The COBRE Center for Microbiome Sciences (CMS) will offer Feasibility Awards to support investigators seeking to generate preliminary data using the services of the COBRE Microbiome Core Facility. These awards are designed to accelerate new microbiome-focused projects and strengthen future competitive grant applications.
Priority will be given to:
Physician–scientists within UPR collaborating with basic scientists
Mid-career and senior investigators exploring new scientific directions
faculty members of any UPR campus; Other Puerto Rico Institutions will be considered.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a two-page proposal outlining the scientific question, feasibility of the work, and how the requested services will support future funding applications or publication goals. A short timeline for the use of funds is required. Additional details about collaborations and career development are appreciated.
Use of Funds: Feasibility Award funds may be requested for services provided by the COBRE Microbiome Core Facility, including but not limited to:
Data acquisition
clinical sample processing for gDNA extraction or metabolite extraction
DNA sequencing – 16S/ITS/18S
Metagenomic sequencing
Multi-omics services
Data acquisition and bioinformatics analysis
Other microbiome-related laboratory services
Data analyses for papers
Analyses and figures for ongoing studies
Expectations:
Applicants should specify collaborating investigators and describe how the partnership will enhance project feasibility, scientific output, or interdisciplinary integration and timeline for achieving project goals should be clearly outlined
Career Development Impact: Proposals must clearly explain how the planned experiments will advance the applicant’s professional and research trajectory. Examples include:
Generating preliminary data for new grant proposals; Addressing gaps identified in summary statements for unfunded applications; Completing additional experiments required for manuscript revision
Strengthening a developing research direction or multidisciplinary collaboration