ACES–LAS–Carver–Illumina Research Pilot Application guidelines

The ACES-LAS-Carver-Illumina Research Pilot Program supports the generation of preliminary sequencing data that will strengthen future external grant proposals. Awards provide limited sequencing capacity through the Carver Biotechnology Center and are intended to help investigators establish feasibility, test new hypotheses, or generate preliminary results needed for competitive funding applications.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Hold a primary faculty appointment in LAS or ACES.
  • Propose a project that aligns with available Carver sequencing platforms and services.
  • Demonstrate a clear connection between the pilot project and a planned external funding submission.
  • Be prepared to cover costs not supported by the pilot program.

Collaborative, interdisciplinary, and cross-college projects are encouraged.

Scope of support

Selected projects will receive:

  • Sequencing capacity equivalent to approximately one lane on a 1.5B flow cell (or equivalent value).
  • Consultation regarding technical feasibility and sequencing strategy.
  • Access to Carver Biotechnology Center sequencing services.

The following are not covered:

  • Library preparation costs.
  • Sample preparation costs.
  • Personnel effort.
  • Bioinformatics analysis.
  • Other fee-for-service expenses.

Applicants are encouraged to consult with Carver staff before submission to understand project feasibility and total anticipated costs.

Before submitting

Applicants should:

  • Have a well-defined experimental design.
  • Understand sample requirements and sequencing needs.
  • Be able to provide samples within the award usage window.
  • Have a clear plan for using the resulting data in a near-term funding proposal.

Early consultation with Carver personnel is strongly encouraged.

Application components

Applications should be concise and address the following elements.

Project overview

In approximately 250 words, describe:

  • The scientific question or problem being addressed.
  • The significance of the work.
  • Why preliminary sequencing data are needed.

Proposed sequencing approach 

In approximately 250 words, describe:

  • Sequencing technology requested (if known).
  • Type and number of samples.
  • Expected outputs.
  • How the generated data will address the research question.

External funding plan

In approximately 250 words, provide:

  • Funding agency and program.
  • Anticipated submission date.
  • How the pilot data will strengthen the proposal.

Examples include NIH, NSF, USDA, DOE, foundations, or other sponsors.

Sample and project readiness

If available, applicants should provide:

  • Expected sample availability date.
  • Status of sample collection or preparation.
  • Any anticipated challenges affecting project timelines.

Budget responsibility acknowledgment

Applicants must acknowledge that they understand and will cover any costs not supported through the pilot award.

Review criteria

Applications will undergo dual review.

Scholarly review (LAS and ACES)

Criteria include:

  • Scientific merit.
  • Potential to strengthen a competitive external proposal.
  • Strategic alignment with college research priorities.
  • Likelihood of generating impactful preliminary data.

Technical review (Carver Biotechnology Center)

Criteria include:

  • Feasibility of the proposed sequencing strategy.
  • Sample suitability.
  • Alignment with available technologies.

Selection priorities

Preference may be given to projects that:

  • Generate novel preliminary data.
  • Support grant submissions within the next 12 months.
  • Leverage advanced sequencing capabilities not otherwise accessible.
  • Foster interdisciplinary or cross-college collaboration.
  • Demonstrate strong readiness for rapid project initiation.

Award expectations

Awardees will:

  • Initiate projects promptly following notification.
  • Work with Carver staff to finalize execution plans.
  • Acknowledge support from the ACES-LAS-Carver-Illumina Research Pilot Program in resulting publications and presentations.
  • Submit a short outcomes report when requested.

Outcome reporting

Award recipients may be asked to report:

  • External grant submissions.
  • Funding outcomes.
  • Resulting publications, presentations, or other scholarly products.
  • Additional research impacts generated by the pilot data.

Questions

Program and application system questions: Email LAS Office of Research

Technical questions: Email Alvaro G. Hernandez or Chris Wright