CAPS Research Award: Innovative Pilot Study (non-mentored)
UCSF offers seed funding for established investigators to launch innovative, socially-focused HIV research pilot studies that generate data for future major grants.
Funder: University of California San Francisco
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Full application deadline — Spring cycle, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 per project; 1-year duration; direct costs only.
Summary: Supports established UCSF investigators pursuing innovative new HIV research directions, with an emphasis on social, behavioral, and public health approaches.
Key Information: Only one application per PI per cycle; cycle break required after funding.
Description
This internal UCSF grant provides seed funding for established investigators to launch innovative pilot studies in HIV prevention, treatment, care, or policy. The program is designed to support new research directions that represent a significant departure from the PI's prior work, especially projects that integrate social, behavioral, or public health approaches. The ultimate aim is to generate preliminary data that will strengthen future applications for major extramural funding (such as NIH K- or R-level grants).
Priority is given to projects that:
- Address disproportionately impacted populations or regions
- Investigate the intersection of social factors with HIV and related health conditions
- Develop or implement new strategies for HIV prevention, therapy, or cure
- Tackle comorbidities, coinfections, or complications associated with HIV
The award is not intended for projects that extend an investigator’s existing research, but rather for those that propose a novel line of inquiry within the HIV field. Human subjects research is welcome, but animal or tissue culture studies are not eligible.
