UNC Core Facilities accepting applications for voucher program

The UNC School of Medicine's Core Facility Advocacy Committee is now accepting applications for its Core Voucher Program—a pilot funding opportunity supporting research projects that utilize UNC SOM biomedical research cores. The program is offering up to $10,000 in core services to support new method development or pilot data generation projects. Eligible projects must involve at least one UNC SOM core.

Applications are open until July 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Funding decisions will be announced in mid-September, with projects expected to run from October 1 through June 30, 2027.

Applicants must hold a full or joint appointment in the UNC School of Medicine and must consult with participating core directors before submitting. Please reach out to the core directors you would like to utilize ASAP to ensure you have sufficient time to meet to discuss your project proposal.

Projects may be submitted under one of two tracks:

Track A: Innovation and Expansion projects must meet at least one of the following:

• Pipeline project: uses more than one core facility
• New customer: applicant is a first-time user of at least one core listed in the proposal
• New technology: applicant is using a specific technology or service they have not used before, even if they have previously worked with that core

Track B: Grant Resubmission Support projects must:

• Address a recent grant submission from the last two cycles that was deemed "Competitive but not Discussed"
• Be supported by reviewer critiques that specifically request additional pilot data
• Fund only the portion of data collection performed at a UNC SOM core facility
• Include documentation of the reviewer critiques and the planned resubmission date

For full eligibility details, a template submission form, other required application materials, and submission instructions, please review the application instructions at med.unc.edu/corefacilities/core-voucher-program. Questions may be directed to the Office of Research Technologies at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Eligible investigators are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this exciting opportunity to advance their research with UNC SOM core resources. If you need assistance in finding the right core facility to support your research, visit med.unc.edu/corefacilities/find-a-core-facility or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..