Preproposal Application Deadline:
     September 3, 2013 by 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time

Invited Application Deadline:
     January 9, 2014 by 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time

Accepting electronic applications only.

Preproposal Application Information
Assistance with Applications
Preproposal Checklist
Forms and Resources

Apply for the grant (Links active by June 10, 2013)

Take the Eligibility Quiz and begin a new application
Access a saved application

Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements for this award may self-nominate by submitting an electronic preproposal by September 3, 2013, at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time.  There will be no exceptions to the deadline.

Applicants submitting a preproposal are encouraged to start early and review the program background information, eligibility requirements, and selection process prior to beginning the preproposal application.  The preproposal application must include (1) data entered online, (2) a confidential recommendation letter from your primary postdoctoral mentor, and (3) a completed three-page preproposal form. The confidential recommendation letter and preproposal form must be uploaded and attached to the preproposal application as PDF files.

Access the BWF grant application system through links provided above.  Create a log-in and password.  Successful completion of an eligibility quiz will be required to begin the preproposal application process.  The preproposal application may be accessed and changed multiple times as needed prior to submission of the application.  However, once the preproposal application has been submitted, it cannot be changed.  No exceptions.  

The following sections are required to submit a preproposal application:

1. Online data entry of applicant and general preproposal information

The preproposal application contains online data entry screens requesting such information as applicant contact information, education and training background, the name of the institution where the proposed work will be performed, and information about the applicant’s postdoctoral mentor(s), including his/her appointment at a degree-granting institution.  General information about the proposed work is also requested (such as project title, methods to be used, and area of biology addressed). 

2. Upload of a confidential recommendation letter from your primary postdoctoral mentor

A confidential recommendation letter from your primary postdoctoral mentor is required and must be uploaded to your preproposal application by the letter writer. The letter must be converted to an Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) file prior to being uploaded by the letter writer.

For the letter to be attached to the appropriate application, you must send an email to your primary postdoctoral mentor from within the online application system requesting this letter. The email will contain a link the recommender must use to log in to the system and upload his/her letter to your preproposal application. The link is specific to your application and the designated letter writer. Recommendation letters sent separately will not be accepted. Once the letter has been uploaded by your primary postdoctoral mentor, it will be displayed as an uploaded file on the “Attachments” tab. Since the letter is required to be confidential, you will not be able to view the contents of the document. You will only be able to see whether the letter has been uploaded to your application.

Links to helpful instructions and troubleshooting for these confidential documents are provided below under Assistance with Applications.

3.  Upload of the completed and signed preproposal form

The preproposal application form is the second attachment that must be completed and uploaded to the preproposal application prior to submission.  It requires re-entry of some of the same data that was entered into the online system, as well as entry of additional data pertinent to the preproposal.

Both an MS Word version and a PDF version of the preproposal form are provided.  You can use either version to complete the form.  However, all documents must be converted to Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files prior to being attached to the application and uploaded to BWF.

If you choose to use the MS Word version of the form, you must:

Choose a discipline from the list of Ph.D. Disciplines and enter it into the "Ph.D. Disciplines" field on the preproposal form. If your Ph.D. discipline is not included on the list, type it in.

Choose an area from the list of Biological Areas and enter it into the "Biological Areas" field on the preproposal form.  If your area is not included on the list, type it in.

Correct any changes to the form resulting from input of data prior to converting to PDF format.  Data should be completed in the space provided.  The form must respect the original character limits in the relevant fields and the original margins on all sides of the form.

If you choose to use the PDF version of the form, you must use Adobe Acrobat to complete and save the form to your system prior to uploading it to your application.  (Using Adobe Reader will not work properly, neither will using Preview on a Mac.)

Use the following naming convention for the file:  Last Name, First Name – Preproposal Form (e.g., Smith, Sarah – Preproposal Form).  Be sure to save a copy of the completed form for your records.

Two signatures are required on the preproposal application form – (1) your signature, as the applicant, and (2) your primary postdoctoral mentor’s signature.  E-signatures are accepted on the form; typed names are not accepted.  

The completed, signed preproposal form should be uploaded to your preproposal application in the "Attachments" section of the application.

Do not include a cover letter or supplemental materials.  If extra materials are included, your preproposal application will be rejected out of fairness to all applicants.

When all required fields have been entered and required attachments uploaded, a "Submit" button will be made available.  Once the preproposal application is complete, click the "Review and Submit" button.

Once the preproposal application is successfully submitted, you should receive a confirmation email.  If you do not receive email notification, please contact Debi Vought, via email or phone 919-991-5116.

Once the preproposal application deadline has passed, applications will not be accepted and submitted applications cannot be changed.  No exceptions.

Preproposals will be reviewed by the Interfaces in Science Advisory Committee and selected candidates will be invited to submit a full application.  The invitation will be sent via email, using the email address submitted in the preproposal application.  Additional application instructions for the full application will be provided in early December 2013.

Applicants are encouraged to read the program background information, eligibility requirements, selection process, and FAQs prior to beginning the preproposal application.

For assistance with Confidential Letters, see the following:

Troubleshooting Confidential Letters

For additional assistance, contact Debi Vought, Senior Program Associate, via email or at 919/991-5116.