CTSI K Scholar Program

The CTSI K Scholar Program offers funding to outstanding junior faculty and senior fellows transitioning to junior faculty. The overall goal of the CTSI K Scholar Program is training, mentoring and development of an interprofessional, interdisciplinary, and ethnically/racially/culturally diverse clinical and translational workforce with skills to meet the healthcare and research needs of our communities, the region and the nation. The program engages talented, motivated scholars from different health science and clinical disciplines (e.g., medicine, pharmacy, nursing, public health, dental, bioengineering, and others), to join the clinical and translational science workforce to develop new treatments for diseases and innovative methods to mitigate or eliminate health disparities.

The CTSI K Scholar Program will provide research training and mentoring in clinical and translational science to outstanding junior faculty in health science disciplines. Specifically, the CTSI K Scholar Program will facilitate the development of Scholars’ professional skills and the transition to their next career level within the clinical and translational workforce pipeline.

Each CTSI K Scholar will receive support to cover partial salary (up to $75,000 plus fringe benefits per year towards 75% protected time), and research, tuition and travel costs ($35,000/year) for up to two years. Scholars may receive federal/non-federal funds to cover the additional 25% salary support. Please note that if the funds being used for the remaining 25% are from other supporting grant(s) (federal and/or non-federal), it is required that the Specific Aims of these grants differ from the aims proposed in the CTSI K Scholar award. 

Scholars are encouraged to apply for individual K awards or equivalent mentored awards, or appropriate R type awards during the two-year program. Scholars will have the opportunity to apply for an additional third year of funding, which may be granted upon objective review based on productivity, future plans and availability of funding.

Note:  These guidelines follow the NIH instructions for K-awards applications to facilitate transition from the CTSI K Scholar award to other individual NIH K-awards. Please refer to the (Funding Opportunity Announcement) FOA for K01, K08, K23 or others as apply to your research and career goals, for recommended content on career development plans, letters of support, research plans and other parts of the application. (See NIH Research Career Development Awards.)

The CTSI K Scholar Mentored Career Development Award Program is supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award numbers UL1TR001412 and KL2TR001413 to the University at Buffalo. 

DOWNLOAD: PDF of PowerPoint from CTSI K Scholar Program Informational & Letter of Intent (LOI) Coaching Session — December 10, 2021

1. Applicants must define and conduct a clinical or translational research project.

2. Applicants must identify a multidisciplinary mentoring team with extensive clinical and/or translational research experience where one of the members is willing to serve as the primary research mentor

• The primary research mentor should have sufficient independent research support in an area related to the CTSI K Scholar’s research proposal to cover the costs of the proposed research project that exceed the Scholar’s research funds provided by the award. If the mentor does not have sufficient funding and/or is awaiting award of a competitive renewal, a letter from the Department Chair or School Dean that commits to covering excess costs will be acceptable

3. Applicants must commit 75% (nine calendar months) of full-time effort on research and career development activities associated with the CTSI K Scholar Program. The remaining three months’ effort can be devoted to clinical, teaching and/or research activities consistent with the Scholar’s departmental responsibilities.

• Note: Scholars in specific clinical specialties (e.g., surgery) may commit less than 75% effort — but no less than 50% effort — if sufficiently justified by the need to maintain critical clinical skills. Salary support will be pro-rated as appropriate.

4. Preference for funding will be given to outstanding applicants who bring novel approaches towards reducing health disparities in clinical populations and/or applicants with experiences and/or attributes aimed at increasing diversity in the clinical and translational workforce. This includes, but is not limited to conducting research on health conditions predominantly affecting minorities or underserved communities, having lived or worked in diverse and/or socioeconomic disadvantaged environments, overcoming physical impairments, bringing new and alternative perspectives and approaches to increase educational outcomes and excellence in clinical and translational science, and/or being a member of group(s) traditionally underrepresented in this discipline.

1.       Applicant must have a research or health professional doctoral degree or its equivalent, i.e.: MD, MD/PhD, DO, DDS, DMD, PharmD, DNP or PhD. 

2.       All candidates must be US citizens, naturalized citizens or permanent residents. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.

