Pilot Program
The Pilot Program provides funding and support to stimulate clinical and translational research (CTR) across Columbia University Irving Medical Center, helping investigators pursue new research directions and build the foundation for larger extramural funding.
Building on 20 years of experience administering pilot awards, our programs include both general pilot funding designed to flexibly respond to institutional, local, and national priorities and a dedicated arm focused on clinical and translational science (CTS), which aims to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of the research process itself. Across both arms, we aim to identify emerging gaps and opportunities, and to develop, refine, and disseminate innovative solutions with the potential to transform health locally and nationally.
Our pilot award programs aim to foster a collaborative environment where clinical and translational research flourishes by:
- Providing funding for investigators to pursue new and interdisciplinary research directions
- Helping investigators identify and develop new avenues of research, including CTS innovations, alongside their core research
- Providing consultations and wraparound support services to facilitate effective implementation of pilot projects
- Engaging researchers across disciplines, schools, and career stages
- Evaluating program and project impact and disseminating innovations and findings to local, regional, and national stakeholders
Services
Leadership
Peter Sims, PhD
- Professor, Department of Systems Biology
Kayla Zalcgendler, MSPH
- Assistant Director, Translational Science and Implementation Science