Maine INBRE Announces Research Project Funding Opportunities

The Maine INBRE is accepting applications for three types of project awards designed to support biomedical research and strengthen research capacity across eligible institutions in Maine: Research Projects (RPs), Pilot Projects (PPs), and Collaborative Pilot Projects (CPPs).

Funding Opportunities

Research Projects (RPs)
Designed for new or early-stage faculty investigators at the Assistant Professor level from Maine INBRE Primary Undergraduate Institutions. Awards are available for up to two years, with up to $125,000 per year in direct costs.

Pilot Projects (PPs)
Open to faculty at any career level at Maine INBRE Primary Undergraduate Institutions. Awards provide up to $50,000 in direct costs for one year and may be competitively renewed for one additional year.

Collaborative Pilot Projects (CPPs)
Support multidisciplinary projects co-led by faculty scientists from different ME-INBRE institutions, with at least one Collaborative Project Leader from a Maine INBRE Primary Undergraduate Institution. Awards provide up to $50,000 in direct costs to each co-project leader, up to $100,000 for the full award, for one year.

Application Deadline

Applications for Research Projects and Pilot Projects are due September 25, 2026. Collaborative Pilot Project applicants must first submit a letter of intent for evaluation before applying through the web-based Piestar portal.

Selected projects are anticipated to have a May 1, 2027 start date.

Faculty interested in applying are encouraged to review the complete Funding Opportunity Announcement for eligibility requirements, application instructions, required materials, and additional funding details.