Initiatives | Office of Research | UC Davis School of Medicine

One-time support for School of Medicine investigators who have lost or are at risk of losing their primary external funding, helping sustain research during gaps in funding.

School of Medicine and Department Matching Commitment Form (docx)

Deadline to apply for current funding period: July 1, 2026

Pilot funding for innovative COVID research, especially collaborative projects across clinical, translational, and basic science. Aims to generate early data for future grant applications.

Deadline to apply for current funding period: TBA

See a list of past winners

Supports new cross-campus research teams to launch bold, collaborative projects with strong potential for future external funding. Provides one year of funding (up to $50,000 per team).

Eligibility: Teams must include SOM and at least one other UC Davis school/college

See a list of past winners

Two-year funding to help multi-department teams develop large, collaborative research proposals. Supports high-impact ideas and future grant submissions.

Funding: Up to $200,000 total per team

See a list of past winners

2026 Due Date: TBD

See a list of past winners

2027 Due Date TBA

See a list of past winners

Provides funding and support to host joint symposia that bring School of Medicine and UC Davis Weill Veterinary School faculty—and external experts—together to spark new research ideas.

Recognizing that many of today’s most important problems are layered and complex, the inclusion of faculty from other schools and colleges is encouraged.

2027 Due Date TBA

Inspired by the Diamond Doc Awards that recognize clinical excellence, these awards shine a spotlight on research excellence across UC Davis School of Medicine. They celebrate individuals whose work, leadership, and ideas are shaping the future of science. By recognizing outstanding contributors from across research domains, the awards both honor those pushing the boundaries of discovery and inspire the next generation of researchers to aim high.

• 2026 Deadline for nominations: TBA

See a list of past winners

2027 Due Date: TBA

See a list of past winners

Matches funds for multi-user research equipment purchases that promote collaboration and advance SOM research priorities.

2026 Deadline: May 31, 2026

The School of Medicine Research Image Competition celebrates the art of UC Davis lab and field research, whether it is a tapestry of cell division patterns, a cluster of neurons that look like an abstractionist painting, the unique design of a laboratory with its glassware and specialized instruments, or the inquisitive excitement of fellow researchers. We hope to foster a sense of community and shared purpose and further break down the silos in which we have historically worked.

This initiative is always open, prizes awarded every quarter.

See a list of past winners

Provides funding and planning support for research events. Requests are reviewed based on impact, alignment with priorities, and collaboration.

Timeline: Decisions within ~2 weeks

Prospective applicants who have questions or would like support for symposia and conferences should contact Assistant Dean for Research Anuurad Erdembileg by email at anuerdem@health.ucdavis.edu

Email subject line: Support request for symposia and conferences

Complete the Support for Symposium & Conferences Request Form request form (PDF). Draft versions for attachments are acceptable.

School of Medicine and Department Matching Commitment Form (docx)

2027 Deadline TBA

See a list of past winners