Pilot Grants
Program Overview
Each pilot grant provides seed support for high-impact projects designed to advance precision medicine approaches and improve outcomes for critically ill patients.
2026 Request for Applications (RFA)
The UCSF Center for Precision Research in Critical Care (CPR-CC) invites applications focused on innovative research in critical care-related topics for its inaugural pilot grant program.
Scope of Funding
Proposals should be focused on clinical or translational research on topics related to critical care, including recovery from critical illness.
- Up to $50,000 for one year
- Funding period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Proposals most likely to be funded are those which:
- Propose novel and rigorous science
- Clearly articulate how the pilot work will lead to subsequent extramural funding
- Incorporate collaboration across different disciplines, divisions, or departments
- Focus on enhancing the development of precision medicine in critical care
- Clearly feasible within the described time frame with existing resources plus those provided by the award
Collaborative and multidisciplinary proposals are particularly encouraged.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include:
- UCSF residents engaged in full-time research years
- Fellows in training engaged in full-time research years (i.e. ACGME Year 3 or higher)
- Post-doctoral scholars
- Early career faculty (Clinical Instructors or Assistant Adjunct Professors) in research-intensive years
Applicants may hold other sources of funding; however, the proposed project must be distinct and clearly describe what can be accomplished with one year of CPR-CC support. For trainees, topics proposed should be distinct from those of their mentors.
Awardee Expectations
All grantees will be expected to:
- Present their work at CPR-CC research seminars
- Acknowledge CPR-CC funding source in resulting publications
- Provide a brief written or video testimonial for use on the Center’s website and promotional materials
Grantees will receive mentorship support from CPR-CC Core Faculty.
Application Format
Applications must be no more than 3 pages total (Arial 11 font), excluding references, and must include:
- A research proposal, including of a statement regarding how the proposal will impact the career development of the applicant,
- NIH-style biosketch,
- Other Support statement documenting current research funding,
- Letters of support from applicant’s Chief or Chair and current mentor,
- Budget justification.
Salary support for the applicant is not required, and if included, should not exceed $10,000. Funds may be used to support other research support staff (e.g. CRCs).
Application Deadline: April 1, 2026
Submit applications to: [email protected]
Application Timeline
RFA Released
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Winter 2026
Applications Due
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April 1, 2026
Award Notification
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May 1, 2026
Award Start Date
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July 1, 2026
Funded Projects (coming soon)
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Why It Matters
Philanthropic and institutional support for the CPR-CC Pilot Grants Program ensures that talented investigators can pursue bold ideas and accelerate discoveries that save lives in the ICU. By investing in these early projects, we are shaping the future of critical care medicine.