This seminar will focus on issues related to grant preparation and professional development, with special emphasis on challenges faced by new investigators in establishing their initial research program. This seminar is intended to help you develop your scientific focus and plan a series of studies spanning three to five years. The primary focus will be on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) but other funding options can be explored, such as National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Education (DOE), private foundations, and university or local sources. We will consider NIH funding programs aimed at new investigators, including Dissertation support awards (F31), Individual Post Doctoral awards (F32), and the Small Grant program (R03) awards. Additionally, Clinical Investigator Awards (K series), Individual Research Grants (R01), Program Project grants (P01), and Center Grants (P30 and P50) will be briefly reviewed. An overview will be provided of the structure of the NIH, components of grant applications and administration (including budgets), scientific review process, and revision process. Other topics that will covered include interviewing, setting up a lab, securing initial funding for preliminary data, recruiting research participants, and conducting ethical research. This seminar will take advantage of the rich research environment at UW-Madison by having a number of visiting colleagues speak throughout the semester. These individuals will share their experiences in how to prepare successful grant proposals, offer insights into the review process, and provide valuable information about preparing budgets, electronic submissions, and securing IRB approval of your research protocols.
