Pilot and Exploratory Studies

Pilot and Exploratory Studies is sponsored by University of Florida Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center. Pilot awards are provided to unlock new avenues for interventions that prevent mobility loss and decline in physical function, ultimately helping older adults maintain their independence.

Opportunities & Expectations » Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center » College of Medicine » University of Florida The UF Pepper Center’s Pilot & Exploratory Studies Core (PESC) seeks and funds innovative, interdisciplinary Pilot and Exploratory Study applications which address the focus of our UF Pepper Center.

Successful applications will collect pilot data that will lead to extramural research grants and/or career development awards. Projects will utilize and appropriately budget costs to include the Older American Independence Center (OAIC) cores as a research resource. The PESC supports pilot and exploratory studies spanning the spectrum of translational aging research (T0-T4).

The OAIC takes pride in promoting careers in the areas of Aging. Our goal is to maximize success to promote visibility of the candidates. We wish you continuing success with your career, and with this pilot project.

What can the Pepper Center do for Pilot Awardees? The University of Florida PESC aims are to foster the development of research and leadership skills of promising early career scientists and those new to the aging field.

The OAIC provides the following infrastructure and research support for pilot awardees: Statistical consulting and data management assistance Other resources from the OAIC Cores, for example assistance with recruitment of research participants, access to biomedical laboratory expertise and services Support of grant development, and the opportunity to have grants reviewed internally and externally Networking for aging research collaborations and mentoring at UF and nationally Opportunity to present project results at UF and national research forums Expectations of Pepper Center Pilot Awardees The following provides a list of expectations for OAIC Pilot Awardees.

Appointment as a PESC awardee includes a summary of fiscal sources of support and expectations. Complete progress reports & meet with PESC Leader every six months. Attend at least 50% the Institute on Aging Seminar Series.

(These are also video recorded.) 3. Present a one-hour presentation at the Institute on Aging Seminar Series.

Attend at least 50% of the monthly Pepper Center Executive Committee meetings. Present a one 5-minute presentation at the IOA/Pepper Executive Committee on their study. Provide a quarterly progress report and financial updates.

Provide OAIC with an updated CV annually. Participate in the annual IOA research day. Attend/present at National Pepper Center Annual meeting.

Present at one monthly National Pepper Center Leadership meeting/call. Participate in other UF research events as appropriate (e.g., College of Medicine Celebration of Research). Initiate new collaborations & research funding proposals aligned to the UF OAIC theme.

Submit collaborative publications acknowledging UF OAIC support (Support was provided by the University of Florida Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center P30AG028740). Peer-reviewed publications must be in PMCID compliance.