Overview
The R36 grant is a funding mechanism to support pre-doctoral students pursuing research-oriented doctoral degrees in health-related fields. The grant is intended to fund dissertation research and related activities, such as data collection, analysis, and publication. The R36 grant supports a variety of research areas related to health and can provide up to $50,000 in direct costs per year for a maximum of three years. Indirect costs, also known as facilities and administrative costs, may also be included in the grant budget, but these costs are capped at 8% of the total direct costs. There is greater flexibility to build in a higher salary into an R36 rather than an F31. Applicants must build a detailed budget justification for this grant type. The grant requires applicants to have a strong research plan and show evidence of academic achievement, as well as a commitment to pursuing a career in research.
The F31 grant also supports pre-doctoral students pursuing research-oriented doctoral degrees in health-related fields. It's intended to provide funding for training and research experiences that will help prepare the student for a career in biomedical research. The grant requires applicants to have a strong research plan, show evidence of academic achievement, and commit to pursuing a career in research. There is no budget required for F31 applications, just a description of the institutional tuition. If awarded, the NIH will give you a budget concurrent with their fiscal year policies including a stipend, tuition allowance, an institutional allowance ($4,500), and childcare allowance ($2,500). Applicants must also have a mentor who will provide guidance and support throughout the research and training experience.
Application & Review Process
In terms of developing your proposal, get an early start, be very disciplined, and pay close attention to detail. These awards require a high degree of motivation.
It's very beneficial to use prior examples and templates of successful applications. Many department administrators will ask awardees to share their proposals to help the next generation of students apply for funding. It is also helpful to talk with peers who have successfully obtained these types of funding opportunities. Reviewing examples of applications that were not funded can be just as helpful.
Start thinking about components of the application early on like, who you want on your team and what type of training you want. Some found it easier to put together proposals simultaneously as they were putting together dissertations because they were already connected with the team that would mentor them.
If applicants help draft letters of support for themselves this will speed up the process as faculty often don't have the time to fully draft. Be sure to describe your career path, interactions with your mentor, and how you plan to leverage resources.
Can take up to 2 cycles to get funded. There is usually a long delay between submission and award.
Applications are reviewed by a completely external peer review committee.
The NIH enforcement of limiting your other work activities is different by the funding institute.
Talk with your departmental grants manager before applying.
Award Impact
As the PI of the grant, you have your own pot of funding for things like training expenses, and it's solely up to you to determine how those funds are spent.
Obtaining an F31 grant is an important step to establishing your potential as a future independent researcher. It demonstrates your understanding of your career path and what goes into submitting an NIH proposal. This award also bodes well for future K applications.
Individuals can waive the required grant writing course once they have obtained this funding source.
Dissertation awards aid in obtaining a faculty appointment at BSPH.
Resource Links
https://researchtraining.nih.gov/career/graduate
Link to Recording
https://jhjhm.zoom.us/rec/share/78lEZJIQvyvCXEY0ajNBRG0igOwj3oZo2Wf3tQW1TkW6HhOb5urUe-h3rFxdE7-M.uXcZZ-9gAYG0XoAX?startTime=1682521052000
Passcode: 8GW$Tj8G
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