CORE B: Abstract/Summary The Developmental Core (Core B) supports the overall mission of the PMHARC through its management of the pilot projects program. During the current funding cycle, Core B, in partnership with the Administrative Core and the PMHARC Executive Committee (EC) implemented a rigorous and efficient web-based system for the submission, review, and selection of high priority pilot research focused on mental health and HIV prevention and care. The pilot projects program is central to the overall mission of the PMARC and provides the framework for the delivery of much of the Center’s training and mentoring services. With the assistance of all Cores, Core B leads the solicitation of research concepts that are reviewed for consideration to submit a proposal. During this funding cycle, the PMHARC used approximately 10% of its annual total costs to support a total of 30 pilot projects that have been funded with awards ranging from $15,000 to $40,000 with an overall total of $795,390. Seven of these projects were co-funded by the PENN CFAR during this cycle. Identifying and assisting early career investigators and investigators from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups has been and will remain a high priority of the Core. During this funding cycle, 37 early career and transitioning investigators have been engaged in pilot projects, 23% of pilot PIs are from racial and ethnic minority groups and 57% are women. All Cores are available to support pilot investigators who are encouraged to participate in services supported by Core B, such as the monthly recruitment support group and the monthly PMHARC Journal Club. We are working to build a community of researchers able to address important topics at the intersection of HIV and mental health. During the next funding cycle, we will build on the success of the PMHARC pilot projects program by expanding the number of Centers and Institutes able to co-fund pilot research. The Core will be an active participant in the Research Innovation and Diversity Committee to help identify potential pilot applicants and funding opportunities following completion of pilot projects. The pilot funding and related training and development delivered by Core B supports the overall mission of the PMHARC by expanding the number and capacity of investigators to conduct innovative and important mental health and AIDS research. By supporting promising pilot research the Core will initiate research programs that have real potential to improve the mental health and quality of life of HIV positive individuals and to improve access to needed services.