Center for Pain Research Pilot Awards

The annual pilot project awards aid in the Center for Pain Research’s mission by supporting new projects at UNE in the field of sensory and pain research. This award also helps build the neuroscience research community at UNE. 

Pilot Project Information

The Center for Pain Research calls for pilot project proposals aimed at acquiring preliminary data for NIH R01/R15/R21/SBIR/STTR or comparable grant applications and for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Studies should utilize the Histology and Imaging Core and/or Behavior Core facilities.

Learn more about the UNE Center for Pain Research’s goals and the research core facilities

Projects may request up to $25,000 per year for a maximum of two years.

Continuation of funding after the first year is contingent upon success in meeting project goals and approval of the Center for Pain Research External Advisory Board. Proposals will be reviewed by a study section which will make funding recommendations to the External Advisory Board. All applications will require approval by NIH prior to funding. Investigators who receive support are expected to submit a progress report prior to the end of the first-year outlining progress made to date, any manuscripts published, in press, or under review, and how the data acquired will contribute to an NIH application. Faculty at the University of New England, and Maine Medical Center Research Institute are eligible to apply.

Questions can be directed to Ian Meng at imeng@nihonnkazamidori.com or (207) 602-2195.

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Letters of intent

Email your letter of intent to Heather Pollard at hpollard1@nihonnkazamidori.com by December 13, 2024.

Your letter should include:

  • Project title
  • List of key personnel
  • Brief description of the project (this information will be used to find qualified reviewers)
An illustration of an application on a clipboard

Applications

Submitted applications must be received by Heather Pollard at hpollard1@nihonnkazamidori.com no later than 5 p.m. on January 13, 2025.

Completed applications must include (links below provide downloadable templates):

  • Project Title and Summary (PDF)
  • Research Strategy Section
    • 3-page limit (not including works cited) which includes
      • Specific Aims
      • Background/Significance
      • Experimental Design/Approach
      • Expected Outcomes
      • Timeline for Completion
  • NIH Biosketches for all major personnel and collaborators
  • Budget page
    • Provide a detailed justification for all supplies and personnel
  • IACUC/IRB approval is not required for grant submission but will be required if the proposal is selected for funding

2024 Pilot Project Recipients

Michael Burman
Professor of Psychology
Director, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Project Title: Characterizing Changes in Amygdala CRF Cell Function Following Neonatal Adversity

Project Title: Modulation of Neuroinflammation by Fibroblast Growth Factor-1

Headshot of Benjamin Harrison
Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, COM

Project Title: Chronic Kidney Disease Autonomic Hypertension

Past Pilot Projects and Recipients