Nebraska Center for Women’s Health Research Pilot Project Program

The Nebraska Center for Women’s Health Research (NCWHR), housed within the University of Nebraska Medical Center, has announced a pilot project funding opportunity to stimulate innovative, high-impact research in women's health. This initiative is designed to support novel, early-stage investigations that have the potential to secure external funding. The program encourages research that not only addresses significant scientific questions but also aligns with the overarching goals of NCWHR, particularly those emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific excellence. The funding is open exclusively to University of Nebraska faculty members who hold an academic appointment at the level of Instructor or higher. A key eligibility criterion is active membership in the Nebraska Center for Women’s Health Research. Non-members can become eligible by completing the NCWHR membership registration process. Additionally, all submitted projects must be explicitly focused on women's health-related research areas. Applicants who have previously received NCWHR pilot project funding are ineligible to apply again, and no funding may be requested for salary support, equipment purchases, or travel expenses. Applicants may request up to $25,000 for a one-year pilot project. The funding is intended to act as a springboard for studies with high scientific merit and collaborative potential that can evolve into externally funded research. The center aims to promote projects that demonstrate clear potential to transition from internal to national-level support. To apply, applicants must submit a research plan (limited to three pages excluding references), including specific aims, background and significance, preliminary data (if available), methodological approach, and a description of how the funding will help leverage further resources. Additional required documents include a five-page NIH biosketch for each investigator and a detailed budget with justification. All documents should follow standard NIH formatting guidelines, using 11-point Arial font and half-inch margins. Applications must be compiled into a single PDF in the specified order—research plan, bibliography, biosketch, and budget—and submitted via email to ncwhr@unmc.edu by 11:59 pm Central Time on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Awards will be announced on December 15, 2025, and the funding period will begin on January 1, 2026. For any inquiries related to the application or membership process, applicants may contact Carrie Drummond, Research Administrator, at carrie.drummond@unmc.edu. This program operates on an annual cycle, and based on the regularity of its release and scheduled dates, the next expected cycle is anticipated to open in October 2026.

Prioritize scientific merit and collaborative potential. Ensure clear justification for future funding leverage.