# Pilot / Exploratory Studies Core (PESC)

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2024 · $259,923

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY ABSTRACT – Pilot and Exploratory Studies Core (PESC)
The overall goal of the Pilot and Exploratory Studies Core (PESC) is to promote innovative and
promising research addressing the predictors, outcomes and amelioration of late-life disability, especially
in vulnerable populations. This renewal application builds on the success of the OAIC PESC over the
past 9 years in which we have supported scholars from across the academic spectrum of seniority, from
residents to senior faculty. The impact of the OAIC PESC Scholars to date has been significant, resulting
in over $16 million in federal funding. For this cycle, we are placing special attention on the intense
pressures placed on junior faculty transitioning to independence and opportunities to catalyze their future
projects and career growth in our OAIC theme area. As a result, we will focus on supporting junior
scholars who already have a K award and are preparing for the transition to independence – namely, by
supporting pilot, exploratory and preliminary studies to facilitate a first R01 or equivalent award. We will
additionally maintain flexibility to prioritize scholars from underrepresented backgrounds interested in in
equity research, though they may be at earlier stages in training (i.e., pre-K). The PESC specific aims
are as follows: (1) Identify promising junior scholars interested in or committed to aging research focused
on the medical and social determinants of late-life disability, and support their transition from career
development awards to R01/equivalent awards with pilot and exploratory funding; (2) Integrate training
and support activities of the PESC (which is focused on K to R transitions) closely with the REC (which
is focused on obtaining K-awards) to develop a seamless program of support from pre-K fellows to
Associate Professors; (3) Provide PESC Scholars support in study design, analysis, recruitment and
retention of diverse and vulnerable populations through use of the OAIC Cores, specifically the Data and
Analysis Core (DAC) and the Vulnerable Aging Research Core (VARC); (4) Integrate PESC studies and
scholars with resources from the UCSF Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), the Center
for Aging in Diverse Communities, the Center for Vulnerable Populations, and other relevant resources
at UCSF; and (5) Promote diversity among researchers in aging, through offering specific support for
pilot award candidates from diverse backgrounds who apply for PESC funding.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10916488
- **Project number:** 5P30AG044281-12
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Alexander Keliimoeanu Smith
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $259,923
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2013-07-15 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10916488

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10916488, Pilot / Exploratory Studies Core (PESC) (5P30AG044281-12). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10916488. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*