3.       Postdoctoral, or senior research fellows, must include a letter from the division chief/department chair/dean agreeing to appoint the Scholar as faculty member on or before the award start date.

4.       Applicants are not eligible for the Scholar award if they:

a.)      Have simultaneously submitted or have a pending application for any other PHS mentored career development award (e.g.: K07, K08, K12, K22, K23, other) that duplicates any of the provisions of the CTSI K Scholar Program.

b.)      Have been or are a current principal investigator (PI) on any NIH research project grant (this does not include NIH Small Grants (R03) or Exploratory/ Developmental (R21) grants or their equivalents), or equivalent non-PHS peer reviewed research grants that are over $100,000 direct costs per year. Current/former PIs on any NIH research project grants or non-PHS peer reviewed research grants that are $100,000 or less direct costs per year (one time) are still eligible to apply. Please note that startup funds do not count towards the $100,000 threshold.

c.)      Have been or are project leaders on sub-projects of program project (P01) or center grants (P50, P60, US54).

d.)      Have been or are currently PI on an NIH individual mentored career development award (e.g.: K01, K07, K08, K23, K99 award or equivalent).

5.       Applicants are still eligible for the Scholar award if they had support on an NRSA grant (F or T) or have been PI of an NIH small grant (R03 or R21).

6.       Funding from the Scholar award will be for a maximum of two years. After the two-year period Scholars must have salary support from an individual K award, R01, R21 or equivalent, from the department, school, mentor or a combination. The letter from the Department Chair and/or the Dean must indicate the plans to support the scholar after completion of the two years of CTSI K Scholar funding.

7.       A third year of support by institutional funds could be granted upon objective review of progress/future plans with priority given to Scholars with a K or R grant under submission, and in the process of completing an Advanced CTSI Certification or master’s degree.

8.       Appointed Scholars are strongly encouraged to apply for individual mentored K awards (e.g.: K07, K08, K22 and K23) or R awards (R01, R21, R03) during the first year. Any plans to submit such an application between the time of the CTSI K Scholar award application date and potential start date must be disclosed. If successful in obtaining a K or R award, the Scholar appointment and funding will be terminated once individual funding is initiated.  (e.g.: K07, K08, K22 and K23) or R awards (R01, R21, R03) during the first year. Any plans to submit such an application between the CTSI K Scholar award application date and potential start date must be disclosed. If successful in obtaining a K or R award, the Scholar appointment and funding will be terminated once individual funding is initiated. 

D1. Letter of Intent

The Letter of Intent (LOI) must include the following items (one page):

1.    Name of Applicant, affiliation and contact information (address, phone number, email address) [attach new NIH-style Biosketch].

2.    Name of Primary Research Mentor and affiliation [attach new NIH-style Biosketch].    

3.    Title of research project for Mentored Career Development Award.

4.    Brief description of expected career and professional development goals.

5.    Research project: overall hypothesis, specific aims and relevance to health disparities if applicable.

6.    Complete reference list of all peer reviewed publications and chapters directly related to the research to be proposed in the KL2 application (not included in page limit).

7.    Signed Eligibility Statement: “I attest that I comply with the grant award eligibility conditions described under C4a-d” (not included in page limit).

·         Submit the LOI as a single PDF via email to scholar1@buffalo.edu by 2:00 pm on January 3, 2022.

·         LOIs will be reviewed and select candidates will be notified by January 17, 2022, as to their selection to submit a full application. (An Application Coaching Session will be held on January 25, 2022.)

D2. Complete Full Application Components

Applications must be assembled in the order described below, compliant with stated page limits, and submitted in a single PDF via email to:

scholar1@buffalo.edu by 5:00 pm on March 18, 2022.

1.    Cover Page: Include the name of the applicant, title of proposal, names of primary research mentors, and a list of all individuals providing letters of support (e.g., research mentor, quantitative mentor, other mentors, department chairs, institute directors, etc.). Cover letter must be endorsed by the applicant’s Department Chair/School Dean.

2.    NIH Biosketch: An NIH-style Biosketch in the new format and the “Other Support” (new format), outlining both past and present other support (use current NIH format; https://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch.htm).

