SPARC (Supporting Pilot Access to Research Cores) 

The Vanderbilt Diabetes Research and Training Center SPARC (Supporting Pilot Access to Research Cores) covers core usage for diabetes- and/or obesity-related studies. Preference will be given to projects utilizing VDRC cores. 

Other VU VUMC core facilities and emerging technologies are also eligible. Your project does not need to be a pilot project, but we encourage everyone to apply with new research ideas.

Submission Deadline

October 19, 2026, 5 p.m. CST

Eligibility guidelines

 

An individual must be a member of the Vanderbilt or Meharry faculty (Instructor or above) and must fit within NIH Guidelines for eligibility. This support is targeted to any investigator, new or established, proposing to utilize one of the VDRC cores highlighted below, or other new technologies available through VU/VUMC Core Facilities to launch new research programs related to diabetes, obesity, or the complications thereof. 

The grants are intended to provide support for core usage and access that allow an investigator to develop preliminary data sufficient to prepare an application for independent research support through conventional granting mechanisms or support additional data for an ongoing project. This grant mechanism is intended to support core use up to $15,000. Please note that for the 2027 cycle, awardees are expected to utilize their award within 3 months of receiving.

Prioritizing DRTC Cores

We prioritize use of the following DRTC cores to accelerate groundbreaking discoveries in diabetes and obesity research:

  1. Diabetes and Metabolic Modeling (iPSC Cell) Core
  2. Functional Multi-omics of Diabetes Core
  3. Analytical Services Core
  4. Integrated Mouse Physiology Core
Prioritizing DRTC Cores

Submission guidelines

  • Biosketches for the PI and any key collaborators
  • One (1) page document, including specific aims, strategy and documentation of the use of core services and potential output 
  • Budget justification 
  • Any Letters of Support, though they are not required.

Questions?

Please contact Jessica Kimber (jessica.kimber@vumc.org).