General Call Pilot Awards

How to Submit a Proposal

General Pilot RFA

General Procedures & Guidelines

The Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center (OKNSC) is currently soliciting applications for three (3) types of pilot awards: 1) General Pilot Awards, 2) Translational Research Pilot Awards, and 3) Aging Gene Discovery (AGeD) Collaborative NSC Pilot Award. All Pilot Award Projects funded through this request for applications should utilize services and technologies provided by the OKNSC Research Cores (Multiplexing Protein Analysis Core, Genomic Sciences Core, Geroscience Redox Biology Core, and CRISPR Whole-Genome Screening Core). The General Call Pilot Awards support only research projects relevant to the biology of aging and geroscience (the study of mechanisms linking aging to diseases associated with aging). 


Applications that propose to use OKNSC services/technologies in collaboration with other Shock Centers are strongly encouraged. Applications from institutions outside of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, and Oklahoma City VA Health Care System are also strongly encouraged. The awards for general pilots typically range from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the specific research proposed.


Eligibility and Description of the Pilot Award Program

All Pilot Awards are designed to support the research of early-stage investigators, and that of senior investigators initiating research programs in aging or geroscience. For both, General Pilot Awards can serve as the basis for the development of new applications for NIH funding.

The General Pilot Awards support only research projects relevant to the biology of aging and geroscience (the study of mechanisms linking aging to diseases associated with aging).


Review Criteria

1. Significance, scientific merit, feasibility, approach and innovation

2. Relevance to the OKNSC mission and use of OKNSC Cores

3. Likelihood to attract federal or other similar external funding

4. Realistic and suitable budget and timeline for the project. Consultation with core leader(s) to discuss feasibility, project details, and budget is required for applications to be considered.

5. Reviewers will also consider how the project supports the investigator’s career growth and helps position them as leaders in aging and geroscience research. For mid-career investigators, special attention will be given to how the project supports career advancement, while for senior investigators, the focus will be on the impact of the research and its potential to start a new research direction in their laboratories.  Applications will be reviewed internally and externally by national experts in the fields of aging biology and geroscience.

6. Services of the Geroinformatics Resource at the Program Enrichment Core can be requested to complement studies performed in other OKNSC Cores.

7. Indirect costs, salary support, office supplies, and travel are not allowable.


Deadline and Award Date

RFA Release Date: June 1, 2026

Submission Deadline: August 1, 2026

Funding Notification: September 1, 2026

Funding Period: September 1, 2026- June 30, 2027


Applications are closed.


Application Guidelines

Please follow the guidelines. Incomplete proposals or those not following the guidelines shown below will not be reviewed. Interested applicants are required to consult with the OKNSC Core Leader(s) and/or Research Development Core Leader, and may reach them by email listed below. Postdoctoral applicants must submit their application as a Co-Investigator (Co-I) alongside their mentor or attach a letter of support confirming their independence and detailing the mentorship they will receive throughout the project.


Multiplexing Protein Analysis Core

Genomic Sciences Core

Geroscience Redox Biology Core

CRISPR Whole-Genome Screening Core

Geroinformatics Resource

Benjamin Miller, PhD

Bill Freeman, PhD

Kenneth Humphries, PhD

Matthew Hart, PhD

Jonathan Wren, PhD



Formatting Requirements

Application must include:

  • 1: Proposal Face Page (download here)
  • Must including project title, name of the PI and institution contact information, provided as a form.
  • 2: Specific Aims (limit 1 page)
  • 3: Research Plan (download here) [limit 2 pages]
  • Background, Significance, Innovation
  • Approach
  • Timeline (limit 1/2 page)
  • Future Plans (limit 1/2 page)
  • The Research Plan should specify the Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center services/resources that are requested, the number of samples that will be analyzed, group size calculations that justify these numbers, and the expected approximate timeline for completion of the studies. Consultation with Core Leaders to discuss project details well in advance of submission of a Pilot Award application is required for the application to be reviewed. The Research Plan should also include a statement, no larger than 1/3 page, describing how the research proposed will impact the applicant’s future directions in aging research, career progression if relevant, and the timeframe for the submission of manuscripts and grant applications.
  • 4: Relevance to Aging (limit 1/2 page)
  • 5: Budget (download here)
  • The specific Oklahoma Nathan Shock resources that are requested and the number of samples that will be analyzed.
  • The budget form MUST be signed by both the applicant and the core leader before uploading the application.
  • 6: Biosketch
  • Current NIH Biosketch (Common Form) and Other Support (Common Form).
  • 7: Letter of support (for postdoctoral applications only)

Application Submission

The OKNSC Research Development Core (RDC) administers the General and Translational Pilot Program and is the point of contact for interested applicants. General inquiries and/or questions about the application process should be directed to the RDC Core Leaders.


William Sonntag, PhD                                                        Ann Chiao, PhD
William-Sonntag@ou.edu                                              Ann-Chiao@omrf.org

The deadline for pilot grant proposals from the Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center on Aging is
October 10, 2022. To submit a proposal, simply follow the steps below. Depending on the scope of the proposal or project this step wise process may take a few days to several weeks .

Start by discussing your research or research directions with an Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center scientist before you begin. If you need help, call or contact:

Dr. Ann Chiao

Assistant Member

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

(405) 271-3116

ann-chiao@omrf.org

Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in Aging Research

940 Stanton L Young Blvd, BSMB Ste 853

Oklahoma City, OK 73104 

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