The GC-CPEH supports pilot studies designed to promote precision environmental health research at the intersection of genetics/epigenetics, environmental health, and data science to understand individual and place-based determinants of disease risk.

Full Pilot Awards

Eligibility: Open to faculty (Instructor level and above) from GC-CPEH institutions: Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), and UTHealth Houston. Applicants must be eligible to receive federal research funding. Only one application per cycle is allowed per investigator as PI or Co-PI.

The Full Pilot Grant mechanism provides up to $40,000 in funding for projects with a one-year performance period. These awards are offered annually in response to the GC-CPEH Pilot Project Program RFA and are peer-reviewed by the Center’s Internal Advisory Committee.

Proposals must align with the GC-CPEH mission and clearly outline objectives related to environmental health research and/or community outreach based on environmental issues. GC-CPEH membership is not required to apply; however, membership will be extended to non-members who receive pilot funding.

Project Priorities

The following types of proposals are especially encouraged:

• Led by junior investigators
• Utilize GC-CPEH Facility Core resources
• Involve collaborative projects, including those with co-investigators from other institutions

Projects must demonstrate compatibility with the Center’s mission and contribute meaningfully to the environmental health sciences field or community-engaged research.

Review Process and Criteria

Applications are reviewed annually by the Internal Advisory Committee. While priorities may shift with each RFA cycle, proposals are typically evaluated on:

• Scientific merit and feasibility
• Relevance to environmental health sciences and potential for future external funding
• Responsiveness to the specific focus or theme outlined in the RFA
• Collaboration, particularly interdisciplinary or inter-institutional efforts
• Career development potential for junior investigators
• Use of GC-CPEH supported Facility Core resources

Please refer to the current RFA for detailed submission instructions. For questions, contact the Center Administrator.

Rapid Response Pilot Awards

(Available to GC-CPEH Members Only)

The Rapid Response Pilot Award provides expedited funding to support GC-CPEH members in pursuing urgent, time-sensitive research opportunities. These awards are designed for projects that address emerging environmental health concerns or support the rapid collection of preliminary data for upcoming extramural grant submissions.

Examples of Eligible Projects:

• Disaster Research Response (DR2) initiatives
• Projects requiring immediate data collection to meet external grant deadlines

Award Details:

• Maximum Budget: $20,000
• Project Duration: Up to 3 months
• Application Deadline: Rolling
• Review Process: Monthly review by the GC-CPEH Executive Committee

Submission Requirements:

Applicants must submit a concise, two-page white paper that includes:

• A brief project description
• Defined project deliverables
• An itemized budget
• A budget justification

How to Apply:

Please send your completed application to the GC-CPEH Center Administrator.

Questions?

If you have any questions about eligibility, project scope, or submission requirements, you are encouraged to reach out directly.

Administrative and GC-CPEH Facility Cores & Matching Fund Program Inquiries:

• Heyreoun An Han, GC-CPEH Administrator 

Project Ideas/Scientific Feedback:

• Cheryl Walker, GC-CPEH Director,  GE2 Theme Lead
• Fernanda Laezza, GC-CPEH Co-Director
• Elaine Symanski, GC-CPEH Deputy Director, MIHED Theme Lead, TRSC Director
• Stephen H. Linder, CEET Theme Lead, CEC Co-Director
• Abiodun Oluyomi, GC-CPEH Community Engagement Core Director, CEET Theme Lead
• Casey Wright, GC-CPEH Pilot Project Program Director
• Cristian Coarfa, GC-CPEH PIPELINE Facility Core Director