The MIT Center for Environmental Health Sciences (CEHS), an interdisciplinary research center funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), is inviting MIT faculty and research staff with principal investigator privileges to submit applications for funding of pilot projects related to environmental health.

Funding for pilot projects will support either basic or translational research. Those interested are encouraged to read the NIEHS strategic plan to gain understanding of the types of projects center plans to fund.

Preference is given to projects that address the NIEHS Strategic Goals. The center anticipates funding of $25,000 in direct costs for each project. The center encourages applications from junior faculty, any faculty member wishing to branch into new areas of environmental health research, and faculty who are involved in interdisciplinary environmental health collaborations — for example between engineers and scientists. Projects can be anywhere on the spectrum between basic sciences and clinical translation. In all cases, the trajectory to human application must be clear and feasible.

Translational pilot projects will be evaluated separately from those in the basic sciences. These projects are funded through the generosity of Vilma and Lionel Kinney, and are named in honor of Theron G. Randolph, a pioneer in the fields of environmental and natural products medicine. 

The pilot project program seeks to:

Applicants should submit a four-page research plan that outlines the specific aims and research strategy (i.e. significant, innovation, and approach), indicating in the project title whether it is a basic research or translational research pilot project.

In addition, applications should also include a detailed budget form, budget justification, and a biographical sketch using the NIH PHS398 forms. Please note that travel for scientific conferences and meetings are unallowable costs.

Questions regarding the application process or proposal ideas should be directed to Professor Jacquin C. Niles, director; or John M. Essigmann, deputy director.

Deadline for the call is April 30, with an anticipated start date of July 1. Completed applications should be submitted via email to Amanda Tat, administrative officer of the CEHS.