UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Pilot Program

The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (UPMC Hillman) Pilot Program is intended to support the development of cancer research led by UPMC Hillman members and to stimulate new applications for extramural funding (both governmental and foundation funding). This program funds pilot awards to foster highly innovative, cancer-relevant research.

Pilots offered through Requests for Applications (RFAs)

Proposals are requested twice a year, with application due dates in November and May and award start dates in February and August, respectively. Projects have generally been funded for $50,000 per year. All UPMC Hillman faculty are eligible to apply.

These proposals undergo a two-tier review process. For the scientific review, two reviewers with appropriate expertise evaluate each proposal, providing both a written critique and preliminary scores of review criteria. Scoring is similar to the system used by NIH (1-9, with 1 as the best score). UPMC Hillman senior leadership subsequently selects which proposals to fund, based on scores and programmatic review.

Additional information about the most recent request for applications can be found on our Intranet (restricted access; please be sure you are logged into Microsoft online using your Pitt credentials).

Team Science Pilots

Team science pilot awards are also offered to support multi-investigator, team-based efforts for development of a program/center grant submission, such as a P01). The awards are for up to $100,000 for one year, which can be carried forward with justification. Please note that teams are not eligible for a second round of funding if a resubmission is required.

Submissions are accepted on a continuous basis. Please contact Moira Hitchens (hitchensm2@upmc.edu) for details.