NIH Blueprint Diversity Specialized Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Advancement in Neuroscience (NIH D-SPAN) Award (F99/K00)

NIH Blueprint Diversity Specialized Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Advancement in Neuroscience (NIH D-SPAN) Award (F99/K00) is sponsored by National Institutes of Health (NIH). This award supports promising graduate students as they complete their doctoral research training and transition into mentored postdoctoral career development opportunities in neuroscience research areas relevant to the missions of participating NIH Institutes and Centers.

Expired RFA-NS-17-009: NIH Blueprint Diversity Specialized Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Advancement in Neuroscience (D-SPAN) Award (F99/K00) This notice has expired. Check the NIH Guide for active opportunities and notices. Department of Health and Human Services Part 1.

Overview Information Participating Organization(s) National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) of Participating Organizations NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research ( http://neuroscienceblueprint. nih.

gov ) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ( NINDS ) National Eye Institute ( NEI ) National Institute on Aging ( NIA ) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism ( NIAAA ) National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering ( NIBIB ) Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research ( NIDCR ) National Institute on Drug Abuse ( NIDA ) National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences ( NIEHS ) National Institute of Mental Health ( NIMH ) National Institute of Nursing Research ( NINR ) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health ( NCCIH ) Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research ( OBSSR ) Funding Opportunity Title NIH Blueprint Diversity Specialized Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Advancement in Neuroscience (D-SPAN) Award (F99/K00) F99/K00 Individual Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award September 28, 2017 - This RFA has been reissued as RFA-NS-18-007 .

May 10, 2017 - New NIH "FORMS-E" Grant Application Forms and Instructions Coming for Due Dates On or After January 25, 2018. See NOT-OD-17-062 . November 08, 2016 -Notice of Informational Webinar on the NIH Blueprint Diversity Specialized Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Advancement in Neuroscience (D-SPAN) Award (F99/K00).

See Notice NOT-NS-17-008 . Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number Companion Funding Opportunity Additional Information on Eligibility . Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) 93.

279; 93. 286; 93. 865; 93.

273; 93. 113; 93. 853; 93.

866; 93. 867; 93. 242; 93.

121; 93. 361; 93. 213 Funding Opportunity Purpose The purpose of the NIH Blueprint Diversity Specialized Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Advancement in Neuroscience (D-SPAN) Award is to support a defined pathway across career stages for outstanding graduate students who are from diverse backgrounds underrepresented in neuroscience research.

This two-phase award will facilitate completion of the doctoral dissertation and transition of talented graduate students to strong neuroscience research postdoctoral positions, and will provide career development opportunities relevant to their long-term career goal of becoming independent neuroscience Open Date (Earliest Submission Date) Letter of Intent Due Date(s) 30 days prior to the application due date April 8, 2017, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization.

All types of non-AIDS applications allowed for this funding opportunity announcement are due on this date. No late applications will be accepted for this Funding Opportunity Announcement. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.

AIDS Application Due Date(s) Not Applicable for Fellowships It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in (R&R) Application Guide except where instructed to do otherwise (in this FOA or in a Notice from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts ). Conformance to all requirements (both in the Application Guide and the FOA) is required and strictly enforced.

Applicants must read and follow all application instructions in the Application Guide as well as any program-specific instructions noted in Section IV . When the program-specific instructions deviate from those in the Application Guide, follow the program-specific instructions. Applications that do not comply with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.

Part 1. Overview Information Part 2. Full Text of the Announcement Section I.

Funding Opportunity Description Section II. Award Information Section III. Eligibility Information Section IV.

Application and Submission Section V. Application Review Information Section VI. Award Administration Information Section VII.

Agency Contacts Section VIII. Other Information Full Text of Announcement Section I. Funding Opportunity Description This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is an initiative of the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research ( http://neuroscienceblueprint.

nih. gov/ ), a collaborative and coordinated effort across 15 Institutes, Centers and Offices (ICO) that support research, research education, and research training with the goal of accelerating the pace of discovery in neuroscience research.

By pooling resources and expertise, the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research can take advantage of economies of scale, confront challenges too large for any specific ICO, and develop research tools and infrastructure that will serve the entire neuroscience community.

