Clinical Scientist Awards in Translational Research

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 Sponsor's Letter of Nomination.

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 Sponsor's Letter of Nomination.

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.

I am in the process of applying for permanent residency in the United States. Am I eligible for this award?

No. The application candidate must either have a Permanent Resident Card (green card) in hand or a current passport stamped with a red I-551 stamp.

I have applied for permanent residency in the United States and have not received my Permanent Resident Card. Am I eligible for this award?

Only if your current passport was stamped with a red I-551 stamp would you be eligible for this award.

I am a temporary U.S./Canadian resident.  Am I eligible for this award?

No.

I have been an associate professor for four years. Does that make me ineligible to apply?

No. The number of years after promotion to associate professor is not a strict requirement.  Most candidates will be no further than their first few years as an associate professor.  But, more importantly, BWF is looking for those who have not yet renewed their first RO1.

What is meant by "candidates must present evidence of having established an independent research career"?

Candidates who have established an independent research career will have an R01 and a number of senior-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.

I have a Ph.D. degree. Am I eligible for this award?

No. Candidates must have a medical degree and hold a current license to practice medicine in the U.S. or Canada.

I hold a current license to practice medicine in a country other than the U.S. or Canada.  Am I eligible for this award?

No.  Candidates must hold a current license to practice medicine in the U.S. or Canada.

Must grantees devote at least 75% of their time to the project proposed with this application?

No. Grantees are required to spend at least 75% of their time in research-related activities in general. Time spent can be spread over multiple projects.

Are awardees permitted to have other simultaneous funding, for example, from the National Institutes of Health (e.g. R01) or another foundation?

Yes.

If I have a question about my eligibility for this program, whom can I contact for help?

For answers to eligibility issues not covered in the program guidelines or the FAQs, please contact Debi Vought, senior program associate, by email or by phone 919/991-5116. Questions regarding whether your work falls within the scope of the program may be directed to the senior program officer, Nancy Sung, Ph.D., by email or by phone 919/991-5120.