The UW–Madison Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) funds research activities intended to inform subsequent external funding proposals through its Pilot Awards Program. Alan McMillan, PhD experienced this firsthand when he received a pilot award for his research project in 2015; now, a decade later, Dr. McMillan serves as co-director for the program.
“That award was the catalyst for what has become an enduring and incredibly fruitful collaboration with a valued colleague in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering” Dr. McMillan explained. “It’s the perfect example of how these pilot awards do more than fund a project; they build bridges between departments and disciplines that can last for years.”
Overseeing the release of funding opportunity announcements and managing the scientific peer review process are two of Dr. McMillan’s primary responsibilities as co-director. As such, he ensures that funding opportunities are aligned to the institution’s strategic goals, and that they meet the ever-evolving needs of the research community. Dr. McMillan also facilitates a fair, transparent, and rigorous peer review process that guarantees each applicant a thorough evaluation.
Dr. McMillan began in his role along with Co-Director Meghan Brennan, MD, MS from the Division of Infectious Disease in January 2025. They are part of a collaborative team that includes Pilot Awards Program Manager Bri Deyo, MPH, CCRC; Director of Workforce Development Peggy Hatfield, PhD; and Senior Associate Executive Director Christine Sorkness, RPh, PharmD. Reflecting on his first six months in the role, Dr. McMillan provides additional insight into his role and the Pilot Awards Program below.
What’s the experience been like, going from an applicant with a program, to now working on the team that reviews and selects the projects for the awards?
It has been an incredibly rewarding transition. There’s a profound sense of fulfillment in being able to “give back” to the very program that provided a crucial stepping-stone in my own research. Having been on the applicant side for ICTR and many other proposals, I have a deep appreciation for the effort and hope that goes into every single proposal. Now, being part of the team that facilitates this process for others is a tremendous privilege. I am honored to contribute to the cycle of innovation and discovery.
Has being a past awardee given you any insight as you navigate your new role?
Absolutely. My experience as a past awardee has fundamentally shaped my perspective on this role. I firmly believe that pilot funding is the lifeblood of academic research. It’s the essential seed money that allows high-risk, high-reward projects to take root. These are the kinds of innovative, and sometimes unconventional, ideas that might not initially secure funding from larger federal agencies but have the potential to be truly transformative. Without the resources to support a graduate student or a scientist and to gather preliminary data, many of these groundbreaking research avenues would simply never be explored.
Is there anything that’s surprised you about being co-director?
While perhaps not surprising, I have been deeply impressed by the immense professionalism and capability of the ICTR group. It’s one thing to interact with the program as an applicant, but it’s another to see the inner workings and the dedication of the entire team. The commitment to fostering research and supporting investigators is truly remarkable.
What does the review and selection process look like for awards?
The cornerstone of our review and selection process is identifying and engaging peer reviewers from our incredibly talented faculty here at the University of Wisconsin. We are immensely grateful for their expertise and their willingness to contribute their time to this critical service. Our process is designed to mirror the high standards of NIH review policies. In fact, we have recently adopted the NIH’s revised review criteria, which places a greater emphasis on the scientific merit and potential impact of the proposed research. This ensures that the projects we fund are not only innovative but also hold the greatest promise for advancing science and health. Often our pilot projects are stepping–stone to future NIH funding.
What are some key components that would make a project stand out to you?
While innovation is certainly a key ingredient, what truly makes a project stand out is its potential for significant impact. We are looking for research that has a clear and compelling trajectory toward improving human health and well-being.
Furthermore, for some of our funding opportunities, there is a particular focus on “translational science.” This means we are keenly interested in projects that aim to bridge the gap between initial laboratory discoveries and real-world clinical applications. A standout proposal in this area would not only present a novel scientific idea but would also clearly articulate a plan for moving that idea across the “valley of death” into a tangible therapy, diagnostic tool, or a new evidence-based practice.
Are there specific topics that the ICTR is interested in exploring with future awards?
Rather than locking into specific topics long-term, our strategy is to remain responsive to the most pressing health needs of our community and the most promising scientific opportunities as they arise. We continually monitor the public health landscape and the forefront of research innovation and rely on the amazing faculty that we have at Wisconsin to push the boundaries of science. This allows us to direct our funding toward areas where we can have the most significant and timely impact. Our core mission is to catalyze research across the entire translational spectrum, and our future funding opportunities will reflect that by seeking to fund the best science, wherever it may be found.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
It is a profound honor to serve in this role. I am proud to give back to an institution that has supported my own work and to be part of a team that provides such essential funding and opportunities for our research community. The ICTR plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of scientific breakthroughs, and I am incredibly enthusiastic about contributing to that mission.