The purpose of the NIH Blueprint Diversity Specialized Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Advancement in Neuroscience Award or D-SPAN (F99/K00) is to enhance the pool of well-trained diverse neuroscientists who will pursue academic/research careers.

The D-SPAN will support mentored research training for late-stage graduate students from diverse backgrounds underrepresented in neuroscience research who have demonstrated interest and potential in pursuing careers as independent researchers. The F99/K00 award will provide up to 6 years of support in two phases, described further in the section below.

Strong individualized research training plans and career development activities will outline a defined research pathway and are expected to enhance the development of independent neuroscience research careers.

Individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in neuroscience research are eligible for support under this award if they are currently enrolled as a graduate student in a PhD or equivalent research doctoral degree program at the time of application.

While the term diversity can encompass many personal attributes and characteristics, this NIH Blueprint D-SPAN award program seeks to stimulate the participation of individuals from groups that are nationally underrepresented in neuroscience research (NOT-OD-15-053). See Section III for additional information regarding eligibility for this program.

While the proportion of graduates from underrepresented backgrounds in biomedical programs are increasing slightly, the representation of these groups in later career stages remains small.

Among U.S. citizens at U.S. institutions, the percent of neuroscience trainees from underrepresented backgrounds declines from the graduate (14%) to the postdoctoral level (9%) to only 5% in the neuroscience tenure stream ( 2011 Survey Report of Neuroscience Departments and Programs ).

Both graduate students and postdoctorates report decreased interest in faculty careers over time, with women and underrepresented minorities (URM) reporting a comparatively greater decrease than men and well-represented trainees ( Fuhrmann et al. , 2011 ; Gibbs et al. , 2014 , 2015 ; Sauermann and Roach, 2012 ).

Literature also shows that women from underrepresented backgrounds face particular challenges at the graduate level and beyond in scientific fields (see, e.g., Inside the Double Bind, A Synthesis of Empirical Research on Undergraduate and Graduate Women of Color in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics http://her. hepg. org/content/t022245n7x4752v2/fulltext.

pdf ). The NIH Blueprint D-SPAN initiative will enhance the ability of predoctorates from underrepresented backgrounds to progress in what is often perceived as a challenging research career environment ( Developing a 21st Century Neuroscience Workforce; Institute of Medicine ).

The program will address these issues by providing support to neuroscience trainees from underrepresented backgrounds at a critical juncture in their career decision-making pathway. Research indicates that lower interest in faculty careers as a postdoctoral scholar is accompanied by lower feelings of intellectual and social belonging that starts in graduate school among URM et al. , 2015 ).

Studies have suggested that mentoring on self-efficacy, identity as a scientist, and commitment to a science career may remediate these et al. , 2011 ).

Surveys of postdoctoral fellows have also shown that those trained in an environment with more structure, administrative oversight, and formal training are more likely to be satisfied with their postdoctoral experience, to rate their advisors highly, and be more productive ( Davis, and Berman, 2011 ).

Structured postdoctoral training programs have also been shown to help prepare these scholars for successful transition to academic The NIH Blueprint D-SPAN is a structured program that requires formalized and defined training plans and seeks to increase levels of participation of diverse trainees transitioning from predoctoral to postdoctoral positions.

As cited above, the literature shows that intervening at this graduate time point could change the trainee’s perception about the pursuit of a academic/research career. The D-SPAN program creates accountability and structured processes for ongoing assessment of the training environment.

A key component of the program is enhanced mentorship; D-SPAN requires the involvement of a vetted mentor or mentor team in both the graduate phase (F99) and the postdoctoral phase (K00). D-SPAN also empowers diverse trainees to find postdoctoral environments that match their skills and scientific interests with minimal financial constraints by providing continuous support throughout the critical postgraduate career stage.

The funding stability and professional development benchmarks will allow D-SPAN awardees to structure a specific plan forward in their early career as a researcher.

