Scoring Criteria
The below scoring criteria are used when considering each application to the Research Scholars Program
Criteria 1
EVALUATION OF THE APPLICANT
The career potential in HIV prevention
Prior research experience
Prior experience working within community health settings
Criteria 2
EVALUATION OF THE MENTOR SUPPORT AND MENTORING PLAN
EVALUATION OF THE MENTORSHIP PLAN AND COMMUNITY HEALTH ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
The mentor(s) is an independent investigator
The mentor(s) has the experience to direct the proposed research training, as evidenced by the letter of support
The mentoring training plan and mentor-mentee relationship is sufficient to facilitate the applicants progress towards their research career goals
Supporting documents requested:
Letter of support from the mentor(s) describing the mentor's track record of research productivity, funding, and success in training previous trainees, as well as the proposed mentor-mentee relationship. The relationship should be sufficiently developed to support the applicant's progress toward their research career goals.
Mentoring and training plan describing in detail the resources that will be allocated to the proposed research project, including the mentor's anticipated time commitment and the laboratory facilities and other research infrastructure available to the applicant, as applicable.
Letter of support from the Community Health Organization outlining its commitment to the applicant and the proposed project, including available infrastructure support and plans for sustainability.
- If the proposed research involves collaboration with an academic institution, a letter of support from the institution, signed by the department chair or division chief, must be included.
What is a mentor?
A mentor is someone who makes a commitment to your research career. They should be responsible for guiding not only your research proposal but also your application for funding and help you with your professional development and advancement.
As mentorship can come from different people for different aspects of your research career, we do allow co-mentorship although ask that one of your mentors be located within your organization.
MENTOR PROPOSAL REVIEW
It’s important that your mentor reviews your research proposal and associated documentation before submission to ensure it is at the highest standard and submitted error free.
Criteria 3
Evaluation of the Proposal
EVALUATION OF THE PROPOSAL
Innovation and Significance
Approach
The conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses are adequately developed, well-integrated, well-reasoned, feasible, and appropriate to the aims of the project. The applicant acknowledges potential problem areas and considers alternative tactics.
Community Engagement & Partnership
The proposal demonstrates meaningful engagement with community stakeholders, with clear plans for collaboration, input, and shared impact throughout the research process.
Feasibility
The project, as described in the submitted proposal and budget, can be accomplished within the timeframe of the award.
Top FAQs
If a co-mentorship arrangement is in the best interest of your proposed study then it is permissible for applicants to have more than one mentor, however, only one can be listed as the primary mentor in the application fields.
Yes please upload a biosketch for your co-mentor into the application. Please outline through a letter of collaboration how your mentors will work together to ensure the best outcomes for your research proposal.
Yes, it is permissible for your mentor to be based at a different institution/community health organization, however, please provide details as to how that partnership would work in the upload field for the 'Mentor Support Letter'. Where co-mentorship is being arranged at least one mentor must be based at the same community health organization.
