Scoring Criteria
The below scoring criteria are used when considering each application to the Research Scholars Program
Criteria 1
EVALUATION OF THE APPLICANT
Potential for a career in HIV-related research
Academic record
Prior research experience and/or publications
Criteria 2
EVALUATION OF THE MENTOR SUPPORT AND MENTORING PLAN
EVALUATION OF THE MENTOR SUPPORT AND MENTORING PLAN
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 mentor(s) which includes: mentor's track record of productivity, funding, and success with prior trainees; detailed description of the mentoring plan, including resources allocated to the proposed research project, provision of protected time, and available laboratory facilities (if relevant).
Letter of support from the department chair or division chief to document the institution is willing, and has the ability, to commit the resources necessary for the applicant to complete the proposed research, including sufficient protected time.
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 institution.
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.
For more guidance on what good mentorship looks like, the NIH has some helpful resources.
Criteria 3
Evaluation of the Proposal
EVALUATION OF THE PROPOSAL
Innovation and Significance
The research proposal is new and original and addresses an important question/issue related to HIV. The proposed study will have an effect on concepts, methods, and/or technologies related to HIV research.
Approach
The conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses are adequately developed, well-integrated, well-reasoned, feasible (as determined by preliminary data or the expertise available), and appropriate to the aims of the project. The applicant acknowledges potential problem areas and considers alternative tactics.
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, 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 institute.