It is envisioned that F99 Phase funding support paired with the K00 Phase will enhance the pool of well-trained researchers who can compete for and conduct independent Overview of This F99/K00 Transition Opportunity The D-SPAN F99/K00 award is intended for individuals who have demonstrated an interest in a neuroscience research career in NIH Blueprint mission-relevant areas and/or BRAIN Initiative research areas.

At the time of award, applicants are expected to require 1-2 years to complete their PhD dissertation research training (F99 phase) before transitioning to mentored postdoctoral research training (K00 phase). The D-SPAN F99/K00 award is meant to provide up to 6 years of support in two phases.

The initial (F99) phase will provide support for the final 1-2 years of dissertation research in a neuroscience related field (including experiments, dissertation preparation) and the search for/selection of a postdoctoral mentor. The two award phases are intended to be continuous in time.

The second (K00) phase will provide up to 4 years of mentored postdoctoral research career development support and is contingent upon successful completion of the doctoral degree requirements.

A K00 award will be made only to a PD/PI who has successfully completed the F99-supported training, secured an appropriate postdoctoral position, and has provided the NIH Blueprint oversight committee with a strong research and career development plan that will occur in a supportive and competitive research environment. See Section VIII. Other Information for award authorities and regulations.

Section II. Award Information Grant: A support mechanism providing money, property, or both to an eligible entity to carry out an approved project or activity. Application Types Allowed Glossary and the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide provide details on Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards The NIH Blueprint intends to commit $1M in FY 2017 to fund approximately 20 awards.

However, the total amount awarded and the number of awards made will depend upon the number, quality, and cost of the applications received. For the F99 phase, award budgets are composed of stipends, tuition and fees, and institutional allowance, as described below.

For the K00 phase, award budgets are composed of salaries and fringe benefits, research and career development support, and indirect costs, as described For the F99/K00 award, individuals may receive up to 6 years combined support for both phases, which includes up to 2 years in the F99 fellowship phase and up to 4 years in the K00 career development phase.

Stipends (F99)/Salary (K00) Stipends are provided as a subsistence allowance to help defray living expenses during the research training experience. The stipend level for F99 predoctoral fellows is the same Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) fellows. Visit NIH Grants Policy Statement: Ruth L.

Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for more information. NIH Blueprint will contribute up to $50,000 toward the salary of the career award recipient. The total salary requested must be based on a full-time staff appointment.

The salary must be consistent both with the established salary structure at the institution and with salaries actually provided by the institution from its own funds to other staff members of equivalent qualifications, rank, and responsibilities in the department concerned.

If full-time, 12-month salaries are not currently paid to comparable staff members, the salary proposed must be appropriately related to the existing salary structure. Confirmation of salary may be required prior to the issuance of an award. Fringe benefits, based on the sponsoring institution s rate and the percent of effort, are provided in addition to salary.

The sponsoring institution may supplement the NIH salary contribution up to a level that is consistent with the institution's salary scale. However, supplementation may not be from Federal funds unless specifically authorized by the Federal program from which such funds are derived. In no case may PHS funds be used for salary.

NIH Blueprint will contribute to the combined cost of tuition and fees at the rate in place at the time of award, at the same level L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) fellowships; Visit NIH Grants Policy Statement: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for more information.

Tuition and Fees are not allowable costs for the K00 Phase The applicant should request an institutional allowance to help defray the cost of fellowship expenses such as health insurance, research supplies, equipment, books, and travel to scientific meetings. The annual institutional allowance level for the F99 phase is the same as that provided for the F31 Ruth L.

Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) awards, plus an additional $1000 to defray the travel costs to attend a mandatory NIH Neuroscience Blueprint-sponsored conference. The most recent institutional allowance levels are described via a link on the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) site.

Requests for additional costs (such as to accommodate the disabilities of a fellow) must be explained in detail and justified in the application. Visit NIH Grants Policy Statement: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards .

NIH Blueprint will contribute $3,000 per year toward the research development costs of the award recipient, which must be justified and consistent with the stage of development of the candidate and the proportion of time to be spent in research or career development activities, plus an additional $1000 annually to defray the travel costs to attend a mandatory NIH Neuroscience Blueprint-sponsored conference.

