ABSTRACT- PILOT PROJECTS PROGRAM The ACCEL-CTR Program has established an exceptionally strong network of clinicians and scientists that is enhancing clinical and translational research within the state of Delaware. In ACCEL3, our third funding cycle, we will continue to broaden our impact while also sharpening our focus in key areas including the creation of sustainable infrastructure for clinical and translational research in Delaware, the establishment of a scientific culture that values diversity and incorporates health equity as a focus, and the expansion of community engaged research. In this renewal, the Pilot Projects Program (PPP) will grow and evolve based on past successes, lessons learned, and responding to investigator and community needs. The Specific Aims of the PPP are to (1) inspire and support clinical and translational research; (2) facilitate high-impact interdisciplinary collaborations; and (3) help investigators overcome barriers in successful translation across the research continuum. We will fund a wide variety of types of awards, including standard pilot grants, pilot grants specifically targeting community-engaged research, interdisciplinary grants, mentored awards, and larger grants for infrastructure. In direct support of the overall mission, the PPP will put in place new requirements related to diversity, health equity, and community engagement. Evaluation of applications will be conducted by peer-review by qualified and NIH-experienced members of the scientific community using review and scoring mechanisms modeled after the NIH. We will prioritize clinical and community engaged research as well as projects addressing conditions that affect the medically underserved or disproportionately affect the health of Delawareans. The PPP will continue to synergize with the other ACCEL cores to leverage professional development opportunities, community engagement and outreach functions, and other facilities and services to maximize the training and career development of our pilot awardees. The PPP will be led by Susanne Morton and supported by the ACCEL Research Committee, with representation from all partner institutions, and administrative staff. In ACCEL3, the PPP will continue to be an integral CTR core, catalyzing collaborative and community-based clinical and translational research for the benefit of all Delawareans.