NIH F Award Success Series

While all components of an F Award application are important, the element that receives heightened scrutiny in any NIH application is the Specific Aims and Research Strategy sections. Though only one page, the Specific Aims page conveys to readers what the goals of the proposed research are. But it is not that easy. Before telling a reader the rationale behind the investigation, it must first create a narrative to make these aims relevant—all before justifying the impact of this work in line with NIH's values. Following this document, the Research Strategy must put forward a proposal that not only proposes an investigate but also does so with the expected elements of an NIH application—including hypotheses, redundant approaches, and significance. Should any of these steps not be executed correctly, it is unlikely a proposal will be funded.

This presentation will focus on breaking down the underlying features of winning Specific Aims and Research Strategy through samples. Learn how to present a knowledge gap in your introduction. Explore how to craft strong transition statements that connect your research goals to impacts. Discover the format to writing a research proposal in line with NIH expectations.. While there is no one way to write an NIH F Award application, there is a pattern to how successful applications model themselves to hit all the essential criteria. Come learn how other writers have done this to excel with your own application.

As Specific Aims and Research Strategies pages are included in virtually all NIH applications, attendees are welcome to join whether they plan to apply for F Awards or any other NIH funding.

Evaluators score NIH F Award proposals holistically on five areas over 60 pages. The areas assess the researcher's Specific Aims and Research Strategy—but the proposed research is only one element of a successful proposal. A strong application must execute numerous sections apart of the planned research, including a Biosketch, a goals statement, a research training plan, an institutional selection statement.... With so many pieces to compose, students can feel lost as to how to best present themselves and what information needs to be conveyed in each part.

This presentation will break down the various components of an F Award beyond the research proposal aspect. In doing so, attendees will learn not only what these sections are but also how to write them to earn a good score. This information is essential as the NIH is primed to reward applications in ways unique to its ideology. Let us walk you through this style of writing and prepare you to craft a winning application.

Are you a U.S. citizen or permanent/legal resident pursuing doctoral or postdoctoral work in health-related research? If so, you are likely eligible for the prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) F31 postdoctoral and/or F32 postdoctoral fellowship awards. The F31 provides graduate students with ~$27,000 annually in addition to annually covering 60% of tuition and fees (up to $16,000); F32 amounts vary by postdoctoral experience. Join us to learn more about these awards, how NIH funding schemes work, and how to start building a strong application.