Over the past two years, NRMN has launched four different national coaching group models to assist junior faculty and advanced postdoctoral fellows who are seeking research funding, particularly NIH funding. Each of the models was based on previous demonstration of their effectiveness at the universities where they were developed. To date, nearly 300 individuals have participated in these groups, with the great majority finding them extremely helpful. During this time we have also identified a particular need that has not been sufficiently met – individuals who have submitted R01 proposals, received encouraging reviews, and are in the processing of rewriting for resubmission. This new NRMN offering is designed for these individuals whether or not they have previously participated in NRMN coaching groups. This new model is built on an individualized consultation and coaching approach, rather than the group-focus of the other models, to better address the unique needs of each faculty member and proposal.
Program Director
Rick McGee, PhD, Northwestern University
Contact r-mcgee@northwestern.edu with questions about the program.
Program Overview
The overall approach of the R01 resubmissions effort is adapted from the Northwestern University Grant Writing Coaching Model. However, rather than applying this model in a group setting, it is being applied on an individualized basis to address the unique needs of each investigator and the proposal s/he is revising. The primary focus is on individuals who have submitted R01 or equivalent proposals who are planning for resubmission within four to six months of the time of application.
All applications will be reviewed by two or more of the NRMN grant coaching leadership to determine eligibility and the ability to benefit from the program. Ability to benefit is based on the degree to which it appears reasonable that the reviewers concerns can be addressed in a resubmission rather than a different grant submission mechanism.
For those accepted into the program, the process will begin with a phone conversation between NRMN leadership and the applicant to get additional information on planned steps for revision that are not easily conveyed in the application. From this conversation, a strategy will be developed by which NRMN can be most helpful to the applicant. In all cases, a grant writing coach will be identified and assigned from the highly skilled NRMN Grant Writing Coaches. Additionally, if needed, one or more Content/Disciplinary Coach or Consultant may be identified to assist in addressing the scientific concerns of reviewers. NRMN could assist in identifying such an additional expert if not readily available in the applicant’s institution. An individualized strategy and timeline will then be developed leading up to submission of the revised proposal. Typically, the feedback and assistance will occur over a six to eight week period of time.
An optional “Pre-Submission Peer Review” may also be requested. For this, applicants will commit to having a full draft of the resubmission at least six weeks before the deadline data. They will then identify potential experts in the field as potentially reviewers. These can be from their own institution or elsewhere. NRMN will then contact and identify a reviewer who will provide feedback on the proposal within two weeks to allow for ample time to address the reviewer’s concerns. NRMN will provide a consultation fee to the reviewer.
Number of participants: up to 25 individuals will be selected for Coaching and Consultation from each Call of Applications.
Total Program Duration: six to eight weeks depending on the needs of the individuals
Competencies and Product Outcomes Gained
Participants will develop their skills across the following areas:
- Detailed analysis of the Summary Statement for the proposal being reviewed, along with the Specific Aims page and Biosketch. This will be used to both determine those individuals who can be best served by this process as well provide initial feedback on the concerns to be addressed. Materials submitted to NRMN for this purpose will be treated as confidential.
- Other aspects of professional development and mentoring needs for the selected participant will also be provided by NRMN leaders or other coaches.
- Writing approaches from the perspective of rhetorical patterns, and a deconstructed view of how to approach writing for multiple levels and types of reviewers at the same time.
Eligibility Requirements
Note: Participants may not be enrolled in more than one concurrent NRMN Grant Writing Coaching Group.
Priority will be given to those working on R01 proposals as the principal investigator that were scored, not ‘triaged’, but others will be considered if a case can be made (and the reviews support) that the major concerns can be realistically addressed.
U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency
*Due to NIH restrictions on providing funding and resources to employees or contractors of the NIH Intramural Program through extramural funds, postdoctoral fellows or investigators currently working at NIH are not eligible to participate in NRMN Grant Writing Coaching Groups.
Application deadline – Priority Deadline – February 15, 2017, Final Deadline – March 1, 2017.
Selected applicants will be notified by March 13, 2017.
Application Process
Up to $500 will be available for travel expenses to support each participant’s airfare and hotel expenses for in-person meetings. Support beyond this amount will be considered with adequate justification of extenuating circumstances.
When applications are open, candidates should follow the steps below.
Applications are currently open for Cohort 1.
- Create an online profile at NRMNet.net by clicking here.
- You will be prompted to create a password and answer a set of basic questions to create your profile.
- When asked, “from which organization did you hear about NRMN?” please select “NRMN PDC – Professional Development Core” from the dropdown menu.
- Once you’ve completed your registration, you will see a notification that your NRMN Profile has been updated. You may then move on to Step 2.
- Complete the program application by clicking here.
- The application includes the following materials for upload:
- The Summary Statement of the proposal you will be revising
- The Specific Aims page of either the original proposal or your current working revision
- Your up-to-date NIH Biosketch
- The application includes the following materials for upload:
- Contact Kristin Eide (pdc@nrmnet.net) with questions about the application.
- Contact Rick McGee, PhD (r-mcgee@northwestern.edu) or Kola Okuyemi, MD, MPH (kokuyemi@umn.edu) with questions about the program and eligibility.
How do I get additional information?
For additional information about this grant writing group process, or to determine if it is a good fit for you needs, feel free to contact Dr. Rick McGee, r-mcgee@northwestern.edu.
