DEADLINE EXTENDED: funding opportunities for diverse scholars and scholars returning to research
Originally posted June 23, 2020. Updated August 3 to reflect extended deadlines and remove past info session.
The Wright Center invites faculty from VCU and its partner universities to submit applications for two new funding opportunities.
The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences is offering the Wright Center, as a Clinical and Translational Science Award recipient, the chance to fund VCU scholars’ investigative careers under two supplements to its award: the Research Supplement to Promote Diversity in Health Related Research and the Supplement to Promote Re-entry into Biomedical and Behavioral Research Careers.
Interested and eligible faculty should complete the Diversity and Re-entry Supplement form by August 14 at 11:59 p.m.
More about the programs follow.
Diversity Scholar Program
PA-20-222: This program is designed to provide support for research experiences for individuals from diverse backgrounds throughout the continuum from high school to the faculty level. In all cases, the proposed research experience must be an integral part of the approved, ongoing research of the parent award, and it must have the potential to contribute significantly to the research career development of the candidate. Find the NIH’s Definition of Diversity at NOT-OD-20-031.
Re-Entry Scholar Program
PA-18-592: This program is designed to offer opportunities to individuals who have interrupted their research careers. Candidates must have a doctoral degree, such as M.D., D.D.S., Ph.D., O.D., D.V.M. or equivalent, and must have been accepted in a postdoctoral or faculty position at the time they left active research. All candidates must be planning a career in biomedical, behavioral, clinical, or social science research. In general, the duration of the career interruption should be at least one year and no more than eight years. Examples of qualifying interruptions would include a complete or partial hiatus from research activities for child rearing; an incapacitating illness or injury of the candidate, spouse, partner, or a member of the immediate family; relocation to accommodate a spouse, partner, or other close family member; pursuit of non-research endeavors that would permit earlier retirement of debt incurred in obtaining a doctoral degree; and military service.
Please note: Only U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, and permanent residents are eligible to apply.
For additional information, please see CTSA Program-Specific Guidance for Diversity and Re-Entry Research Supplements.
Application Timeline:
Phase 1: The completed Diversity and Re-entry Supplement form is due August 14, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. EST. The form requires applicants to upload the following: (a) Letter of Intent (1-2 pages) that briefly outlines the applicant’s current research project, current mentorship, and plans for career development; (b) NIH Biosketch or CV
Phase 2: Selected applicants for each funding opportunity will be invited for in-person or virtual interviews in late August.
Phase 3: Four finalists – two applicants for each funding opportunity – will be notified on September 4, 2020 to then partner with members of the Wright Center for formal submission to the NIH. Completed FINAL applications are due to the Wright Center on October 15, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Direct questions to:
Rob Direnzo
Faculty Professional Development Manager
direnzor@vcu.edu