3.    Proof of US citizenship or permanent residency.

4.    Photocopy of doctoral degree.

5.    Candidate Information and Goals for Career Development: This section should be maximum six pages, in Arial 11-point font with 0.5-inch margins (left, right, top and bottom). State reasons for pursuing a career in clinical and translational research. Describe background, interests and experiences that prepare the candidate for the award; specific plans and timeline for meeting educational and career development goals during the award; plans to interact with mentors; how the research project and career/educational plan will facilitate overall long-term career development goals. Additionally, please complete the Individual Development Plan (IDP), a tool to stay on course towards achieving your career development goals and to focus discussions with your mentors (IDP template linked under "Post Award").

6.    Research Plan: Arial 11-point font with 0.5-inch margins (left, right, top and bottom). The research approach to be completed within the two-years of the award. The work is expected to generate sufficient data to allow the CTSI K Scholar award recipient to submit an externally funded career development or independent research project award application.

a.    Research Abstract (1 page): Summarize the research project and career goals.

b.    Research Strategy

·         Specific Aims, including hypotheses and significance (1 page)

·         Research Plan (6 pages)

                    -Background, significance and innovation

                    -Preliminary Studies (if available):  

                    -Research Design and Methods (including strengths and limitations)

·         Training in Responsible Conduct of Research (1 page)

·         Human Subjects (not included in page limit)

-Note: Although the IRB protocol can be listed as pending, no research funds will be released until the full IRB for your study is approved by NCATS.

·         Vertebrate Animals (not included in page limit)

-Note: Although the IACUC protocol can be listed as pending, no research funds will be released until the full IACUC for your study is approved by NCATS.

·         Literature Cited (not included in page limit).

7.    Diversity Statement (1 page): Include statement(s) indicating planned efforts to increase workforce diversity and inclusion, importance of proposed research in addressing health disparities, and/or educational and training efforts in translational and clinical research directed to underrepresented populations (Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander).

8.    Budget (not included in page limit): A separate budget for each of the two years detailing your research expenses using the budget form provided. The budget form and instructions will be made available to those applicants selected to submit a full application.

9.    Budget Justification (not included in page limit): Provide a budget justification explaining in detail each item included in the budget.

10. Grant Support (not included in page limit): List all current sources of grant support past, present and pending. Use the new NIH-type “Other Support Form” and include total direct costs for each year, total period of support, effort, description of scope of the grant, your role in the project.

11. Timeline (maximum 1 page): Timeline for research and career development activity during the two years award period.

12. Letters: The following letters are required:

a.    Letters of Commitment from: (Please attach to the application)

       i.    Current Research Mentor and Co-Mentors (if identified) and their commitment to mentoring and research support to the candidate. Please include NIH style Bio-sketches.

       ii.   Collaborators if any.

       iii.   Department Chair stating commitment to faculty appointment at the time of award.

b.    Letters of recommendation from two previous mentors. Please have letters sent directly to scholar1@buffalo.edu by March 18, 2022 (no exceptions will be made). 

1.    Candidate Review: Applications are reviewed and ranked by members of the CTSI K Scholar Steering Committee and specially appointed consultants with expertise in the area of research proposed by the candidate. All applications are reviewed using strict NIH guidelines, with attention to confidentially practices.

• Clinical and translational research focus, and potential to promote diversity, inclusion and research in health disparities within the CTSA workforce (see above).
• Research potential, previous and current commitment to research as evidenced in publications, presentations and letters of support.
• Likelihood of developing into an independent, extramurally funded investigator.
• Scientific quality, innovation and significance of the research plan and career goals.
• Excellence of academic, training and research records of the candidate.
• Qualifications of the mentors, commitment and financial support to the candidate by the primary research mentor and/or department chair/school dean.

2.    Candidate Selection: The Program Lead in conjunction with the CTSI K Scholar Steering Committee recommendations will make the final selection. Members of the CTSI K Scholar Steering Committee, including the Program Lead and Associate Program Lead, will interview selected eligible candidates in person. The selected pool of finalists will present their research and career plans, discuss career goals, and answer questions from the committee. The CTSI K Scholar Steering Committee will rank the top candidates based on qualifications and interview feedback.

