investigators. “Translational” is defined broadly and is not restricted to human subjects and tissues. Proposals may include research using cellular and animal model systems; however, the project should clearly translate across basic and clinical disciplines. Due to the current vaping epidemic and reports on vaping related illnesses and deaths, vaping research proposals will be considered as high-priority. One-page concept papers outlining the project and the new interdisciplinary team are due January 3, 2020.
UNC School of Medicine Biomedical Research Core Voucher
The Core Facility Advocacy Committee (CFAC) in the Office of Research Technologies announces a new . program for research projects that directly utilize UNC SOM biomedical research cores. To be eligible for funding, projects must satisfy one or more of the following criteria: new method development, generation of pilot data for a project not currently funded, or new user of a core lab. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm on January 6, 2020.
W.M. Keck Foundation Research Program
The Foundation is interested in concepts and projects so early-stage, and so high-risk that, should the project fail, very little of the work will be of value to future endeavors. This program is not a career development application. The Foundation welcomes, and funds, projects submitted by faculty of any career stage with the appropriate expertise. Although there is only one PI for Keck proposals, it is expected that a multidisciplinary team will be assembled for the project. Teams can include collaborators from other institutions; international collaborations are limited to 10% of the budget. The Keck Foundation is not interested in applications for clinical, disease, or condition-specific projects; applied technologies; drug discovery; or projects that are a progression, incremental advance, or continuation of existing work. UNC Internal Concept Papers are due on December 15, 2019 by 11:59 pm.