Salary for mentors, secretarial and administrative assistants, etc. is not allowed. NIH does not separately reimburse indirect costs (also known as Facilities & Administrative [F&A] Costs) for fellowships.

Costs for administering the F99 awards are part of the Institutional Indirect Costs (also known as Facilities & Administrative [F&A] Costs) are reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made in response to this FOA.

Higher Education Institutions Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education Private Institutions of Higher Education The following types of Higher Education Institutions are always encouraged to apply for NIH support as Public or Private Institutions Hispanic-serving Institutions Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions For-Profit Organizations (Other than Small Businesses) F99 Eligibility: All domestic PhD-granting institution/organization types listed above are eligible to submit an K00 Eligibility: All domestic institution/organization types listed above are eligible to submit K00 transition phase applications on behalf Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.

Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement , are allowed. Applicant organizations must complete and maintain the following registrations as described in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide to be eligible to apply for or receive an award. All registrations must be completed prior to the application being submitted.

Registration can take 6 weeks or more, so applicants should begin the registration process as soon as Policy on Late Submission of Grant Applications states that failure to complete registrations in advance of a due date is not a valid reason for a Universal Numbering System (DUNS) - All registrations require that applicants be issued a DUNS number.

After obtaining a DUNS number, applicants can begin both SAM and eRA Commons registrations. The same DUNS number must be used for all registrations, as well as on the grant application. System for Award Management (SAM) (formerly CCR) Applicants must complete and maintain an active registration, which requires renewal at least annually .

The renewal process may require as much time as the initial registration. SAM registration includes the assignment of a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code for domestic organizations which have not already been assigned a CAGE Code. Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code Foreign organizations must obtain an NCAGE code (in lieu of a CAGE code) in order to register in SAM.

eRA Commons - Applicants must have an active DUNS number and SAM registration in order to complete the eRA Commons registration. Organizations can register with the eRA Commons as they are working through their SAM or Grants. gov registration.

eRA Commons requires organizations to identify at least one Signing Official (SO) and at least one Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) account in order to submit an application. must have an active DUNS number and SAM registration in order to complete the Directors/Principal Investigators (PD(s)/PI(s)) All PD(s)/PI(s) must have an eRA Commons account.

PD(s)/PI(s) should work with their organizational officials to either create a new account or to affiliate their existing account with the applicant organization in eRA Commons. If the PD/PI is also the organizational Signing Official, they must have two distinct eRA Commons accounts, one for each role. Obtaining an eRA Commons account can take up to 2 weeks.

Eligible Individuals (Program Director/Principal Any applicant fellow with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) is invited to work with his/her sponsor and organization to develop an application for support.

Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support. Multiple PDs/PIs are not allowed.

By the time of award, the individual must be a citizen or a non-citizen national of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (i.e., possess a currently valid Permanent Resident Card USCIS Form I-551, or other legal verification of such status).

Fostering diversity in the scientific research workforce is a key component of the NIH strategy to identify, develop, support and maintain the quality of our scientific human capital ( NOT-OD-15-053 ).

Every facet of the United States scientific research enterprise from basic laboratory research to clinical and translational research to policy formation requires superior intellect, creativity, and a wide range of skill sets and viewpoints.

NIH’s ability to help ensure that the nation remains a global leader in scientific discovery and innovation is dependent upon a pool of highly talented scientists from underrepresented backgrounds who will help to further NIH's mission. Research shows that diverse teams working together and capitalizing on innovative ideas and distinct perspectives outperform homogenous teams.

Scientists and trainees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences bring different perspectives, creativity, and individual enterprise to address complex scientific problems.

There are many benefits that flow from a diverse NIH-supported scientific workforce, including fostering scientific innovation, enhancing global competitiveness, contributing to robust learning environments, improving the quality of the researchers, advancing the likelihood that underserved or health disparity populations participate in and benefit from health research, and enhancing public trust.

For the purpose of this announcement, institutions must identify applicants who will enhance diversity on a national basis as defined A. Individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown by the National Science Foundation to be underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis (see data at http://www. nsf.

gov/statistics/showpub. cfm? TopID=2&SubID=27 and the most recent report on Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering ).