3.    Candidate Appointment: The Program Lead will make offers. Upon acceptance into the program, additional letters will be required from the School Dean and the Chair of the home department confirming that a minimum of 75% of the Scholar’s time will be devoted to mentored research and professional development activities.

Individual Scholar’s funding for the second year is contingent on demonstration of satisfactory progress towards Scholars’ research career goals. A third year of funding may be granted upon objective review, demonstration of significant productivity and availability of funding.

1. Structure and Components of the Program: The CTSI K Scholar Program comprises research, educational, mentoring, teaching and professional development components. Completion of certificates and/or degrees is optional and will be incorporated in the Scholar’s training program in consultation with and approval by the Scholar's Mentoring Committee and CTSI K Scholar Steering Committee. The Scholar will be required to attend bi-monthly meetings on Tuesday afternoons from 1:00–4:00 pm (or other days TBD) during the Fall and Spring semesters to complete the program requirements.  

2.    Scholar Mentoring and Professional Development Plan

a.    Mentoring Team. Each Scholar will identify a Primary Scientific Mentor ideally from the CTSI K Scholar mentor pool, with expertise in the area of research described in the application. The Mentoring Team will include the Primary Scientific Mentor, a CTSI K Scholar Mentor from the pool, a Quantitative Mentor, and the Scholar acting as a Self-Mentor. Distant or local mentors can be included based on needs. The Program Lead could assist in identifying a CTSI K Scholar Mentor and/or a Quantitative Mentor upon request.

b. Mentor’s Responsibilities to the Scholars and Commitment to the CTSI K Scholar Program: Mentor must attend their Scholar’s scientific presentations, mentor-mentee workshop, Scholar Symposiums, Scholar steering committee presentations and other events requested by the CTSI K Scholar leadership team.            

c.    Mentoring Plan. The mentoring and professional development plan will be developed at the beginning of the two-year program by the Scholar, mentoring team, the Program Lead, and the Associate Program Lead. The plan will be also reviewed and approved by the CTSI K Scholar Steering Committee. The Scholar will complete a report of activities two times per year and present research progress and career developmental plans to the CTSI K Scholar Steering Committee once a year. The Program Lead will communicate feedback from the committee to the Scholar and mentors. When necessary, the Scholar will provide a revised research plan to the Program Lead and CTSI K Scholar Steering Committee for a second review. The final research and mentoring plan will be shared with the Scholar’s Department Chair as appropriate.

Scholars are required to submit the following every six months to CTSI Scientific Workforce Specialist:

• Updated CV
• Progress Report (template provided, signed by Scholar and mentors)
• Scholar’s Individual Developmental Plan (IDP), the IDP certification of completion, as well accomplishments and changes implemented to the original IDP.
• Completed required surveys

d.    Mentor Training Workshop Series. The Scholar and primary mentor are required to complete the Mentor Training Workshop Series offered annually using interactive modules.

e.    Community Advisors: Each Scholar will be matched with a community advisor specializing in the Scholar’s area of research. The goal is for the Scholar and community advisor to develop a lasting partnership. The community advisor will participate in Scholar’s annual CTSI K Scholar Steering Committee meeting evaluations and attend other events throughout the year.

3.    Core Curriculum (all required)

·         Scholars completing the basic curriculum will be awarded a CTSI Basic Micro-Credential in Clinical and Translational Science.  Scholars are also eligible to complete the Advanced Micro-Credentials Program in four distinct topics (i.e., Biomedical Informatics; Community Engagement; Translational Science; Statistical Analysis for Researchers) following completion of discipline-specific Core Competency Workshop Series,  credit-bearing courses up to 11 credits, and a short internship.

a.    Ethics. To meet the NIH ethics training requirement Scholars are required to complete the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) online training every three years, and the Core Competency Workshop Series on Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR). Scholars conducting research involving human subjects will be also required  to complete the Core Competency Workshop Series Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Best Practices in Social and Behavioral Research (SBR) e-Learning Course when appropriate.

