Full Invited Application Deadline:
May 21, 2012 by 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time
Accepting electronic applications only.
In order for an application to be submitted, each section of the application must be completed. Applications that are not in compliance with the instructions will be rejected out of fairness to all applicants. All attachments must be uploaded as one Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) file. A complete application consists of:
- Online data entry of applicant and general proposal information
The application contains online data entry screens requesting such information as contact information, education, and training background, the name of the institution and contact information for officials at the institution for both Co-Directors of the proposal. - Upload of Requested Attachments.
The following attachments must be uploaded as one continuous PDF file in the order listed below. 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) files and arranged in the order below prior to being uploaded to BWF's grant application system.
Abstract
Upload the abstract that was submitted with the Preproposal.
Institutional Proposal (up to seven pages)
Upload proposal that includes:
- Rationale/vision for the training program, including why the involved groups are uniquely suited for training students to take on the problem that is the program's focus.
- Program placement, including how the proposed program fits into the overall strategy of the involved institution(s) and how the program will be administered, including financially.
- Student experience, including strategies for recruiting and training students, core curricula, advanced courses, journal clubs, informal educational opportunities, and shared mentoring. Included should also be a description of the structure and focus of qualifying exams and how they will differ from those of students taking more traditional paths. Proposals should specifically address strategies for training students as true cross-disciplinary scientists fully skilled at both of the disciplines in which they have trained.
- Institutional commitment(s), including plans for long-term program evaluation and continuation.
Letters of Support
- Provide letters from chairs of each department involved in the collaboration spelling out commitment to the program and resources available. These letters should also detail how the proposed program fits into the department's and institution's overall plan and priorities and provide details of other support available or intended for the program.
- Multi-institutional proposals should also include letters from dean-level authorities at each member institution providing detailed descriptions of the institutions' commitments to the program, relevant past history (if any) of inter-institutional collaborations, and resources available.
Training Plan (not more than four pages; template provided)
Provide a plan for training that, among its other features, will connect students formally with a faculty member from at least one population-based and one laboratory-based approach involved in the partnership. Students must be truly co-mentored, not trained in one discipline with input from the other.
Timeline and Program Development Plan (not more than two pages; template provided)
Submit a clear timeline and plan for the proposed program's launch, recruitment of faculty involvement, recruitment of students, and development of the program over time.
Evaluation Plan (one page; template provided)
Provide plans for short-term and long-term evaluation of the program's outcomes, especially at training students who will bridge the gaps between the involved fields.
Roster
Include a roster of scientists involved in the proposed collaboration, highlighting among them those that have agreed to serve as mentors for students. Do NOT include CVs/Biosketches.
Budget (template provided)
Include costs for training (number of students and costs per student); career development; co-directors and program administrators.
Biosketch
Provide imaginary biosketches describing the background, training, and future career pathways of two "typical" trainees from the proposed program.
Signature Page Form
Upload a newly signed Signature Page Form.
Successful proposals must communicate how the proposed program will stimulate development of lasting ties between institutions, departments, or centers which may have different cultures, expectations of their graduate students, and expectations of the student/faculty relationship. Proposals must make very clear how the graduate education offered through the program will shape a true, deep understanding of the involved population and basic science approaches. Of particular concern is that students trained between two disciplines may emerge unprepared for a productive academic career in either. Proposals must provide a convincing argument that the proposing institute's trainees will not suffer this fate. Student experiences in such programs should include both intellectual training and active working use of ideas, techniques, and technologies from both approaches to bridge the gap between them.