The following racial and ethnic groups have been shown to be underrepresented in biomedical research: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders. B.

Individuals with disabilities, who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended. See NSF data at http://www. nsf.

gov/statistics/wmpd/2013/pdf/tab7-5_updated_2014_10. pdf . The applicant must be from one of the above underrepresented groups, have a baccalaureate degree and be currently enrolled as a graduate student in a PhD or equivalent research doctoral degree program (e.g., EngD, DNSc, DrPH, DSW, ScD) in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences at a domestic institution.

At the time of award, applicants are expected to require 1-2 years to complete their PhD dissertation research training (F99 phase) before transitioning to mentored postdoctoral research training (K00 phase). At the time of application, the applicant will typically be in the third or fourth year of their graduate program.

The applicant must show evidence of high academic performance in the sciences and commitment to a career as an independent neuroscience research scientist. The D-SPAN F99/K00 award may not be used to support studies leading to the MD, DDS, or other clinical, health-professional degree (e.g., DC, DMD, DNP, DO, DPM, DVM, ND, OD, AuD).

Students matriculated in a dual-degree program (e.g. MD/PhD, DO/PhD, DDS/PhD, or DVM/PhD) are not eligible If an applicant begins a postdoctoral position or completes all PhD dissertation requirements before an F99 award is made, neither the F99 award, nor the K00 award, will be issued. This FOA does not require cost sharing as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement . 3.

Additional Information on Eligibility The NIH will not accept duplicate or highly overlapping applications under review at the same time.

This means that the NIH will A new (A0) application that is submitted before issuance of the summary statement from the review of an overlapping new (A0) or resubmission A resubmission (A1) application that is submitted before issuance of the summary statement from the review of the previous new (A0) application.

An application that has substantial overlap with another application pending appeal of initial peer review (see NOT-OD-11-101 ). Individuals may not exceed the aggregate limit of support shown above in the Award Project Period (see Section II. Award Information).

F99 awardees are required to pursue their research training on a full-time basis, normally defined as 40 hours per week or as specified by the sponsoring institution in accordance with its own policies.

K00 awardees are required to have a full-time appointment at the applicant institution, and to commit a minimum of 9 person months (or 75% of their full-time appointment at the applicant instititution) to their career development and research training.

K00 awardees may engage in other duties (e.g., other research, training, clinical and teaching activities) as part of the remaining 25% effort not covered by the award, as long as such duties do not interfere with or detract from the proposed career development program. application, the applicant must identify an F99 sponsor(s) who will supervise the proposed mentored dissertation research experience.

The primary sponsor should be the applicant's primary dissertation research advisor and be committed both to the applicant’s research training and to direct supervision of his/her research. The sponsor should have a successful track record of mentoring predoctoral students.

Applicants may identify more than one sponsor, i.e., a team of sponsors, if this is deemed advantageous for providing expert advice in all aspects of the research and training program. When there is a sponsor team, one individual must be identified as the primary sponsor who will coordinate the applicant’s training program. The applicant must work with the sponsor(s) in preparing the application.

and Submission Information Buttons to access the online ASSIST system or to download application forms are available in Part 1 of this FOA. See your administrative office for instructions if you plan to use an institutional system-to-system solution. 2.

Content and Form of Application Submission It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in (R&R) Application Guide , including Supplemental Grant Application Instructions except where instructed in this funding opportunity announcement to do otherwise. Conformance to the requirements in the Application Guide is required and strictly enforced.

Applications that are out of compliance with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review. Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows IC staff to estimate the potential review workload and By the date listed in Part 1.

Overview Information , prospective applicant organizations are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following information: Descriptive title of proposed activity Name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s) of the PD(s)/PI(s) Names of other key personnel Participating institution(s) Number and title of this funding opportunity The letter of intent should be sent to: Michelle Jones-London, PhD National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) All page limitations described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and the Table of Page Limits must be followed.

for Application Submission The following section supplements the instructions found in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and should be used for preparing an All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide SF424(R&R) Project/Performance Site Locations All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide Other Project Information All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions: Attachments: The application must contain the following The Additional Educational Information must include: An institutional nomination letter confirming that the applicant is at the dissertation phase and in the PhD program in a neuroscience relevant field and desires a career as an independent investigator in neuroscience research.