b.    Work-In-Progress Sessions. The Scholars are required to give an oral presentation annually on the current state of their research. Scholars receive feedback from their peers, the CTSI K Scholar Leadership Team and Community of Scholars.

c.    Advanced K to R Grant Writing Workshop Series. Scholars are required to participate and complete the Advanced K to R Grant Writing Workshop Series prior to submission of an individual K or R grant award. Scholars will also be required to participate in the Grant Roundtable.

d.    Professional Development Workshop Series. Scholars will attend Professional Development workshops aimed at enhancing professional development, career success and job satisfaction.

e.    CTSI Cores Presentations. During the first year of the program, the Scholars are required to attend presentations by the CTSI core leaders focused on how the Scholar may utilize the cores to enhance research.

f.     CTSI Core Competency Workshop Series. The Scholars are required to complete the following four CTSI Core Competency Workshop Series.

• BERD Research Bootcamp (part of the Statistics workshop series)
• Effective Teaching for the Culturally Responsible Educator
• Scientific Communication
• Translational Teamwork

In addition, they will also complete at least one optional CTSI Core Competency Workshop Series selected based on the mentoring plan discussed with mentors at the beginning of the program (see more information in section 4a).  

g.    Courses. The Scholars will be required to complete one of the following online courses:

• Introduction to Translational Science offered by the University of Rochester CTSA hub
• Fundamentals of Clinical and Translational Research (FaCToR) offered by the Harvard University CTSA hub.

h.    CTSI Annual Forum: The Scholars will be required to attend the CTSI Annual Forum.

i.     CTSI Distinguished Seminar Series. The Scholars will be required to attend seminars hosted by the CTSI in conjunction with the University at Buffalo health science schools and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Scholars will also be expected to engage with the speaker through questions or individual meetings.

j.     Community of Scholars (COS): All Scholars will become members of the Community of Scholars (COS) and will assist in the leadership and organization of events, including:

• COS Seminar Series: These seminars feature speakers who are experts in their field — nominated and hosted by the Scholars — who focus on a research seminar and provide career and professional development advice.
• Dialogues in the Discipline: Focused on community outreach within the Buffalo community to reduce the impact of health disparities and increase access to healthcare.

4.    Optional Curriculum

Scholars will have the option to complete course work and short internships towards the award of CTSI Advanced Micro-Credentials in various disciplines which could result in a master’s degree upon completion of additional course work. Specific tracks are:

• Statistical Analysis for Researchers
• Biomedical Informatics
• Community Engagement
• Translational Science

a.    Additional CTSI Core Competency Workshop Series: Scholars will complete optional Core Competency Workshop Series aimed to enhance appropriate professional development skills based on the mentoring plans discussed with mentors at the beginning of the program. These optional CTSI Core Competency Workshop Series are:

• Biomedical Informatics
• Community-University Collaborations in Research
• Good Clinical Practice
• Health Inequities
• Implementation Science
• Leadership
• Responsible Conduct of Research
• Statistics
• Teaching Effectiveness

b.    Teaching and Mentoring: The Scholar will be encouraged to participate in research teaching and mentoring of high school, undergraduate, undergraduate summer students and/or MD and PhD students.

c.    Outreach: The Scholar will participate in outreach activities to enhance and promote careers in science among K-12 students.

d.    Scholar Exchange Program. The Scholar will have the opportunity to visit partner CTSA hubs (i.e., the University of Rochester, Indiana University, University of Kentucky) to participate in a mock job interview, including presentation of a research seminar and meeting with students and faculty, including KL2 Scholars.

e.    Team Science Video Game. The Scholar will be invited to participate in an interactive team science video game developed by the University of California San Diego CTSA hub designed to enhance team science skills.

