Apply now for up to $100K/yr in seed funding to support your clinical and translational research.
To launch Phase III of the program, Advance RI-CTR is pleased to announce the 2026–2027 Health Research Core award RFA, featuring three award mechanisms:
- Pilot Project Awards
- Developmental Project Award
- Mentored Scholar Achievement Awards.
Advance RI-CTR's Health Research Core Awards funds research spanning the translational spectrum that addresses Rhode Island's health challenges and community health priorities.
| Award Type | Maximum Funding | Duration | Target Audience | Key Requirement |
| Pilot Project Awards | Up to $100,000 | 12 months | Early-stage faculty (Assistant Professor or below), clinical fellows (1–2 yrs from completion), or senior faculty transitioning to clinical/translational research. | Required research mentor for early-stage investigators and fellows. Minimum 4 awards funded/yr. |
| Developmental Project Awards | Up to $100,000/yr ($200,000 total) | 24 months | Independent investigators (early-career to established). Clinical fellows are ineligible. | Aims to build preliminary data for independent grant submissions (e.g., NIH R01). Minimum 2 awards funded/yr. |
| Mentored Scholar Advancement Awards | Protected time support: Up to 25% FTE ($40k/yr max) for Scholar; Up to 5% FTE ($10k max) for Mentor. | 12 months | Early-stage/new investigators or clinical fellows with an experienced mentor. | Funding covers salary/protected time only (no project direct costs). Required experienced mentor. |
Preliminary applications are due Monday, October 9, 2026. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal, due December 14, 2026.
Speak with Us!
There will be an informational webinar on Friday, September 18th, 2026 at 11:30 AM ET.
Prospective applicants may schedule calls with program leadership to discuss questions and how to strengthen a preliminary application until September 25th, 2026. Please email Advance RI-CTR to schedule a phone call.
Learn more about the Health Research Core Awards.