Overview

Core Director: John Coffin, Ph.D. (john.coffin@tufts.edu)
Administrator: Vicki C. Godleski (vgodleski@lifespan.org)

The CFAR Research Development Fund provides support for three types of projects:

1. Initial AIDS Research Projects: Basic or clinical investigators new to the AIDS Research field who do not have previous AIDS-related NIH research support. The major goal is to provide support for junior investigators to carry out mentored research which will provide the background for the application for NIH RO1 HIV/AIDS funding.
2. Pilot Projects: In exceptional instances awards may be made for Pilot Projects for individuals with current NIH support in another field, who would like to apply for initial support for research in the HIV/AIDS field. In such instances, the investigator must send an updated NIH biosketch, abstracts of current and all past other grant support, and a short description of the proposed research plan to the Development Core Director (john.coffin@tufts.edu) at least four (4) weeks prior to the submission deadline for his written approval prior to submission of the application.
3. Collaborative Projects: Awards may also be requested for Collaborative Projects involving two established investigators, with the primary Principal Investigator being an individual with no previous work in the HIV/AIDS field (e.g., joint research involving a retrovirologist and a structural engineer). In such instances, the investigator must send an updated NIH biosketch, abstracts of current and all past other grant support, and a short description of the proposed research plan to the Development Core Director (john.coffin@tufts.edu) at least four (4) weeks prior to the submission deadline for his written approval prior to submission of the application.

Other AIDS research projects that do not fall within above guidelines may be considered on a case-by-case basis, by the Developmental Core Director, provided that such proposed projects are developmental in nature and have the potential for future NIH funding. In such instances, the investigator must send an updated NIH biosketch , abstracts of current and all past grant support , and a short description of the proposed research plan to the Development Core Director (john.coffin@tufts.edu) at least four (4) weeks prior to the submission deadline for his written approval prior to submission of the application.

Developmental funding is not intended to supplement an ongoing NIH-funded project but rather stimulate new research topics and inter-disciplinary collaborations. All grants have a primary goal of providing support to the PI to obtain preliminary information necessary to successfully apply for R01 or other grant funding from NIH or other outside sources .