Invited Application Deadline
     April 3, 2013 by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Data from your preproposal should populate previously submitted fields in the online application.  Make corrections to this information where necessary and enter new information where requested, being careful to follow any online instructions.  All data entry must be completed prior to submission of the full application by the deadline.

A list of required and optional attachments are shown below, along with detailed instructions for each.  Standard word processing software (e.g., MS Word or WordPerfect) can be used to prepare the attachments. However, all documents MUST be converted from standard word processing format to Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) prior to being uploaded to the BWF grant application system.

The following attachments MUST be combined into ONE PDF file, in the order shown, prior to uploading to the online application. Use the following naming convention for the file: Last Name, First Name - IRSA Full Application.

• Signature Page (template provided)
  
• Primary Investigator's Biosketch (template provided)
  
• Scientific Abstract (template provided)
  
• Research Plan (up to six pages)
  
• Bibliography for Research Plan (optional)
• Facilities and Resources (template provided)
• Budget (template provided)
  
• Reprints (three required)
• Institutional Certification Form (template provided)
  

Using the provided Signature Page, enter the relevant information, sign and date the form, and include it as the first page of the combined PDF file. Candidates are responsible for ensuring that the information on the Signature Page matches the information entered into the online application. Faxed, emailed, or hard copy documents will not be accepted.

Provide your biographical information using the Biosketch Form provided.  Complete the educational block at the top of the first page, and sections A, B, and C.  Do not exceed the four- page limit.  A sample biosketch is provided for your reference.  The format is similar to the NIH-style biosketch, with differences shown in italics below:

A.   Positions and Honors.  List positions in chronological order, concluding with present position.  List any honors.

B.   Selected Peer-reviewed Publications or Manuscripts in Press (in chronological order).  Submitted manuscripts may be included.  Do not include abstracts of papers given at meetings.  Separate peer-reviewed publications from non peer-reviewed publications.  Indicate (*) your top three (3) publications.

C.   Research Support.  List both current and pending grants and awards with proposal titles, names of the principal investigators, annual direct amounts, beginning and ending dates, and sources of support.

Using the Scientific Abstract provided, describe the proposed work that is understandable to a multidisciplinary group of scientific reviewers.  Do not add additional pages.

In no more than six (6) pages (including figures, tables, graphs, and images), describe your Research Plan.  It should be a complete, cohesive, and coherent scientific document that is easy to read.  In the order listed below, your plan should describe:

• Specific aims.
• Background and significance.
• Experimental methods and procedures.
• Long-term objectives.  If the applicant has received or applied to other sources for extended support to cover research in the area of this proposal, explain in detail how the research to be supported by BWF’s award will differ from or enhance the research supported by the other sources.

Use standard 11- or 12-point font for the text, and no smaller than a 9- to 10-point font for figures, legends, and tables.  Text must be single-spaced, with one-half inch or larger margins on all sides.  Number the pages of the research plan.  Do not include a table of contents or appendices.  A bibliography is separate and is not considered part of the six-page limit.

Provide a list of literature references directly relevant to the research plan. The bibliography is not included in the six-page limit for the research plan.

Using the NIH-style Budget template provided, prepare a budget that explains how the funds will be utilized, to include the following:

• List proposed research expenses in general categories (e.g., equipment, consumable supplies, and travel).
• Provide a brief summary justification of budget expenses.
• Justify any proposed use of the award for salary support for the primary investigator, or for the other laboratory personnel who will work with the primary investigator.

Budget stipulations:

• No indirect costs may be charged against the grant.
• Student tuition and fees are not allowed.
• Student stipends are allowed.
• Award recipients are allowed up to $30,000 per year to be used for salary support, including fringe benefits.  There is no limit on use of the award for salary support for other laboratory personnel.
• Purchases of equipment should not exceed $20,000 per year and travel costs should not exceed $8,000 per year without written authorization by BWF.

Using the Facilities and Resources template provided, briefly describe the laboratory space, equipment, and other resources for research and training that will be available to the investigator(s).

Provide three publications or manuscripts submitted for publication that demonstrate the candidate’s capabilities and relevant research accomplishments. Manuscripts in preparation may not be submitted.  Three (3) reprints are required.

The primary investigator must obtain approval from the institution where the work will be performed.  Applications must be approved by an official responsible for sponsored programs (generally from the institution’s grants and contract's office, office of research, or sponsored program's office), as indicated by submission of a completed and signed Institutional Certification Form. Candidates should complete the application information near the top of the form and have the institutional signing official complete the remainder of the form, including the signature. A completed, signed Institutional Certification Form must be included in the combined PDF file. Faxed, emailed, or hard copy documents will not be accepted.

Two confidential (blind) recommendation letters from individuals who are familiar with the applicant's qualifications are required and MUST be uploaded to your application by the letter writer.  These letters must not be viewed by the applicant.  No more than two recommendation letters may be provided.

• The letters can be created in any word processing software, but MUST be converted to a PDF file prior to uploading.
• The letters must be submitted on official letterhead with a signature block.
• The letters are to remain confidential and must not be reviewed by the candidate. 
• Each recommender must individually upload his/her recommendation letter before the application can be submitted. For this reason, the recommenders should upload their document, as a PDF file, well before the April 3, 2013 deadline.