R01 Boot Camp

R01 Boot Camp Logo

The R01 Boot Camp is a team-science and mentorship-focused program designed to help College of Medicine faculty members receive R01 or equivalent grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Senior faculty with strong track records of NIH funding guide groups of mentees through the proposal development process, while the team structure encourages peer support and feedback.  We aim for a coach/mentee ratio of 1:2 with engagement of team science coach throughout the process.  

The R01 Boot Camp is comprised of both group and self-directed activities for mentees. From the outset, mentees will receive support in writing significant, innovative, and fundable Specific Aims. Mentees will be obligated to identify needed resources, potential collaborators, as well as internal and external subject matter experts. They should make an effort to make pre-proposal contact with NIH program officers.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2023-24 ACADEMIC YEAR CLOSED JUNE 30, 2023.

THE R01 BOOT CAMP IS A NINE-MONTH PROGRAM COMPRISED OF THE FOLLOWING:

  1. Specialized training, guidance, and camaraderie as a mentee participant. Participation is limited to faculty members who have not yet been a Principal Investigator on an R01 or equivalent or have not been a Principal Investigator on a Multiple Principal Investigator R01 or equivalent.  Mentees may pursue single Principal Investigator projects or Multiple Principal Investigator projects.
  2. Faculty Coaches with an established track record of external funding and a commitment to mentoring, who will meet with and advise their assigned mentee peer group. Coaches communicate with mentees’ Department Chairs and the COM Office of Research.
  3. Activities and resources to provide mentees with the tools and knowledge they need to write a successful R01 application (e.g., proposal writing seminar, mock review). Major large-group activities are listed in the timeline below. In addition, mentees meet with their coaching group more frequently (approximately once per month). In coaching groups, mentees share and review proposal sections, provide constructive feedback to one another, and address problems and needs of mutual interest.
  4. Internal Subject Matter Experts who provide counsel on mentees’ research plans, help them prepare and present a Chalk Talk, and review proposal drafts.
  5. External Subject Matter Experts who review mentees’ final proposals.

TIMELINE FOR THE 2023-24 ACADEMIC YEAR

  • April 3, 2023– Applications open
  • June 30, 2023– Applications Due
  • July 2023– Mentees selected  
  • Early September 2023– Program Kick-Off Celebration
  • Late October 2023 Grant Writer’s Workshop
  • Early December 2023– Team Science Studio Workshop
  • Mid-late January 2024– Biostatistics Workshop
  • Early May 2024– Mock Review
  • June 2024 – NIH submission deadline
  • June 2024 – Closing Ceremony
  • Throughout the year– Self-directed interdisciplinary coaching group activities

IN ADDITION TO THESE ACTIVITIES, EACH MENTEE WILL:

  • Present a Chalk Talk. A 1-hour presentation developed in consultation with the mentee’s department and the Internal Subject Matter Expert to obtain critical feedback from experienced researchers to help shape the aims of the mentee’s R01. These need to be presented early in the program to hone Specific Aims for further proposal development (ideally in September or October).
  • Consult with an Internal Subject Matter Expert who will have specialized insight into the mentee’s scientific field of study, and who will provide counsel on mentee’s research plans, help them prepare and present a Chalk Talk, and review proposal drafts. 
  • Participate in External Review. The R01 Boot Camp will pay for an External Subject Matter Expert to review full drafts of proposals at least six weeks before the NIH deadline. 

2023-24 r01 boot camp

2023 – 2024 R01 Boot Camp

The 2023-24 R01 Boot Camp application process is now closed. If you missed the deadline to attend this year, stay tuned for details and dates to sign up for the 2024-25 Program!