CTRS Pilot Funding Program

The Clinical Translational Research Services (CTRS) Pilot Funding Program provides funding to help University of Minnesota faculty prepare and implement prospective clinical pilot studies. 

Apply for funding

A mandatory Letter of Intent (LOI) is due by April 19, 2021 (5:00pm CST). View the RFA

Submit your proposal

Funding

Projects are funded in two stages.

Stage I funding

  • Goal: Assemble a study team, prepare an IRB application, and secure regulatory approval.

  • Time: Up to 6 months.

  • Amount: Up to $5,000.

Stage II funding

  • Goal: Implement and complete the proposed prospective pilot clinical trial. It's expected that data gathered will inform the design of subsequent larger clinical trials.

  • Time: Up to 12 months

  • Amount: Up to $45,000. Consideration of Stage II funding will be contingent on successful completion of Stage I. Unused funds from Stage I will carry over to Stage II.

Key dates: 2021 cycle

  • March 22: RFA posted.
  • April 19: Letter of intent (LOI) due by 5pm (CST).
  • May 10 (approximate): Invitations to submit full proposals sent out.
  • June 7: Full proposals due by 5pm (CST).
  • August 1 (approximate): Stage I awards announced.

2020 awardees

Sarah Hoffman, PhD | $50,000

School of Nursing, Population Health and Systems Cooperative 
 
Project title: A family-based mindfulness-based intervention to address intergenerational trauma in war-affected families

Stephanie Misono, MD, MPH | $50,000

Medical School, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
 
Project title: Vibrotactile stimulation of the larynx to treat unexplained chronic cough

2019 awardees

Amy Krentzman, PhD | $75,000

School of Social Work, College of Education and Human Development

Project title: A Randomized Control Trial to Test Feasibility, Acceptability, and Impact of a Novel Behavioral Intervention (Positive Peer Journaling, PPJ) to Support Recovery From Addiction

Ann Van de Winckel, PhD, MSPT, PT | $75,000

Medical School, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine

Project title: Feasibility of identifying brain mechanisms of Qigong and behavioral outcomes after Qigong practice in people with chronic low back pain

2018 awardees

Kathryn Cullen, MD | $75,000

Associate Professor and Division Chief, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry

Project title: Mindful Breathing and Neuromodulation for Depression in Young People 

Armin Rashidi, MD, PhD | $75,000

Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine

Project title:  A pilot study of activated charcoal in healthy volunteers

Grantee spotlight

Grantee Dr. Katie Cullen and team showcase the lab's work in the area of brain development, depression and novel treatment in adolescents: