School of Medicine Pilot, Bridge and Equipment funds – The School of Medicine provides funding annually to support pilot projects, bridge grants, and equipment purchases with the aim of increasing faculty research capacity in clinical and translational areas. For more information, please contact Marla Lampp (mlampp@tulane.edu).
The Lab Equipment program provides one-time support of up to $50,000 to assist investigators in purchasing critically needed equipment not available in core facilities. Faculty whose primary appointments are in the School of Medicine are eligible to apply.
- The Instrumentation/Core Equipment purchased must be shared among School of Medicine faculty, not for single investigator only usage
- Requires statements by multiple investigators defining need, in a list form, can be inter/intra-departmental at SOM
- Equipment can be something really innovative, cutting edge but also can be replacement for aging/obsolete core equipment
- A plan for a user fee must be included in the application that will cover the cost of maintenance/service agreement for the equipment
- Cost sharing is encouraged, letter of support from the Chair/Chairs, this may include cost share of the maintenance/service agreements of the equipment
- Applicants must submit the actual quote from the vendor from whom the instrument will be purchased
RFA Released: TBA
Deadline: TBA
Reviewed: TBA
Pilot Grant Program
The Pilot Grant Program provides up to $25,000 to support new research and scholarly efforts which are likely to result in increased federal support. Preference will be given to investigators without significant funding and with a strong potential for obtaining successful external funding. However, we will consider funded investigators for applications that are distinct from his/her currently funded projects. Collaboration among faculty is strongly encouraged. The faculty submitting the application MUST BE a School of Medicine appointed faculty member. Previous applicants are eligible with appropriate justification and significant progress.
Expenditure categories for such projects are restricted to the following:
- Supplies and materials required for the project.
- Minor Equipment required for the project. Computers are not allowed.
- Salary support for technical staff, graduate students, undergraduate students or other trainees working on the project. Faculty salary may not be paid from these funds.
- Publication costs related to the project.
- Travel expenses are not allowed.
Fall RFA Planned Release: TBA in FY26
Deadline: TBA in FY26
Bridge Program
The Bridge Program provides one-time support of up to $25,000 to assist investigators in establishing or re-establishing external funding of projects which have already undergone peer review. Faculty whose primary appointments are in the School of Medicine are eligible to apply. These Principal Investigators should have submitted a project for external review and have received critiques within the last year. Priority is given to Principal Investigators who are striving to establish or re-establish funding and have already submitted grants for extramural funding/from major funding organizations. (ex. NIH, NSF,DOD,VA, et al)
Expense Categories Eligible for Assistance:
- Salaries/Benefits for research support personnel
- Supplies and Equipment
- Animal Care
- Travel expenses up to a maximum of $1,000
Bridge Program support may not be used for:
- PI and co-PI salaries (including Summer salaries)
- Budget overdrafts on other projects
- Administrative Costs
Spring RFA Release: May 8, 2025
Deadline: June 20, 2025
Reviewed by SOM RAC: July 2025
Earliest Start Date: August 2025
