# Pilot/Exploratory Studies Core (PESC)

> **NIH NIH P30** · WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2020 · $196,459

## Abstract

Effective pilot and/or exploratory studies are key steps towards the development of successful, externally-
funded research proposals, particularly for early-stage investigators or those entering into a new field of study.
The WF OAIC Pilot and Exploratory Studies Core (PESC) proposes to continue our coordinated, multi-
faceted group effort to promote pilots and exploratory studies that address the WF OAIC mission, through a
process that incorporates continued innovation. Our overall goal is to develop key information needed for the
design of definitive, externally funded, translational research studies that will advance our knowledge and
understanding of pathways influencing physical function, all in support of WF OAIC theme: Integrating
pathways affecting physical function for new approaches to disability treatment and prevention.
Our goal will be achieved through the following Specific Aims: 1) To identify and promote promising key areas
of research becoming ripe for investment; 2) To identify and recruit talented key investigators from
complementary fields to participate in OIAC-relevant research; 3) To solicit multiple competitive research
proposals in each cycle, and conduct internal and external peer review to identify and select the best science;
4) To actively interact with and mentor investigative teams, to maximize the quality of research proposals and
projects and help insure their success; 5) To work closely with the other WF OAIC cores to advance pilot
projects and mentor early-stage investigators, advancing their development as successful translational
scientists; and 6) To continue to refine and optimize approaches to OAIC PESC procedures. Over the latest
cycle, the PESC developed and managed a strong portfolio of successful pilot and exploratory studies in
pursuit of the WFU OAIC theme. These have encompassed relatively basic science studies regarding key
biomolecular pathways involved in physical function, all the way to development and implementation of new
approaches to characterize and improve physical function in the clinic. The PESC has continued to have
remarkable productivity, leading to 20 externally funded grants totaling $24 million, a 114% increase over
the last cycle. This increase is even more significant given challenging funding environment.
Under the continuing leadership of Drs. Kitzman and Register, the WF PESC will support 4 innovative pilot
projects in the first year of the upcoming cycle, each led by a talented early-career investigator. The projects
advance different stages of translational science, from discovery to implementation. Two studies incorporate
basic and geroscience approaches to 1) senescence and 2) the microbiome into ongoing human studies. Two
studies will test interventions in the clinical setting to use 3) exercise or 4) mindfulness approaches to alleviate
pain. All are aligned with the OAIC theme of promoting independence through discovery and translation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9978686
- **Project number:** 5P30AG021332-18
- **Recipient organization:** WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** DALANE W KITZMAN
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $196,459
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9978686

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9978686, Pilot/Exploratory Studies Core (PESC) (5P30AG021332-18). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9978686. Licensed CC0.

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