Pilot & Feasibility Grant Program

CIM Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Trainee Awards for 2026

The Center for Immunometabolism (CIM), established at the University of Pittsburgh in 2023, is dedicated to exploring the intersection of metabolism and the immune system to advance our understanding of pathological disease processes. By uncovering these complex mechanisms, the CIM aims to drive the development of more effective therapeutics and treatment strategies for a variety of diseases. For additional information on the CIM and our available cores, please visit cim.pitt.edu/scientific-cores.

To support a dynamic and collaborative scientific community in this field, we are pleased to announce the CIM Pilot and Feasibility Trainee Awards for 2026. Two awards of $10,000 each, one for graduate students and one for postdoctoral fellows, are intended to foster innovative immunometabolism research at the University of Pittsburgh. The grant application is due by Friday, May 1, 2026.

ELIGIBILITY 

All graduate students and postdoctoral researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are eligible to apply.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The following documents should be compiled into a single PDF:

    1. A research proposal directed towards a general research audience.
      • Arial 11-point font, single-spaced with 0.5-inch margins.
      • The proposal should include the following:
        • Name, Institution, Academic Title, Project Title, Abstract-max 250 words (1 page).
        • Background/Significance, Hypothesis/Specific Aims, Preliminary Data (if any), Experimental Design, and Conclusion (max 2 pages).
      1. Works Cited (1 page, number format).
      1. NIH-style bio-sketch.
      1. A letter from your advisor verifying your status and confirming their support for your application is required to activate the funds if the application is awarded (1 page).
      1. Budget: Fund cannot be allocated to salary and equippments; however, up to $1,500 can be used to support conference-related expenses.

Please send the completed application as a single PDF to immunometabolism@pitt.edu.

We encourage eligible researchers to apply and take advantage of this exciting opportunity to contribute to the rapidly evolving field of immunometabolism. For questions regarding this award and/or the application process, please contact the CIM at immunometabolism@pitt.edu.

Sincerely,
The Center for Immunometabolism Award Review Committee
Email: immunometabolism@pitt.edu
Phone: 724-713-5647

Click Here for a PDF of the information above.