Open to Early-Stage Investigators (new recruits, clinician scientists and research track faculty) who need protected time through salary support to establish their independent research programs. Provides up to $50,000 per year for up to two years. Funding for the second year is contingent on progress achieved in the first year.
Mentored Scientist Transition AwardPilot Project Program
The Pilot Project Program is a key component of the CEET and aims to fund new directions in Environmental Health Science, with the goal of advancing research of center members, supporting the careers of junior faculty, attracting new investigators into the field, and promoting community-engaged research.
There are 3 anticipated pilot project deadlines per year (spring, summer, and fall) based on availability of funding.
There are 4 award categories. Eligibility is dependent upon award type.
Award Categories
Promotes research in one of the CEET Thematic Areas (Air Pollution & Lung Health, Environmental Exposures & Cancer, Windows-of-Susceptibility, and Environmental Neuroscience), the cross-cutting themes in exposomics and the effects of extreme weather on health, and to support research that may lead to multi-investigator grants. Applicants can request up to $50,000 for one year.
Available for any junior or senior full-time faculty member who propose an innovative Environmental Health Science or Implementation Science project not yet ready for federal funding. Applications proposing innovative environmental health or toxicology research, or innovative technologies are encouraged. Preference is given to proposals that utilize the CEET Facility Cores (Translational Research Support Core, Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Core, or Environmental Health Informatics Core. Applicants can request up to $50,000 for one year.
Available to address an urgent community health concern OR obtain urgent preliminary data for an Environmental Health Science relevant grant application. Applicants can request up to $10,000.
Application Cycles
We’re currently accepting applications for two types of pilot project awards:
Focused Research Award: Applications related to the four Thematic Areas of the CEET: Air Pollution & Lung Health | Environmental Exposures & Cancer | Windows-of-Susceptibility | Environmental Neuroscience
Opportunity Award: Applications proposing innovative research and technologies in Environmental Health Sciences.
Submission Information: Click here for more information about eligibility, submission requirements, deadlines, and award terms.
- Awards up to $50,000 for a 6 or 12-month project period
- 6-month award application deadline: Friday, November 14, 2025 (Deadline Closed)
- 12-month award application deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026
- Any standing or research faculty from any University of Pennsylvania School may apply
- No salary support for the faculty member is allowable
Application Procedures
Official application documents, with detailed instructions, will be made available when a “Call for Applications” is announced. Please note, each award type has its own application requirements. At minimum, all applicants will be expected to include the following:
• Application Form
• NIH Biosketch (current format)
• List of Current and Pending Grant Support
• Abstract (no more than 300 words)
• Specific Aims (1 page)
• Research Strategy (up to 6 pages)
• Project Timeline (1 page)
• Outline/Details of how project/results will enable the submission of a subsequent grant (1 page)
• References
• Budget and Budget Justification
• IRB or IACUC approval (if applicable)
• Data Management and Sharing Plan
Applications from investigators that have received pilot project funding in a previous cycle will only be considered under exceptional circumstances.