Pilot & Feasibility Grants for Nutrition Obesity Research
The application period for the next cycle of Pilot & Feasibility Grants is now open. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026. Proposals will be reviewed by a committee of internal and external physicians and scientists. Up to four recipients will be selected, with funding commencing on Jan. 1, 2027.
Grant Application Opportunity
Each year, the UT Southwestern Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC) solicits proposals for Pilot and Feasibility Grants (P&F) to support studies on nutrition, obesity, and obesity-related disorders. Projects that will be supported include the following areas:
- Nutrition
- Mechanisms underlying body weight homeostasis
- Obesity and obesity-related disorders
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an independent investigator and faculty member at UT Southwestern. Postdoctoral fellows or their equivalents are not eligible.
- New investigators beginning research careers focused on nutrition, obesity, and obesity-related complications, without current or past extramural research support equivalent to an NIH R01, VA Merit Award, or P01 as a principal investigator.
- Former UTSW-NORC P&F awardees are not eligible.
Award
Up to $50,000 for one year. Awardees also receive prorated costs for use of NORC Metabolic Core facilities.
Proposal Criteria and Guidelines
Only one application per faculty member is permitted. Collaborative efforts are welcomed. Proposals should be organized as follows:
- Abstract (one page – if awarded this will be posted on NORC website)
- Specific Aims (one page)
- Research Proposal (four pages maximum) – background and significance, innovation, plans for future funding, preliminary data, and experimental design
- References/Bibliography (two pages maximum)
- Budget (one page) – Funds may not be applied to salary support for PI or faculty (but can support staff). Travel (except as related to NORC project) and purchase of equipment are not allowed.
- BioSketch in the NIH format (five-page maximum) with listing of current funding
- Letter of support from your department chair, division chief, or center director
Submit Grant Applications as a Single PDF Document
Submit Application Via Email View Details as PDF
Program Directors
