Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

There are so many exciting pandemic research programs and initiatives. CPR³ is unique and stands out from other research efforts in several ways:

• CPR³ will fund pandemic recovery and readiness research for the state of California that is led by investigators across the University of California (UC) system. Other UC research efforts have different goals and areas of focus, for example, the UCSF Pandemic Initiative for Equity and Action (UPIEA) and the UC Davis Institute for Pandemic Intelligence.
• CPR³ is interested in understanding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and response efforts on health (physical and mental), social, and economic outcomes. CPR³ acknowledges the importance of the following areas but will not fund research in: the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen itself (and variants); diagnostics and vaccine development; COVID-19-specific infections and sequelae; and other geographies that do not include California.
• CPR³ is focused on learning from the COVID-19 pandemic to inform future public health investments and policy making. Findings from CPR³ studies will help in the development of a “blueprint” for California pandemic recovery and readiness.

• CPR³ research priority areas include the following: 
  • The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents
  • The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health
  • The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social and economic outcomes
  • Behavior change and public health communication
• All Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are now closed. Stay tuned for award announcements. 
• With guidance from the CPR³ Scientific Steering Committee, all priority areas were selected based on specific needs and research gaps in the state of California.

• Funding decisions will consider scientific merit, public health and societal relevance, and programmatic responsiveness.
• The review process consists of 3 stages: screening, peer review, and consultation with an advisory council.

• Funding decisions for CPR³ RFPs will be made by June 2023.

• Award types depend on the stage of the research project.
• Generally, the Pathfinder award is designed to support formative or exploratory research, while the Catalyst award aims to enhance research that has existing preliminary data and/or research infrastructure. The Implementation/Scale award will support implementation research and scale-up of interventions and programs that have existing evidence of efficacy and/or effectiveness.

• The source of this funding is from a CDPH contract. Award funds will be administered and managed in alignment with the California Model Agreement Contract. Please check in with your home campus Office of Sponsored Projects for specific questions.

• Given CPR³’s funding timeline, the project duration for all award types is 1 year.
• Funds should be spent by June 30, 2024, after which time no-cost extensions may not be possible.

• Feedback on proposals that are not selected for funding will be provided as time and resources allow.

• Please email [email protected] with any remaining questions you may have.