5.    Contacts

Principal Investigator and Program Lead:           

Margarita L. Dubocovich, PhD    (mdubo@buffalo.edu)

Co-Investigator and Associate Program Lead

Oscar G. Gomez, MD, PhD        (oscargom@buffalo.edu)

Co-Investigator and Professional Development Associate

Jessica L. Reynolds, PhD        (jlr8@buffalo.edu)

6.    Website

CTSI K Scholar Program  

(http://www.buffalo.edu/ctsi/cores/workforce-development/mentored-career-development/kl2-mcda.html)

7.    Attachments

• Individual Development Plan (IDP) TemplateDownload pdf(76 KB)
• CTSI Core Competency Workshop SeriesDownload pdf(1.8 MB)
• Mentor-Protege Workshop Series

8.    Submission Instructions

• Letter of Intent (LOI) due:           January 3, 2022 
• Full Application due:                    March 18, 2022 

Submit the Letter of Intent (LOI) and the Full Application each as a single PDF by email to scholar1@buffalo.edu

           Email Subject Line: CTSI K Scholar Award — 2022

9.    Funding

This program is supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award numbers UL1TR001412 and KL2TR001413 to the University at Buffalo, and the Buffalo Translational Consortium Funds. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.

General Information

Q: Is this a two-year award?
A: This program is a two-year award. The possibility of third-year of institutional funding is offered (on a case-by-case basis) based on objective review of your progress and future plans. Renewal of funding every year is conditional upon satisfactory progress and completion of your reporting requirements.

Q: Will my mentors have access to funding through this award?
A: No.

Q: Is my salary from this award taxable?
A: Yes. Your salary is subject to state and federal income taxes. We recommend you consult a tax expert for specific advice.

Q: Can I have my educational loans deferred while I participate in this program?
A: No. This is not a degree-granting program.

Q: My full proposal was not selected. Can I re-apply next funding cycle?
A: Yes, but you must still meet the eligibility requirements when you apply again. Eligibility is limited to senior fellows and assistant faculty within the first three years of their appointment.

Applicant Eligibility

Q: I want to apply for the CTSI K Scholar award but I am also applying for another K award which is currently in review. Can I apply for both?
A: NIH policy disallows having two career development award applications (K awards) under review at the same time. If you wish to apply for this KL2 award but have already applied elsewhere, the other application must be withdrawn formally before submitting an application for this program.

Q: What career stage is this award targeting?
A: This is an award for researchers who are still early in their professional careers. For this reason, we limit eligibility to senior fellows transitioning to junior faculty, and junior assistant professors in the first three years of their appointment.

Q: I am currently in a postdoctoral position. Am I eligible to apply for this award? Will I be a competitive applicant?
A: It is absolutely possible to apply if you are a post-doc, however we require that awarded scholars are appointed to a faculty position. This means that individuals who are not currently in a faculty position must submit a letter from their division chief, department chair, or dean agreeing to appoint them to a faculty position on or before the effective date of funding.

Q: I am currently in a non-tenure track position. Am I still eligible?
A: Yes. Make sure that you have proof of institutional commitment and support, such as a letter of support from your department head.

Q: I am an associate professor and I want to transition into a different research area. Am I still eligible?
A: No. Only senior fellows and junior faculty in the first three years of their appointment are eligible. The NIH offers a number of training awards that are tailored to early- and mid-career investigators, which may be better suited to your needs.

Q: Am I still eligible for the KL2 award if I am principal investigator on an industry grant?
A: Potentially yes, but this is subject to specific eligibility guidelines. Your funding for an industry award must be less than or equal to $100,000. Additionally, the subject of your grant must be different from your KL2 award proposal, and along with this your paid effort relating to an industry grant must be outside of the 75% protected time offered by the KL2 award.

Q: Is it allowable for my mentor to also be the head of my department?
A: Yes. We require that your chosen mentors have a record of funded research, as well as successful mentoring experience.

Q: What if I am not able to devote 75% effort to this award?
A: Scholars in specific clinical specialties (e.g., surgery) may commit less than 75% effort — but no less than 50% effort — if sufficiently justified by the need to maintain critical clinical skills. If this applies to you, you should contact CTSI K Scholar program leadership before you apply to ensure this award will work with your specific career needs.

Q: I have a specific clinical specialty (i.e. clinical intensivist) in which I perform life-saving work. Do I have justification to commit less than 75% effort to this award?
A: Exceptions to the 75% effort requirement are dependent upon the need to maintain critical clinical skills, and are decided on a case-by-case basis. When requesting such an exception, keep in mind that the relative importance of your clinical work is not a deciding factor, but rather the risk of losing a trained skillset. We encourage you to contact program leadership for guidance before you apply.

