General

Is the BWF application deadline firm?
Yes.

Can I submit a paper application?
No. BWF requires that all applications for this program be submitted electronically. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Can I change my application once submitted?
No. Once your application is submitted, it cannot be changed.

Can I receive a copy of my online application form?
You can print a copy of your application as you are completing the online application form by clicking the "Printer Friendly Version" link at the top of the page. You may also click the "Email Draft" link to email a copy of the application. Note that BWF does not accept emailed applications.

Can I add papers that have been accepted?
Yes.

Who should write the Institutional Letter of Support?
The Institutional Letter of Support should be written on behalf of the applicant’s institution by the chair, dean, division director, or another senior official who can best communicate the institution’s commitment to the applicant and the applicant’s fit within the institution’s plans and ambitions. This statement of the institution’s investment in and commitment to the applicant’s scientific, academic, and personal development is a critical part of a successful application for this career development award.

Can Letters of Recommendation be sent to BWF separately?
No. Letters of Recommendation (three are required) must be converted to PDF files and uploaded to the application for electronic submission by the Recommender and by the deadline date. It is highly recommended that all Letters of Recommendation be uploaded to the application a week before the deadline date. An application can only be submitted when it is complete. For requirements, see "Recommendation Letters" under the proposal elements section.

Can Letters of Collaboration be included in the application?
No. Collaborative situations can be described in the five-page Research Plan - there is no need for individual collaborative letters.

How serious are you about the page limit on the research plan?
All applicants must stay within the set five-page limit or the application will be rejected.

Does the bibliography count toward the five-page maximum Research Plan?
No. It is considered part of the required supporting materials. However, graphs, charts, and diagrams do count toward the five-page maximum. Abbreviations should be limited in the text.

What about figures, tables, graphs, diagrams, pictures included in my research plan? Are they included in the five-page limit or can they be included separately?
All figures, tables, graphs, diagrams, pictures, etc., included in your research plan count toward the five-page limit for the plan.

Is there a font or margin requirement for the research plan?
Use standard 11- or 12-point type for the text, and no smaller than 9 to 10-point type for figures, legends, tables, and diagrams. The text must be single-spaced, with a one-half inch or larger margins on all sides. The Research Plan is limited to five pages including figures and tables.

What is a “signature block” as required in the Letter of Nomination and Recommendation Letters?
A signature block is a legible (typed) identification of the letter writer. It is found at the end of the letter and includes the letter writer’s name, title(s), department(s), and institution. The signature block should be placed under the letter writer’s signature. For example:

Jane Smith, M.D., Ph.D.
Chair and Professor, Department of Medicine
ABC University

Accessing the Application

How do I access the full proposal application?
Your full application is directly linked to your pre-proposal application. The link to your full application is in the invitation email sent to you inviting you to submit a full proposal. This is the only way to access the full proposal.

Do I need to complete a full application in one session?
No, you can start an application and return later to complete the application. The link to the full application was sent to you in the invitation email.

How do I return to an incomplete application that I saved but have not yet submitted?
To access a saved application, click the link that was sent to you in the invitation email.

Logistics

I'm having trouble using the online application system to request a confidential recommendation letter. What should I do?
For detailed instructions on how to request a confidential letter, see Applicant Instructions for Requesting a Confidential Letter. For help with troubleshooting problems with this process, see Troubleshooting Letters of Recommendation.

How do I use the templates provided to prepare the application?
You must download the type of form you will use (both a Microsoft Word and a PDF version will be provided), completely enter all required information, and save your documents.

What is the order of documents and how are the attachments submitted?
All attachments must be uploaded and submitted as one (1) continuous PDF file in the following order:

Institutional Letter of Support
Applicant's CV (see RFP for required format)
Scientific Abstract (one-page limit; template provided)
Importance (template provided)
Research Plan (five-page limit)
Bibliography
Budget and Budget Justification (template provided)
Facilities and Resources (template provided)
Reprints (one is required and two additional reprints are optional)
Recommender Form (template provided)
Items 1-10 must be ordered as shown, combined into one PDF file that will be uploaded to the online application.

The second attachment is the Signature Form (template provided).

I completed my application. How do I submit it?
Once the application has been completed, all attachments have been uploaded, and your three (3) blind letters of recommendation have been uploaded, click the "Review and Submit" button at the bottom of the last page of the application. Review your application. If the application is not missing required items, a “Submit” button will be available at the bottom of the page. If a submit button is not available, the application is missing (one or more) required fields or attachments. Any missing items should be noted in red near the top of the page. Once you have completed all required items and clicked the “Submit” button, you will receive an email confirmation.

If I’m having trouble with the electronic application, whom can I contact for help?
For questions with the electronic application, please contact Darcy Lewandowski via email or by phone (919) 991-5132.

Signature Page Form

What is the Signature Page Form?
The two-page Signature Form is an interactive PDF document that requires information and signatures of the applicant and the institutional signing official. E-Signatures are accepted. Page 2 of the form requires the contact information of the individuals writing letters of recommendation.

What is an E-Signature?
BWF considers an electronic signature (or e-signature) to be either an image of a person's actual signature (a scanned signature) or an official digital signature. Typing a person's name or initials into a form is not acceptable.

How do I access the Signature Page Form?
The Signature Page Form can be accessed under Forms and Resources.

Who needs to sign the two-page Signature Page Form?
Two people must sign the Signature Page Form:

The applicant - in the signature box marked “Signature of Applicant."
The official responsible for sponsored programs at the Degree-Granting Institution - in the signature box marked “Signature of Signing Official."

Are faxed documents permitted?
No.