The name of the primary sponsor and an affirmation of the institution s commitment to the applicant’s training and research career goals should also be included in this letter. The letter should be provided by the head of the graduate program and be signed by this individual and the institution's Authorized Organizational Representative. This letter is limited to 1 page.

A one-page description of the graduate program in which the applicant is enrolled, e.g., the structure of the program, required milestones and their usual timing (number of courses, any teaching commitments, qualifying exams, etc.), and the average time to degree over the past 10 years. Describe the progress/status of the applicant in relation to the program’s time line.

Describe the frequency and method by which the program formally monitors and evaluates a student’s progress. This information is typically provided by the director of the graduate program or the department chair. Include the name of the individual providing this information at the end of the description.

Please name this attachment Educational Applicants are required to attach a letter from the institution certifying eligibility for support under this program. Since certification happens at the Institution and not NIH, the information contained in the certification letter adds a level of transparency and alignment with program goals for the reviewers.

NIH relies on data compiled and analyzed by the National Science Foundation (NSF), using an evidence-based method that reviews the representation of populations across the STEM pipeline. The institutional certification letter must state the basis for the individual s eligibility for this program by reference to NSF national data.

In addition to the NSF data, the certification letter may also address how the individual would further diversity in the neuroscience workforce. Populations that are nationally underrepresented for the purposes of NIH diversity programs are identified in of Interest in Diversity . Since this program addreses individuals beyond the undergraduate level, the disadvantaged category does not apply.

The Certification Letter must be on institutional letterhead and scanned so that an institutional official signature is visible. Name the PDF-formatted letter "Diversity_Eligibility_Ltr. pdf".

SF424(R&R) Senior/Key Person Profile Expanded All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide PHS Fellowship Supplemental Form The PHS Fellowship Supplemental Form is comprised of the Sponsor(s), Collaborator(s), and Consultant(s); Institutional Environment & Commitment to Training Other Research Training Plan Sections All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions: Fellowship Applicant Section Applicant’s Background and Goals for Fellowship Training Summarize the research and scientific experiences in chronological order.

Discuss how the overall training goals will enhance the applicant’s development and how they relate to the applicant’s career goal to become a productive and independent neuroscience researcher. Discuss how the proposed research training plan for each phase (F99 and K00) will enhance his/her conceptual knowledge and technical and professional skills, and facilitate his/her transition to the subsequent career stage.

Include a timeline with milestones for each phase.

Research Training Plan Section Aims: All applicants must use these three Specific Aims: Aim 1: The Dissertation Research Project: progress Aim 2: The Dissertation Research Project: work to be completed during the F99 award period Aim 3: The Postdoctoral Research Direction Strategy: Applicants are expected to articulate a thoughtful description of their F99-phase dissertation research project.

The Research Strategy should offer a clearly stated rationale and hypothesis, go beyond just experimental details, and provide perspective about the work’s expected outcomes and significance.

Applicants are also expected to articulate, in broad strokes, the future research direction for the K00 phase, and describe what is needed to develop the career through to the next career stage and specific features of the postdoctoral scientific environment that would benefit Approach: Address the science and the career development activities for both phases of the F99/K00.

Describe the specific skills and techniques that the applicant intends to learn as well as any planned, non-research activities (e.g. those relating to professional development) during the award period.

The applicant must provide a timeline for the proposed dissertation research training and related activities for the F00 phase, and the research direction to be pursued for postdoctoral studies and how it relates to or expands the applicant's PhD research and a neuroscience research career Aim 1: Describe the overall goal, rationale, hypotheses, and approaches of the dissertation research project; describe progress made thus far; highlight skills and techniques already obtained that contribute to the Aim 2: Provide a detailed description of the research to be completed in the F99 phase, including experimental design, anticipated results, and potential follow-up studies.

Highlight new skills to be learned. Applicants should outline research milestones for the transition from the fellowship phase of the award to the career development phase.