Developmental Core

Applications are now open for the Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Developmental Core Pilot Award Grants.

Key Information & Dates

• Funding Amount: Up to $50,000 
• Letter of Intent Deadline (optional, but encouraged): Nov. 2, 2026
• Full Application Deadline: Nov. 23, 2026
• Target Focus Areas: High-priority NIH HIV/AIDS research areas, including NIH Research Priorities like HIV cure, healthy aging with HIV, prevention strategies, and implementation science.

Materials

• Pilot Project Email RFA Announcement
• Pilot Project Submission Instructions
• Application Submission Portal

The Developmental Core fosters HIV research at Baylor, UTHealth, and Texas Biomedical Research Institute. We support investigator-initiated pilot studies and interdisciplinary research projects. We prioritize research consistent with the Texas D-CFAR theme, as well as projects on substance use in support of the Texas D-CFAR’s Scientific Working Group on Substance Use.

This core offers its members a proactive, robust mentoring program for junior investigators that includes mentoring to a first NIH grant. This program includes workshops, creation of individual development plans, mentoring teams, and assistance with grant writing and time management.

Developmental Services for Full / Affiliate Members

• Research presentations, seminars, workshops, and an Annual Texas D-CFAR Conference to foster learning about cutting-edge research and provide opportunities for new collaborations
• A robust mentoring program to support career development of new investigators in HIV research
• Annual Texas D-CFAR pilot grant program to support your investigator-initiated research in high-priority HIV areas
• Strategies for competitive grant applications and feedback from senior investigators on grant drafts