Pilot and Exploratory Studies Core Funding Opportunities 

The Claude Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) at Wake Forest School of Medicine is pleased to offer two types of funding opportunities through our Pilot and Exploratory Studies Core (PESC).

PESC Annual Request for Applications (RFA)

The goal of this RFA is to identify proposals that focus on understanding or intervening on the pathways that contribute to age-related functional decline and the development of physical disability in older persons. RFAs are issued once per year and are announced through the Clinical and Translational Research Institute’s Research Round-up.

Pepper OAIC Ignition Fund RFA

The goal of this RFA is to seek out proposals for small pilot or ignition funds to accelerate progress for clinical and translational research projects related to the Pepper themes: preserving or improving of physical function in older adults. Ignition funds are intended to be small (up to $5,000) rapid-access awards that will support feasibility and pilot projects that have a high probability of generating pilot data for submission of larger extramural grant applications or high-impact publications. Applications can be submitted at any time.

Download the Pepper OAIC Ignition Fund RFA Guide.

Research Education Core Support

The center provides early-career faculty with salary support and mentoring focused on building an independent career in clinical aging research.

How to Apply

RFAs are issued when funds are available and are announced through the Clinical and Translational Research Institute’s Research Round-up. Contact Abby Archer at 336-713-8504 or aarcher@wakehealth.edu for more information.