{"id":1027,"date":"2021-11-03T02:13:09","date_gmt":"2021-11-03T02:13:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vanderbilt.edu\/evolution\/?page_id=1027"},"modified":"2026-05-11T17:40:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T17:40:01","slug":"pilot-grant-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vanderbilt.edu\/evolution\/pilot-grant-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Pilot Research Grants in Evolutionary Studies"},"content":{"rendered":"

Read about some of the outcomes from prior pilot grant applicants (Fellowships<\/a> & Manuscripts<\/a>)<\/p>\n

We are currently awaiting announcement of 2027\/2028 funding<\/h2>\n

Members and trainees of the Evolutionary Studies Initiative (ESI) are encouraged to apply for Pilot Research Grant Funding. Each award will be up to $5,000. Funds should be used for projects with an evolutionary theme. Proposals that include cross-lab and cross-department collaborations are encouraged but not required. Trainee-led applications are encouraged. Trainees may serve as lead on one pilot grant during their time at Vanderbilt. Note: trainees may apply for more than one but will be given low priority if they have already been funded. Finally, funds can be used<\/strong> as trainee stipend for work outside their already funded projects but may not be used<\/strong> as a travel grant.<\/p>\n

Fund Availability<\/strong><\/h2>\n

$30,000 total for 5-6 grants.<\/p>\n

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A strong proposal will promote new evolutionary scholarship for applicants, develop team collaborations at various career stages across disciplines, and seed larger projects. Funds must be used by the upcoming May 5th.<\/strong> The criteria for evaluation and reporting responsibilities are below.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How to apply for the Evolutionary Studies Initiative Pilot Research Grant:<\/h3>\n

Applications are due May 1st, send a single PDF including a short proposal limited to one page<\/u><\/strong> along with relevant CVs to the scientific coordinator, Dr. Andy Flick (andrew.j.flick@vanderbilt.edu<\/a>) that includes:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. specific goals and hypotheses (included in 1 page proposal)<\/li>\n
  2. team membership across schools or departments and career levels (included in 1 page proposal)<\/li>\n
  3. project plan (included in 1 page proposal)<\/li>\n
  4. a brief budget (may be on separate page)<\/li>\n
  5. brief CVs of key personnel (should be separate pages)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    All proposals will be evaluated by a committee of evolutionary studies members and staff based on the criteria described below. Informal inquiries are welcome.<\/p>\n

    Criteria for evaluation<\/strong><\/h2>\n