FACULTY PILOT GRANTS
REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Release Date: October 19, 2022
Application Deadline: January 16, 2023

Overview: The purpose of this pilot funding mechanism is to provide resources to support innovative and collaborative cannabis research. All applications should align with the Cannabis Center’s mission – accelerating cannabinoid science at UK by conducting high quality research that is relevant to the health and well-being of the citizens of Kentucky. All applications must address how the pilot project will lead to future extramural applications.
The highest funding priority is for the conduct of clinical pilot studies in which controlled doses of cannabis (and placebo) are administered to determine efficacy and/or risk/benefit profile for a medical condition. Experts from the Cannabis Center are available to assist clinical research applicants with DEA- and FDA-related regulatory requirements (e.g., preparation of DEA and FDA IND applications); however, the applicant team must include a physician to oversee participant safety/adverse event monitoring/medical management and to serve as the medically responsible investigator.

Although randomized, controlled trials/pilot studies are the highest priority, the Cannabis Center is highly interested in the public health impact of cannabinoids in various populations. Innovative cannabinoid research in basic/pre-clinical science, agricultural research, secondary analysis of large data sets, and community research will also be considered. Studies should examine the effects of cannabis/THC; proposals can include cannabidiol (CBD) as a
comparator drug condition, but CBD may not be the primary focus of the application. Proposals that explore the health
impacts of other minor cannabinoids (e.g., CBN, CBG, THCV, others) will be considered.

Eligibility: Full-time faculty (all title series including regular, research, clinical and special) at the University of Kentucky are eligible to apply. Investigators in training including residents, post-doctoral fellows, and clinical fellows are not eligible to serve as PI but may be Co-Investigators. Funds are not permitted to be used to support commercial interests.

Award Funding: Grants in the amount of $50,000 - $100,000 will be awarded for a period of 14 months.

Application Dates:
Application Submission: January 16, 2023
Funding Decisions: February 20, 2023
Project Start Date: April 1, 2023 (an earlier start date is available for protocols that are approved by the appropriate regulatory bodies [IRB/IACUC/any required local/clinical department review] at the time of the funding decision)
Project End Date/Final Report Due: May 31, 2024 (project end date extensions will not be permitted)

Application Format:
Submit application as a single (1) PDF file to Drew Speer (drew.speer@uky.edu) by Jan. 16, 2023.

Applications must include:
1) Cover Page Form: Attached in announcement email; also available at cannabiscenter.uky.edu
2) Biosketch: NIH or NSF-style biosketch for each investigator (5-page limit per investigator)
3) Budget and justification: 1 page

• List the requested funds with specific justifications for expenses
• Proposal submission through OSPA is not required
• PI and faculty effort is permitted
• Subawards and student tuition are not permitted
• Student stipends are permitted during the award period
• Purchase of equipment and travel are permitted with strong justification; travel must occur during the award period (travel should be relevant to the project/presenting results or to learn more about cannabinoid science)
• Any questions regarding allowable costs should be addressed with Drew Speer prior to submission

4) Scientific Aims: 1-page Specific Aims
5) Research Plan: 2-page study description

• Briefly describe the significance, innovation, and approach
• Include a future directions section - describe plans beyond the pilot project, including plans for seeking extramural funding (include NIH RFA/PA with a projected application date if applicable)

6) Timeline: ½ page minimum; include a timeline with milestones for accomplishments described in the approach
7) References: no page limit
8) Previous Review: If this application is seeking pilot support to strengthen a previously-submitted application that was
not awarded, please attach the summary statement of reviewers’ comments (no page limit)
9) Budget Questions: Any questions regarding allowable costs should be forwarded to Drew Speer
10) Pre-Application Meeting: The Cannabis Center will hold an open Zoom meeting for applicants to ask questions (e.g., regulatory process, topics of interest): Monday, Nov. 7th from 11am-12 pm: https://uky.zoom.us/j/83092028496. If you are not able to attend, you may schedule a meeting with Center faculty by contacting Drew Speer.