FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs – COURAGE PROGRAM

1. Is there a citizenship/residency requirement to apply?

No, there is no citizenship/residency requirement, and we welcome individuals on H1-B and J-1 visas. We cannot sponsor visas. Please get in touch with us if you have any specific questions about your situation.

2. Is 50% of protected time for research strictly required?

Yes, it is a requirement. However, we would entertain minor deviations on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out with your specific question related to your protected time.

3. Who should write my letters of support?

For the COURAGE program, we require two letters of support. One letter of support should come from your mentor and the other from your department chair or division/unit chief. The person who writes the letter should know the applicant, his/her/their potential, and his/her/their research and be able to speak about the importance of this program for the applicant’s future research goals. The department chair or division/unit chief should verify that your current position protects at least 50% of your time for research.


4. Can I continue in the program if I move to a different institution?

Yes.

5. Can I apply to the program if I anticipate changing institutions before the three-year


commitment is reached?

You could absolutely still apply to the COURAGE program if you are hoping to continue research even if you anticipate moving institutions. Instead, we hope it would provide some additional peer and mentorship resources to support you in those professional decisions.


6. What is an early-career stage investigator?

  • MD and/or PhD required.

  • Must hold an appointment at the level of assistant professor, instructor, or research fellow/postdoctoral research fellow.

  • Affiliated with institutions within the U.S. and U.S. territories.





FAQs – COURAGE RFA FOR PILOT & FEASIBILITY GRANT


1. Is there a citizenship/residency requirement to apply?

No.


2. Who should write my letters of support?

If you are an early career investigator, we encourage you to get a letter from your research mentor. The letter can also come from a division/unit chief or department chair. The person who writes the letter should know the applicant, his/her/their potential, and his/her/their research and be able to speak about the importance of the P&F award for the applicant’s future research goals.

3. May I recommend external reviewers?

Yes. Since grants are submitted on a wide range of topics related to nutrition, obesity, and diabetes, we encourage applicants to provide the names of 3-5 expert reviewers who know the field well enough to judge the impact of the grant. Suggested reviewers may be within the applicant’s institution or external. Applicants should not name someone with a conflict of interest because they have worked closely with the applicant or are current collaborators. However, familiarity and previous collaboration with the applicant are allowed as long as both applicant and reviewer think the review will be fair.

4. Can fellows apply for this award?

Although pre-doctoral fellows are not eligible for the award, post-doctoral fellows may apply. The only requirement is that the applicant expects to be at the current institution long enough to complete the award (i.e., for at least one year after the award is funded).


5. Does this grant need to go through my institution's sponsored office?

We recommend speaking to your institution's sponsored office or pre-award manager. If you receive the award, we will need to set up a sub-award at your institution, which will likely require your grants team's assistance.

6. What about Indirect costs?

The award is $50,000 total in Direct Costs. Because this is pilot funding, additional indirect costs are not included and are not available.


7. Can I take this award with me to another institution if I move?

Yes.


8. What is an early-career stage investigator?

  • MD and/or PhD required.

  • Must hold an appointment at the level of assistant professor, instructor, or research fellow/postdoctoral research fellow.

  • Affiliated with institutions within the U.S. and U.S. territories.