Scholar Grants

How to Apply

The summer didactic program is open to any individual who wishes to enhance their understanding of NeuroAIDS disparities. However, only four MSINAD Scholar Grants will be awarded annually for sponsorship to attend the MSINAD program, and to receive pilot grant monies of up to $25,000.

Applicants for MSINAD Scholar Grants should be at the junior faculty, or pre- or post-doctoral level.

1. Pre-doctoral Applicants: You must be in advanced portions of your program. If you are in a Ph.D. program, you must be ready to undertake your dissertation proposal. If you are in medical school, you must have completed your basic didactic course work by the time MSINAD begins.
2. Post-doctoral Applicants: Post-doctoral candidates without faculty position may apply at any stage of their career.
3. Junior faculty Applicants: You must be within five years of your first faculty appointment. You may not have been the principal investigator on an NIH K-type of R-type award.

Minority students and scientists are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application

To apply for these grants, the following material must be received by the application deadline, February 1, 2010.

1. An MSINAD Scholar Grant Application Cover Page (found in the downloadable application)
2. A short, single-spaced proposal (five pages maximum), outlining the proposed research project, including:
   • purpose and benefits to the field of NeuroAIDS disparities
   • specific objectives and goals
   • methods for accomplishing the research, including timeline for 1-year completion
   • how MSINAD can help achieve research and career objectives
   In this proposal, please indicate whether you anticipate accessing the resources of the Manhattan HIV Brain Bank or National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium for either your summer research tutorial or your proposed research project.
3. A biographical sketch or resume for the applicant. This should include information on your background, education, activities, awards, publications and presentations, and whether you are a member of a racial or ethnic minority.
4. A biosketch/resume for your local mentor, and a description of the mentor's laboratory and environment.
5. Up to three letters of recommendation: one must be from your local mentor, and must detail how an MSINAD award will impact your ability to undertake neuroAIDS disparities research, and a critical appraisal of your ability to undertake the proposed research.
6. A one page personal statement describing your career aspirations and motivation for pursuing neuroAIDS research.

MSINAD Program Application

Awards

Four MSINAD Scholar Grant awards will be made annually. The awards will consist of:

1. Re-imbursement for all travel expenses related to attendance at the summer institute
2. Provision of lodging in Manhattan at the campus of Mount Sinai School of Medicine
3. A living stipend of $3000 for the six week period
4. A research grant of up to $25,000, to be awarded upon graduation from the summer institute. Scholars will be required to create their research budgets and justifications as part of the summer training program. Upon submission of these budgets, funds will be released to the scholars through contracts to the institutions at which their research will be conducted.

Criteria Used to Assess Awards

The following criteria will be used in determining these awards:

• Overall Scientific Merit: The applicant must submit and original and feasible proposal that demonstrates the applicant's understanding of the proposed field of research. Prior research experience is not necessary.
• Purpose: A clear statement and description of the purpose of the research project must be included.
• Specific Objectives and Goals: Specific goals of the research project must be listed and defined.
• Methods: The methods proposed for carrying out the research must be defined and described clearly, and timeline should be clearly presented for completing the project in one year.
• Feasibility of successful completion of proposed project according to proposed timeline.
• Engaged Research Mentor Letter of Support: This letter should emphasize the mentor's commitment to serve as the research mentor for the duration of the project.
• Likelihood of continued career success, including funding potential of the applicant from other future sources.

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