Research Development Office (RDO)
The Research Development Office (RDO) at the UAB Office of Research strives to expand the university's capability to continually discover and share new knowledge by connecting researchers to resources and providing support to increase their competitiveness in obtaining extramural funding. As a central resource, the research development team is here to assist investigators across the university in finding and securing funding to support their research, scholarship, and creative activities.
The Research Development Office aims to support research investigators across the proposal development continuum. Whether you are in the early stages of idea development or have a grant deadline quickly approaching, the RDO provides many supportive services and resources to help you at every step of the way. Learn more about how RDO can help you:
Develop
Your Ideas
Find
Funding
Develop and
Submit Proposals
Collaborate
and Translate
Grow Research
Development Skills
Centers
and Institutes
Request a
Letter of Support
Apply for a Limited
Submission Opportunity
Contact
RDO
RDO News and Events
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Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences - 2026 Award
April 7, 2025
The Pew Charitable Trusts is inviting eligible institutions to nominate one faculty member with the rank of assistant professor to apply for the 2026 Pew Scholars Program in Biomedical Sciences. The current grant level is $300,000; $75,000 per year for a four-year period.
Interested applicants should submit pre-proposals to the Research Development Office through InfoReady by Friday, April 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM CST. Requested materials include a research summary (up to 2 pages) and CV. An internal committee will review eligible submissions, and applicants will be notified of decisions on Monday, May 12.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have been awarded a doctorate in biomedical sciences, medicine, or a related field.
- As of Sept. 3, 2025, nominees must be running an independent lab and hold full-time appointments at the rank of assistant professor or equivalent. Appointments such as research assistant professor, adjunct assistant professor, assistant professor research track, visiting professor, or instructor are not eligible.
- Candidates must not have been appointed as an assistant professor at any institution prior to June 11, 2021. Time spent in clinical internships, residencies, in work toward board certification, or on parental leave does not count as part of this four-year limit. Candidates who need an eligibility extension due to leave or other reasons should contact Pew's program office.
- Candidates may apply two times in total.
- If an applicant's university has more than one eligible nominating institution or campus, that applicant may apply from only one institution; the applicant may not reapply in a subsequent year from a different one.
- Candidates may not be nominated for the Pew Scholars Program and the Pew-Stewart Scholars Program for Cancer Research in the same year.
Candidates should demonstrate exceptional promise in science relevant to human health, based on their education and training. This program does not fund clinical trials research. Strong proposals should feature creative and pioneering approaches to basic, translational, and applied biomedical research. Candidates who integrate concepts from diverse fields are encouraged to apply.
Ideas with high-impact potential are particularly welcomed. Selection will be based on the proposed work, evaluations of the candidate’s performance, and notable past accomplishments, including honors, awards, and publications. Committee review will weigh both the project proposal and the researcher’s qualifications, emphasizing evidence of successful independent investigation and the necessary skill set to execute their high-impact proposal.
For more information, visit the Pews Scholars Program webpage or contact the Research Development Office directly(vpr-researchdev@uab.edu) . -
FY25 CDMRP Funding Announced: $650 Million Available for Innovative Research
April 7, 2025
The Congressionally Directed Research Programs (CDMRP) has announced $650 million in research funding for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), supporting high-impact, high-risk projects that address critical gaps in biomedical research. CDMRP is known for its unique approach to funding, prioritizing research that directly benefits military personnel, veterans, and the broader public while fostering innovation across disciplines.
CDMRP has historically funded a broad range of health-related topics, from cancer and neurological disorders to infectious diseases and regenerative medicine. Unlike traditional NIH mechanisms, CDMRP programs are shaped by congressional directives and stakeholder input, often prioritizing bold, transformative research with potential for rapid translation into practice. Funding areas for FY25 are listed below:
- Alzheimer's Research Program - $15.0 million
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Program - $40.0 million
- Breast Cancer Research Program - $130.0 million
- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Research Program - $12.5 million
- Melanoma Research Program - $40.0 million
- Military Burn Research Program - $10.0 million
- Ovarian Cancer Research Program - $15.0 million
- Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (18 topics) - $130.0 million
- Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (42 topics) - $150.0 million
- Prostate Cancer Research Program - $75 million
- Rare Cancers Research Program - $17.5 million
- Toxic Exposures Research Program - $15.0 million
We encourage researchers across disciplines to explore CDMRP opportunities and consider how their expertise aligns with these funding priorities. The Research Development Office is available to help navigate funding announcements, develop competitive proposals, and facilitate collaborations to strengthen submissions. If you’re interested in pursuing CDMRP funding, reach out to our team for guidance and support.
Funding opportunity announcements, including detailed descriptions of award mechanism intent, evaluation criteria, submission requirements, and deadlines, will be shared soon. Visit the CDMRP webpage to learn more.
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We're Growing!
March 31, 2025
The Research Development Office (RDO) is growing our capabilities to support the UAB research enterprise with the addition of Jeremy Arnold, Project Manager II, to our team. Jeremy brings wide ranging expertise in nonprofits, grantsmanship, and consulting. In this new role, Jeremy will continue RDO’s efforts to connect researchers to resources and bolster their competitiveness in obtaining funding. Jeremy will also be a key administrator tasked with supporting UAB’s centers and institutes program. Whether you’re interested in support finding funding, crafting a competitive proposal, or facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration, Jeremy and the RDO are here to help! Email us at
VPR-ResearchDev@uab.edu to schedule a consultation or learn more. -
Request RDO Support
Sep. 13, 2023
The RDO assists faculty at the earliest stages of idea development who are pursuing large interdisciplinary research initiatives, including the preparation of grants that involving multiple schools, departments, divisions, or centers to support new research programs at UAB. The RDO is available to discuss your specific needs and connect you with the best internal and external resources to ensure your research project’s success. The RDO offers in-house proposal review services, including guidance on proposal structure, content, style, and grantsmanship.
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Stay Connected: Subscribe to Research Matters
Sep. 6, 2023
Research Matters is a weekly newsletter designed to effectively inform the UAB research community of important updates that affect research administration. The Office of Research Development regularly publishes news and updates through Research Matters. Subscribe so you do not miss our news and announcements!