• The COBRE Center for Microbiome Sciences (CMS) will offer Feasibility Awards to support investigators seeking to generate preliminary data using the services of the COBRE Microbiome Core Facility. These awards are designed to accelerate new microbiome-focused projects and strengthen future competitive grant applications.

Priority will be given to:

• Physician–scientists within UPR collaborating with basic scientists
• Mid-career and senior investigators exploring new scientific directions
• faculty members of any UPR campus; Other Puerto Rico Institutions will be considered.

Application Requirements

• Applicants must submit a two-page proposal outlining the scientific question, feasibility of the work, and how the requested services will support future funding applications or publication goals. A short timeline for the use of funds is required. Additional details about collaborations and career development are appreciated.
• Use of Funds: Feasibility Award funds may be requested for services provided by the COBRE Microbiome Core Facility, including but not limited to:
• Data acquisition 
• clinical sample processing for gDNA extraction or metabolite extraction
• DNA sequencing – 16S/ITS/18S
• Metagenomic sequencing
• Multi-omics services 
• Data acquisition and bioinformatics analysis
• Other microbiome-related laboratory services
• Data analyses for papers
• Analyses and figures for ongoing studies

Expectations: 

• Applicants should specify collaborating investigators and describe how the partnership will enhance project feasibility, scientific output, or interdisciplinary integration and timeline for achieving project goals should be clearly outlined
• Career Development Impact: Proposals must clearly explain how the planned experiments will advance the applicant’s professional and research trajectory. Examples include:
• Generating preliminary data for new grant proposals; Addressing gaps identified in summary statements for unfunded applications; Completing additional experiments required for manuscript revision
• Strengthening a developing research direction or multidisciplinary collaboration