Q: How much research background is needed to be a competitive candidate for this award? Specifically, what about someone who has a clinical background and is on “step 1” for research?
A: Some applicants may have more research background than others, regardless, everyone is encouraged to apply. For this award, you need a preclinical or a clinical research project with a specific set of aims and goals, and you must have the research skills to complete that specific project alone or in collaboration. To this end, you need a mentor in the area (or closely related area) of research. In most cases you also need a publication in a closely related area of research.

Q: I am interested in this program but I do not know if I am eligible because of the status of my research project
A: Contact us! We will most likely be able to let you know immediately if you should apply. In any unclear situation, we can verify your individual eligibility with the funding agency, NIH NCATS, so that you can submit a proposal with confidence.

Planning Your Proposal

Q: Do I need to submit IRB and/or IACUC approval with my application?
A: These approvals can be pending at the time of application, but you *must* have full IRB and/or IACUC approval before award funds will be released to you.

Q: What should my professional development goals be for this award? Should my LOI/proposal reflect on my overall career goals, or specifically what I hope to accomplish with this award?
A: The goal of this program is to develop early stage investigators into independent researchers. We want to see that you are considering the path to independence in your chosen career area. By answering the following questions, you can strengthen your development goals section:

• What tools do you need to achieve independence?
• What resources do you need to accomplish this?
• Is the work planned in your proposal leading to an individual K or R award?

This award allows us to provide some necessary resources, so if there is a need for either funds for supplies or introduction to a collaborator, we may be able to help.

Q: My proposed project deals with health disparities in an underserved population. Where do I find resources to help me carry out this research in a socially responsible manner?
A: We would recommend contacting UB’s Community Health Equity Research Institute here. One of its goals is to facilitate and expand multidisciplinary research focused on health disparities and health equity in the Buffalo area. Work that addresses health disparities in clinical populations is one area in which we give preference to funding.

Q: What is the scope of this KL2 award?
A: NIH defines the scope of a grant as: The aims, objectives, and purposes of a grant; as well as the methodology, approach, analyses or other activities; and the tools, technologies, and timeframes needed to meet the grant's objectives. This includes the research or training plan included with the original grant application, along with any approved modifications.

One main purpose of this KL2 award is to train junior faculty towards independence as clinical and translational researchers, therefore mentoring and institutional support are major factors in assessing applicants. Ensure your proposal includes justification for why you need mentorship and a strong training plan, in addition to your research plan (i.e., specific aims, innovation, significance). 

Post Award

Q: When are the core curriculum courses taken?
A: The core curricula are generally presented as workshop series that run during the academic school year.

Q: What activities make up the 75% protected time for this KL2 award?
A: Your protected time is dedicated to clinical and translational research efforts aligned with the aims of your proposal. This protected time also covers programmatic career development training, and mentoring activities related to your award.

Q: Must all of my 75% protected research time be devoted solely to the work outlined in my proposal?
A: You are welcome to pursue multiple projects, however, any research projects you carry out during protected time should all align with your overall research theme, objectives, and specific aims.

Q: How should I be using my 25% non-protected time?
A: You should use the time that is not supported by this award to pursue activities necessary to develop a successful clinical/translational research career. Awardees typically use this time for the clinic, administrative duties, and/or teaching.

Q: How do I successfully transition out of this program?
A: We prefer KL2 awardees to transition to their own merit-based K or R award by the end of this training program. A third year of funding, depending on an objective review of your progress and future plans may be possible, with priority given to Scholars with a K or R grant under submission. If this is not achieved, support must come from the department, school, mentor, or a combination.

Q: Can I accept other small grant awards while funded by this KL2 award?
A: Yes. Scholars may be named PIs on small NIH grant applications (including R21 awards), as well as equivalent applications from other federal agencies. It is also allowable to be named on applications for multi-component research and center grants. However, the effort requirement of the KL2 award applies, so this work typically should be aligned with your KL2 research theme or occur outside of protected time.