Pilot Study Grants

Pilot Study Grants

Focus: Investigation of new research topics in retina research

Description: RRF funds pilot study grants on an annual basis. These smaller scale experimental studies are designed to "test the waters" or break new ground, and findings may lead to larger ongoing studies in the future.

Award Details:

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must hold a medical degree (MD) and/or a doctorate (PhD)
• Applicants must have a long-term commitment (at least 3 years) to a project
• Research must be conducted in the United States at a university, medical school, or eye institute
• Applications from for-profit centers or industry-sponsored research centers will not be considered
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or green card/permanent U.S. residents

Focus Areas

• Retina research ONLY
• Preliminary data generation to support future NIH or other major funding source submissions

Budget Guidelines

• Eligible costs: Salaries (excluding principal investigator), equipment, and supplies
• NOT eligible for funding:
- Principal investigator salary - Travel expenses - Publication-related expenses - Indirect costs
• Budget range: Usually limited to $25,000-$50,000 per grant unless supported by another funding source for a higher amount

Application Requirements

• Grant re-applications are subject to repeat review on an individual basis each year
• If plans extend beyond one year, applicants may propose a project plan to be implemented over a three-year grant period (longer-range plans are encouraged), but the initial application must include aims and budget specifically for the initial year's research
• If proposing a three-year study, information about the longer-term plan may be included in an addendum to the application

Review and Notification

• Applications reviewed by RRF Grants Selection Committee and approved by RRF Board of Directors
• All applicants notified of grant decisions in mid-January following the application deadline

Contact Information

Retina Research Foundation
• Address: 3555 Timmons Lane, Suite 810, Houston, Texas 77027
• Phone: 713-797-1925
• Website: retinaresearchfnd.org

Organization Mission