Pilot Project Research Training Program

The NIOSH Pilot Project Research Training Program (PPRTP) was established at the Michigan ERC in 1999. Since that time, we have funded a total of 82 pilot research projects, 57 of which were performed at the University of Michigan and 25 of which were performed at regional institutions. These projects have resulted in a total of 112 publications, 159 presentations, and 30 grants.

The goal of the PPRTP is to strengthen the occupational health and safety research capacity of the United States by increasing the number and quality of scientists who pursue research careers in occupational health and safety (OH&S) disciplines. The PPRTP provides short-term seed funds to support innovative pilot research projects in the priority areas defined in the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA). Funds are also provided for pilot research projects that address special OH&S needs in HHS Region V, the manufacturing heartland of the United States.

This program is open to PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty at colleges and universities in HHS Region V (IL, IN, MI, OH, WI, MN).