Important dates/Timeline:
| Submit Letter of Intent (LOI) | November 3, 2025 |
| Notification of Approval to Submit Application | November 15, 2025 |
| Submit a Veterinary Resources Request Form (if invited) | December 12, 2025 |
| Submit Completed Application (if invited) | January 23, 2026 |
| Decision Letters Sent | March 18, 2026 |
PURPOSE
The SNPRC Pilot Research program provides opportunities and support for investigators to use SNPRC nonhuman primate resources in highly focused, short-term studies with a high likelihood of enhancing the value, utility, feasibility, and attractiveness of nonhuman primates for biomedical research. High priority will be given to studies that propose to generate preliminary data for applications to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for support of future research projects. Those proposing to develop new nonhuman primate models of disease, or develop and/or test new research methods, instrumentation, or approaches for biomedical research using nonhuman primates, also will be considered responsive to the goals of the program.
Sponsors
Any applicant who is not an SNPRC Core Scientist must be sponsored by an SNPRC Core Scientist. The Sponsor will be an aid in guiding the applicant through SNPRC administrative processes. The participation of a SNPRC Core Scientist in pilot studies funded by this program is an NIH mandate. If the application is accepted, SNPRC will handle the sponsor assignment.
Supported Activities/Allowable Uses of Pilot Research Program Funds
Success with SNPRC funding (especially pilot research awards) revolves around scientific relevance, feasibility, and strategic alignment with both SNPRC and NIH priorities.
SNPRC’s mission is to improve health through non-human primate research and to support studies that make primate models valuable for biomedical science.
Success predicts when projects:
Focus on biomedically relevant questions such as infectious disease, immunology, metabolic disease, aging, and translational models that are best addressed in primates.
Are positioned to generate preliminary data for future external funding (e.g., NIH R01/U01/U19).
Tip: Frame your work in terms of biomedical impact and fit with primate models.
Competitive proposals articulate:
A clear hypothesis or research question.
Sound study design, including choice of species (baboons, rhesus, or marmosets) appropriate to the question.
A feasible plan with defined procedures and timelines that align with the resources available at SNPRC (e.g., cores, animal care).
Proposals that develop or refine primate models of disease or innovative methods are considered especially responsive to program goals.
While pilot grants are often meant to produce preliminary data, reviewers look for evidence that the project:
Is grounded in solid rationale or existing results.
Will produce data useful for subsequent NIH or major peer-reviewed funding applications.
Including any preliminary findings, relevant pilot work, or solid literature justification strengthens reviewer confidence.
Proposals should demonstrate that the research environment and team can execute primate work by showing:
Institutional approvals (e.g., IACUC) are planned or attainable.
The team has access to required facilities and expertise (including necessary labs and animal care).
A clear sponsor relationship with an SNPRC Core Scientist (required if the applicant is external).
Tip: Address ethical and regulatory compliance clearly — primate work requires stringent oversight.
Proposals that integrate SNPRC core facilities or support (e.g., imaging, pathology) often score better because they:
Demonstrate collaboration with existing infrastructure.
Show practical planning that uses SNPRC’s unique strengths.
Tip: Discuss use of cores and consult with core leads early in planning.
SNPRC Pilot funding typically has a budget cap (~$100,000) and must cover direct SNPRC costs such as animal care, procedures, and use of cores — not off-site work or indirect costs.
Predictor: Budgets that clearly justify how funds support the project goals and stay within allowable costs are more competitive.
SNPRC uses a two-stage review for pilot grants:
A Letter of Intent is reviewed by leadership to determine invitation to full application.
Full applications are reviewed by a Research Advisory Committee (RAC) plus ad hoc experts.
A strong LOI that convincingly communicates significance, feasibility, and alignment increases chances of full submission.
Investigators who present plans for:
Publication in peer-reviewed journals,
Presentations at scientific meetings,
Follow-on funding proposals (e.g., NIH R01 or other grants),
…demonstrate value and return on investment, increasing competitiveness.
Tip: Include clear dissemination and future funding plans.
Core Predictors of Success:
✔ Strong alignment with primate-based biomedical research priorities.
✔ Clear, hypothesis-driven design feasible within SNPRC capabilities.
✔ Evidence of pathways to future large grants (e.g., NIH).
✔ Institutional and regulatory readiness (IACUC/approvals).
✔ Realistic budget tied to allowable costs.
✔ Strategic use of SNPRC core services.
✔ Clear communication in the LOI.
✔ Plans for dissemination and follow-on funding.
Investigators at the Staff Scientist (Research Assistant Professor) through Full Scientist (Full Professor) or equivalent positions at institutions meeting the requirements to apply for, receive, and administer grants in aid of research from the NIH are eligible to apply.
Eligible Countries:
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Southwest National Primate Research Center
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: P.O. Box 760549 San Antonio, TX 78245-0549
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Jan 23, 2026
Jan 23, 2026
$100,000
Affiliation: Southwest National Primate Research Center
Address: P.O. Box 760549 San Antonio, TX 78245-0549
Website URL: https://snprc.org/pilot-research-grant/
Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.