Network for Advancing Sex Chromosome Aneuploidy Research Readiness (NASCARR) Pilot Grant

NASCARR PILOT GRANT GOALS  
The goal of the NASCARR Pilot Grant Program is to catalyze innovative, patient-centered research in sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA) that advances the field toward clinical trial readiness. Pilot awards are intended to support high-impact, translational studies with clear relevance to individuals with SCAs and their families, including projects focused on biomarker discovery, development or validation of SCA-specific outcome measures, and evaluation of novel diagnostic or therapeutic approaches. Awardees will be supported through access to NASCARR’s collaborative research network, mentorship, and infrastructure, with the expectation that funded projects will generate preliminary data and partnerships that position investigators for larger-scale clinical trials and future external funding. 

 
KEY DATES 
Grant deadline: February 16th, 2026; midnight Pacific time 
Notification: May 4th, 2026 
Earliest start date: June 1, 2026 


EXPECTATIONS OF PILOT GRANT RECIPIENTS: 
  • Carry out the approved research project over the 12-month award period, in alignment with the proposed aims, timeline, and milestones. 
    • Awardees may apply for a second year of funding pending achievement of stated milestones/aims in Year 1, and a clear research plan that builds on accomplishments of Year 1. Second year funding is not guaranteed. 
  • Engage in NASCARR program activities, including quarterly meetings with fellow Pilot Awardees and NASCARR leadership, and sharing pilot project findings with the RDCRN community at the conclusion of the award period. 
  • Adhere to applicable NIH policies and best practices related to human subjects protections, data and safety monitoring, and data sharing. Where applicable, final study data will be shared with the RDCRN Data Management and Coordinating Center repository. 
  • Provide brief progress updates and participate in program evaluation activities during the award period and for up to 3–5 years following completion, to help assess longer-term impact and support program improvement. 
  • Acknowledge NASCARR support in publications, presentations, and other dissemination activities arising from the funded work, using recommended acknowledgment language. 

RESOURCES THROUGH NASCARR AND RDCRN INFRASTUCTURE:
NASCARR Research Support Team (NRST). The NASCARR Research Support Team (NRST) offers several services that may be of interest to pilot grant applicants, including consultation on use of INSIGHTS/GALAXY data or biospecimens, discounted NextGen sequencing services, regulatory logistics, and biostatistical or qualitative research methods. Applicants interested in utilizing NRST services are encouraged to submit a request as early as possible using the following link: https://ucdenver.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1S8t5pIn13BT5au.     
  • INSIGHTS/GALAXY Resources: Utilization of INSIGHTS and GALAXY data, biospecimens, and infrastructure are detailed by their Data Use Policies and overseen by their respective Steering Committees. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposal with Dr. Davis prior to submission to ensure feasibility and include appropriate costs in the budget. Funded pilot awardees will be required to submit a full data use proposal request for review by the appropriate Steering Committee.   
  • Recruitment Support: Investigators can meet with NRST leadership to discuss the target population of the study and planned recruitment approaches. NRST can then help engage advocacy group partners and other resources for recruitment support, announce study on NASCARR webpages and social media, and support other strategies for participant recruitment. 
  • NextGen Sequencing: Through a partnership with the CU Personalized Medicine Institute and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, pilot grant recipients are eligible for heavily discounted next-generation sequencing (whole genome sequencing, methylation studies, and/or transcriptomics). Please complete the NRST request form to receive more information.   
  • Biostatistical Support: All pilot grant applicants are eligible for a consultation with the NRST biostatistician to review and provide feedback on the proposed analysis plan and to estimate anticipated biostatistical effort. Requests should be submitted using the link above to schedule this consultation. Funded pilot awardees are eligible for up to 20 hours of NRST biostatistical support for the proposed project for use from the start of the award through publication. Requests for additional biostatistical support should be included in the project budget and discussed with the NASCARR Executive Committee. 
  • Qualitative Methodology Support: All pilot grant applicants are eligible for a consultation with the NRST qualitative methodologist to review and provide feedback on the proposed plan. Funded pilot awardees are eligible for up to 20 hours of qualitative support for methodologic consultation, support for design of surveys, instruments, and interview guides, thematic analysis, and support with manuscript editing and presentation of results. 


For any questions, please reach out to the Pilot Core Director, David Hong (dshong@stanford.edu) and Karen Regan (nascarr@ucdenver.edu).