These are general guidelines for all grants. Please note the focus differs slightly for each grant (See side bar; Grants Table; and GRANT PROGRAMS AND GUIDELINES for specifics ).

1. Curriculum Vitae or Biographical Sketch - Include the CV or biographical sketch of the applicant, lead mentor, and as appropriate: co-mentor(s) and co-investigator(s).
2. Abstract (200 words) – A description of the proposed project. 

For applicants applying for Benson award: the required abstract can be a description of the proposed research project or neuromodulation course.

3. Candidate (500 words) – A description of the candidate's commitment to an academic career in research. Evidence of the candidate's potential to develop into an independent investigator. A description of immediate and long-term career objectives.  

For applicants applying for Benson award: Not applicable.

4. Career Development Plan (500 words) - A description of the career development plan, incorporating consideration of the candidate's goals and prior experience. It must describe a systematic plan to obtain the necessary theoretical and conceptual background (or the completion of such training), in addition to the research experience and skills, necessary to launch an independent career in research. Candidates must demonstrate that they have academic research career goals and show promise of such a career. A description of circumstances in relationship to funding, space, mentorship, and plans for extramural support.  

 

For applicants applying for Benson award: (up to 500 words) - A description of the career development plan, incorporating consideration of the candidate's goals and prior experience. This should include a description of the institutional support, mentorship, commitment to provide research time, and plans for extramural support. 

 

4. Facilities Available - Include a description of departmental/institutional resources appropriate to the research; an account of available space and equipment; and a list of key personnel (e.g. Applicant, co-investigators, research assistants, research coordinators, consultants).  
5. Budget – This award may be used for purchases of equipment and supplies, laboratory tests, technician/research assistant salaries, Institutional Review Board (IRB) costs, and/or statistical support. 
   

   Budget items NOT allowed:
   • Indirect costs to the institution.
   • Salary support of the fellow, co-investigator(s) or mentor(s).
   
   Salary support of Applicant:
   o Fellow level applicant is not allowed.
   o Junior faculty may include salary support that may not exceed 50% of the award.
   o Funds CANNOT be used for:
   • Applicant travel related to research
   • Indirect costs
   • Fellow, co-investigator or mentor salary support 

6. IRB approval is only requested from grant awardees "just in time". Candidates can submit without IRB approval. If a candidate is awarded a grant, prior to receipt of funding, an IRB approval number must be forwarded.   Getting IRB Approval
7. Research Plan - This must not exceed six pages excluding the references. It should contain the specific aims, primary and secondary hypotheses, a short section (less than one page) on Background and Significance and the Research Design and Methods including a time table. Arial 11 font and ½ inch margins. Attention should be focused on the feasibility of completing the project within the time frame. 

For applicants applying for the Benson award: Prepare a Research Plan or Advanced Training Plan. The Research/Advanced Training Plan should not exceed six pages excluding the
references. If there is a Research Plan, it should contain the specific aims, primary and secondary hypotheses, a short section (less than one page) on Background and Significance and the Research Design and Methods including a time table. Arial 11 font and ½ inch margins. Attention
should be focused on the feasibility of completing the project within the time frame. If Advanced Training include a detailed discussion of the training and benefits. 

9. Other Research Support - Include current and pending research support (extramural and intramural) for the applicant, mentors, and co-investigators.  
10. Letters of Support (LOS)(1 -3 letters, no more than 3 letters are allowed): LOS from individuals familiar with the applicants’ research activities, including their research mentor, co-mentors, and/or Fellowship Director or Chairperson addressing issues of space commitment, future career plans, and a rationale as to why the individual is worthy of the award. 
    

    o Mentor’s LOS: A statement from the mentor including information on his or her qualifications in the research area proposed by the candidate and previous experience as a research supervisor. The application must also include information to describe the nature and extent of supervision that will occur during the proposed award period.

    For applicants applying for the Benson award: If preparing a Research Project include a statement from the mentor including information on his or her qualifications in the research area proposed by the candidate and previous experience as a research supervisor. The application must also include information to describe the nature and extent of supervision that will occur during the proposed award period. If Advanced Training, a LOS from the Fellowship Director should be included.