The Hoffman Program funded eleven Pilot Grants between 2015 and 2019. This modest support gave investigators a chance to carry out preliminary studies with the aim of advancing our understanding of MCS/TILT/DELTA. Most grants explored promising hypotheses on the biological mechanism of chemical sensitization, often by leveraging access to population studies through collaborations with other institutions. Other projects promoted scientific understanding, public awareness, and institutional change to reduce chemical exposures.
For summaries of the pilot grants and resulting publications see: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/hoffman-program/pilot-grants/.
General Aims for the Pilot Grant Program:
- Stimulate research on MCS/TILT/DELTA
- Advance understanding of health consequences of chemicals and other toxins in the environment
- Identify and promote actions to protect vulnerable populations
Grants were typically up to $25,000, and were offered once a year. Funds were most often used for feasibility studies and to produce preliminary data to help the researchers compete for independent funding.
All faculty and research associates at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health were eligible to apply for Hoffman Pilot Grant funds. Meet the Grantees here.