Writing
a Career Development Award Application
<< previous · Advice on Research Training and Career Awards · next >>
NIAID will peer review your application. For an overview of the peer review process and to learn about review criteria so you can create a strong application, read Part 8. Assignment and Review of the NIH Grant Cycle: Application to Renewal.
Address Peer Review Criteria
Peer reviewers will assess your potential based on the information in your CV, research and career plans, and, except for K24, reference letters. Make sure your CV highlights your past successes, and that your research and career plans illustrate your commitment and potential for future contributions.
Your reference letters should come from people who are familiar with your qualifications, training, and interest. They should submit their letters through the eRA Commons. For further details, including information you should give to those writing reference letters, read the supplemental instructions for K awards in part 7 of the Application Guide SF424 (R&R) – Adobe Forms Version A.
Reviewers will evaluate the institution where the proposed research will be conducted. They'll consider whether your institution has suitable facilities and is committed to your development as an investigator.
For mentored positions, reviewers will assess your mentor's career and research supervision record, and whether his or her work and experience are relevant to your proposed Research Plan.
Align your career development plan to your professional goals.
A great program and stellar academic record help, but to get the best score, you need to show reviewers that you can establish a research career.
Be sure to describe how funding will move you toward scientific independence, and stress your commitment to a career in biomedical or behavioral research (for a K02, K08, or K22), patient-oriented research (K23 and K24), or integration of biomedicine and quantitative science (K25).
Design Your Research Plan Carefully
Reviewers will look closely at your Research Plan, assessing whether the topic is important and appropriate to your career stage, background, and objectives. They will consider your methods and design, as well as your attention to ethical considerations.
You'll need to account for all ethical considerations regarding human subjects, and document your training in the ethical conduct of research.
Adhere to NIH’s Public Access Policy
As part of NIH’s public access policy, you must cite papers from NIH-funded research in your application. See our Public Access of Publications SOP for more information.
In the Bibliography and References Cited section of the Research Plan, provide a bibliography of any references cited in the Project Summary and Relevance section on Form Page 2. Also list all publications in the Biographical Sketch.
Additional Resources
<< previous · Advice on Research Training and Career Awards · next >>
|
