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Resources for Training and Career Development Applicants


Available Pain and Pain-Related Funding Opportunities


These notes were taken from the ECF training/career development grants breakout session.

Questions to ask a Program Officer prior to grant submission (at least 2 months before the grant deadline):

  • Does your grant idea fit with the mission of the IC (Institute or Center)? Would it be a high or low program priority?
    • If no – ask for direction on which IC to target or if they can direct you to another PO.
    • If yes – ask for help finding the right grant mechanism/announcement.
  • Ask if the scope of work is appropriate to the mechanism and funding limits.
    • If this is a training grant, the project should serve to provide preliminary data for future grants applications
      • It is important to think about the trajectory of the work.
      • Include training goals in the aims and they should make sense with the rest of the application – think of how they will set you up to be an independent investigator at the end of the project.
      • Think about the mentorship plan. The funding record of mentors is important. The number of mentors should be enough to fulfill the training goals, but not so many that they become superfluous.
  • Ask if they could review your aims page for feedback and appropriateness to the IC and mechanism. Make sure to send it with ample time for them to review and changes to be made if warranted. Do not send them more than just your aims page unless specifically told to do so. You should have your biosketch prepared before contacting the program officer as well.
  • If you are undecided about whether to apply for an F or K mechanism, the program officer can also give you insight into which mechanism you would be most competitive for based on your biosketch; however, first ask whether they would be willing to counsel you about these options before sending a biosketch.

Questions to ask a Program Officer after the grant is reviewed (wait at least one week from when you got your summary statements): 

  • Thoroughly review your summary statements before talking with the PO.
  • Ask about general impressions if they were in the room when your grant was reviewed.
  • Talk through the summary statement with them and discuss your thoughts on how to respond/what changes to make.
  • Ask:
    • If they would be willing to review your 1 page response letter (and when you should send it).
    • If the project falls into a low or high program priority.

Resources specific to training/career development grants: