2025 CTSI Pilot RFAs Now Open

The 2025 CTSI Pilot Awards are now open. The CTSI Pilot Program has two (2) distinct RFAs: The Science of Translation and Translational Research.

The Science of Translation RFA is to support new and innovative research projects relevant to the science of translation. These pilot projects must be focused on advancing translational science and not just be translational in nature. More information and resources about translational science can be found on the CTSI Pilot Program webpage and in the RFA.

The Translational Research RFA is to support high impact pilot projects that help catalyze translation of discoveries to treatments or the delivery of care. Pilot award categories for this RFA include Basic Research, Preclinical Research, Clinical Research, Clinical Implementation and Public Health. More information can be found in the RFA.

Eligibility

These awards are open to investigators with faculty rank across the Southeast region of Advocate Health. The CTSI will allow a Co-PI structure if both PIs have expertise relevant to the project with distinct contributions to its design and implementation. Non-Faculty Researchers (allied health disciplines) may serve as a Co-PI with a traditional faculty researcher. For projects focused on Community-Engaged Research that intend to have a community representative serve as a Co-PI, the community-representative must work for a non-profit community organization or local government agency that serves the community within the Southeast Region of Advocate Health.

Funding

Successful pilots will receive up to $40,000 in direct costs. 

Only the Science of Translation RFA will receive up to an additional $10,000 resulting in an increased total award up to $50,000 in direct costs for projects that include one or more of the following criteria:

1. Investigators from multiple regions and/or markets within the health system;
2. Community partners as collaborators and/or project leaders;
3. Demonstrates substantive contribution from the community partner (e.g., funds support community partner activities and roles).

Supplements to these awards are being offered by the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR) and the Perioperative Outcomes and Informatics Collaborative (POIC). Details are listed in the RFA.

CTSI Pilot Program Timeline