How do I determine if I am eligible to submit an application; what is the first step?
The eligibility guidelines and an eligibility quiz will assist you in determining whether or not you are eligible to apply for this award. If you meet the eligibility requirements set out in the quiz, the system will immediately notify you and allow you to begin the application process.
If I have a question about my eligibility for this program, whom can I contact for help?
BWF staff will hold three conference calls between August and October, 2013 for applicants who have questions about the program:
Dates of calls: August 22, September 18, October 15
Time: 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Dial in number: 1-800-311-9406 or 1-334-323-7224
Passcode: 81114
For answers to eligibility issues not covered under eligibility or the FAQs, please contact Jean Kramarik, senior program associate, by email or by phone 919/991-5122. Questions regarding whether your work falls within the scope of the program may be directed to the senior program officer, Victoria McGovern, Ph.D., by email or by phone 919/991-5112.
I currently hold a BWF award. Am I eligible for this award?
Possibly. Contact senior program associate Jean Kramarik, via email or by phone, 919/991-5122, to discuss eligibility.
I am a past BWF grantee. Am I eligible for this award?
Possibly. Contact senior program associate Jean Kramarik, via email or by phone, 919/991-5122, to discuss eligibility.
What is meant by "An established record of independent research"?
An established record of independent research means that you have published a significant body of work beyond that related to your postdoctoral advisors. Researchers who have not demonstrated this level of independence should not apply. It is not necessary to have an R01 before applying for a Pathogenesis award, but successful applicants to this program frequently have had some success in obtaining independent K- or R-series NIH grants or early career grants from other funders. If you have questions, please contact senior program officer Victoria McGovern, Ph.D., via email or by phone, 919/991-5112.
I am in the process of applying for permanent residency in the United States. Am I eligible for this award?
No. Application candidates must have their “green card” in hand or their current passport stamped with a red I-551 stamp.
I have applied for permanent residency in the United States but have not received my “Green Card”. Am I eligible for this award?
Only if your current passport is stamped with a red I-551 stamp are you eligible for this award.
My institution does not have tenure. Am I eligible for this award?
Possibly. Applications from institutions that do not offer tenure must demonstrate an extremely strong institutional commitment, congruent to the level of commitment that is traditionally dedicated to tenure-track hires. This institutional commitment should be stated in the Letter of Nomination. If you are unsure about whether your institution’s statement is strong enough, please call the senior program officer, Victoria McGovern, Ph.D., 919/991-5112.
My title is research scientist, instructor, or research associate. Am I eligible for this award?
Possibly. If your position is truly equivalent to an assistant professorship you are eligible for this award. Please see questions and answers, above, regarding non-tenure track applications.
What level of assistant professor is eligible?
Any level of assistant professor is eligible. Be aware that researchers recently appointed to a faculty position may not have a demonstrated track record sufficient to be competitive for this award.
I do not have a tenure-track position. Am I eligible for this award?
Possibly. Exceptions are made for departments/institutions that do not offer tenure to anyone at any level, a common situation in clinical departments at many universities. Applications from institutions that do not offer tenure must demonstrate an extremely strong institutional commitment, congruent to the level of commitment that is traditionally dedicated to tenure-track hires. This institutional commitment should be stated in the Letter of Nomination. If you have doubts about whether your relationship with your institution is appropriate for this award, please call the senior program officer, Victoria McGovern, Ph.D., 919/991-5112.
I am at an independent research institute. Am I eligible for this award?
Possibly. You must be nominated by a degree-granting institution, so you must apply through a university affiliated with your research institute. Also, if you receive an award, the university affiliated with the research institute must agree to administer the award. Nominations will not be accepted from federal facilities or research institutes that are not affiliated with a degree-granting institution. This policy is non-negotiable.