COURAGE wants to make resources available and advance the careers of 20 early career investigators in obesity, nutrition, and diabetes. We will provide evidence-based strategies that significantly impact inclusive excellence within research environments and ultimately diversification of the research workforce.
Our Aims
COURAGE Scholar Eligibility
We encourage underrepresented researchers who are Postdoctoral investigators or Early Career Faculty in the Obesity, Nutrition and Diabetes research community to join this comprehensive longitudinal career advancement program. You need to be employed by an institution within the U.S. or U.S. territories.
The COURAGE program will take place mostly virtually, using a videoconferencing platform, with 2 in-person meetings to facilitate relationship building.
What to expect from the COURAGE program
Peer mentoring from other Scholars, informally and at facilitated monthly virtual meetings
Assignment of a COURAGE faculty mentor who complements each Scholar's primary research mentor
Mentoring from Program Leadership in constructing an Individualized Career Development Plan and Individualized Leadership Development Plan
Mentorship in preparation of a Pilot & Feasibility Grant application and execution of the Pilot & Feasibility project
Mentorship in study design, analysis, and communicating results
Mentorship in grant writing
Zoom Monthly Meetings
Monthly meetings are the core of the COURAGE program.
They will occur monthly during the first 2 years and quarterly during the third year. Each session will be 90 minutes long, starting with a workshop or presentation of 30-45 minutes, followed by a peer mentoring session supervised by the Program Director.
These meetings will create a safe and supportive space from which Scholars can openly discuss their unique challenges in academia.
Topics will include Giving Effective Presentations, Curriculum Vitae, Negotiation, Writing Productivity, Types of Grants, and Letters of Recommendation.
Some sessions also address challenges of UR scientists; these include Managing Microaggressions and Networking Within and Across One’s Background
Resources and Opportunities for Scholars
Mentoring
Educational sessions and discussions about career development topics
Opportunities to build relationships with Scholars and faculty across the United States participating in programs at other sites
"Small grant" funding to attend a scientific meeting, take a course, cover publication fees, or manage other costs related to career advancement and research
By applying to this program, you will get the opportunity to apply to a Pilot & Feasibility grant funding of up to $50,000 per scholar, along with guidance in designing and conducting the research and managing the funding
Sponsorship from Program Leadership and the COURAGE faculty mentor
Expectations of Scholars
Commit to the 3-year career development program
Attend an in-person meeting of 2-3 days duration once per year during the first and second years. Our first in-person meeting will take place in Boston, MA from July 7th-July 9th, 2023
Attend monthly virtual meetings with other COURAGE Scholars during the first 2 years and quarterly meetings thereafter
Meet with the COURAGE faculty mentor about once per month, and with Program Leadership every 1-3 months as needed
Prepare an application for a Pilot & Feasibility project that will aid in advancing research goals
Conduct the Pilot & Feasibility research with guidance as needed from Program Leadership and mentors
Aim to prepare and submit at least one manuscript and at least one grant submission, in conjunction with Program writing groups and individualized mentoring
Develop leadership and mentorship skills
