Collaborative Development

The Center for Structural Biology of HIV-1 RNA (CRNA)

Collaborative Development Pilot Grant Program 

This year's pilot program is currently closed. Please check back again in August 2024 for the next call for applications. Any questions can be directed to the center's coordinator, Gwen Clacher (gclacher@umich.edu)

The Center for Structural Biology of HIV-1 RNA (CRNA) seeks to establish innovative collaborations that advance shared goals of elucidating the structural and mechanistic bases of HIV-1 RNA-related replication functions and host responses at the cellular, viral, and atomic levels. HIV-1 RNA is generated by and intimately linked to its host, and thus HIV-1 provides a robust model system for discovery in RNA science.

This request for applications invites researchers to propose collaborations with CRNA investigators to tap into the broad slate of cutting-edge technologies and expertise within the CRNA, to answer questions related to the Center’s goals. We welcome proposals for projects that will strengthen our ongoing areas of study and synergize with existing CRNA endeavors, as well as those involving molecules or complexes related to HIV-1 and RNA that are now or will soon be sufficiently developed to feed into the CRNA structural biology pipeline.

Funds available:  Pilot projects will be awarded up to $110,000 direct costs (plus indirect costs at your institution’s negotiated rate) per year. Awards will initially be made for one year, with a second year possible and contingent on strong progress. 

Eligibility: Eligible applicants include (1) independent investigators at any institution eligible for NIH support, with special consideration given to early stage investigators or investigators who are new to the field of HIV-1 research and (2) postdoctoral fellows who are transitioning to independent positions, whose awards will be activated once they start an independent position. These individuals will apply for Career Transition Awards.