Funding Opportunities

REQUEST FOR PILOT PROJECT APPLICATIONS IN PRECISION MEDICINE The Kansas Institute for Precision Medicine (KIPM), supported by an NIGMS Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence grant (P20 GM130423) at the University of Kansas Medical Center is requesting innovative pilot grant proposals. Applications due: February 20th, 2026 Anticipated Decision Date: March 2nd, 2026 Anticipated Start Date: April 1st, 2026 Summary: The Kansas Institute for Precision Medicine (KIPM) COBRE at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) provides participating investigators with research support, mentoring, and access to Core Services in a collegial and collaborative environment. This NIH Phase 2 COBRE program is led by Andrew K. Godwin, PhD (Director and Principal Investigator; primary contact), Steven A. Soper, PhD (Associate Director and multiple Principal Investigator), and Alan S. L. Yu, MB, B.Chir (Director of Mentoring and Career Development and multiple Principal Investigator). The KIPM Phase 2 COBRE (https://www.kumc.edu/research/kansas-institute-for-precision-medicine-cobre.html) will provide investigators with funding for research activities, mentoring, and access to Core Laboratory Services. Up to two pilot projects are anticipated to be supported through the parent grant P20 GM130423-06), with up to $50,000 in total direct costs per project for one year of initial funding. The anticipated project start date is April 1, 2026. Precision Medicine is an emerging approach to disease prevention and treatment that tailors healthcare to an individual’s unique environment, lifestyle, and molecular disease characteristics. The KIPM Pilot Project Program (PPP) is designed to support investigators in generating preliminary data for competitive extramural grant submissions, developing innovative technologies, and achieving other milestones that strengthen investigator development and institutional research capacity. For this funding cycle, applications will be accepted from junior faculty only, defined as NIH Early-Stage Investigators. KIPM is the only research center dedicated to precision medicine in the state of Kansas and the surrounding region. It is distinctive in its focus on precision medicine in both non-oncology clinical areas and oncology through highly innovative Research Project Leader initiatives. The program places a strong emphasis on career development for clinician-scientists and serves as a launchpad for transition to research independence. Applicants must propose pilot research project that aligns with the scientific theme of KIPM and demonstrates substantial use of one or more KIPM Core Services. Eligible applicants must: • Hold the rank of Assistant Professor • Meet the NIH Early-Stage Investigator (ESI) criteria at the time of application • Not hold any IDeA award concurrently with a KIPM Pilot Project appointment All applications must be prepared in general accordance with NIH PHS 398 application guidelines.