4. How Can I Prepare Myself to Compete Successfully for Grants and Academic Promotion?
Many academic institutions offer programs that specifically offer courses addressing the details of grant writing. It is worthwhile to take the relevant courses offered. Follow EXACTLY the requirements specified in each grant you apply for. Plan MONTHS in advance for completing grant proposals and allow time for mentor revisions. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. It is important to understand your institution’s contracts and grants process and timeline, as some grant information is needed (i.e. budget, abstract) prior to the actual grant deadline. In general, the criteria in which most early career grants are scored are: candidate qualifications, career development plan (including further training), research feasibility, mentor, and institutional support. Talking with other faculty who recently competed for similar grants is worthwhile. Many new investigators get tripped up trying to "cover the waterfront" in their experimental plan. It is more important to have a feasible plan (ideally providing preliminary data to show your abilities to carry out your proposal).
Consider attending the ACR Rheumatology Research Workshop, a two- day workshop designed to promote interactions between young and established investigators to foster collaboration and career mentoring. The meeting will include scientific lectures, oral abstract presentations, poster sessions and scheduled time for interaction with senior investigators to exchange ideas with trainees and other early career investigators.
In addition, throughout the year there are various ACR and non-ACR sponsored career development workshops and mentoring opportunities as listed below. Please check websites for up to date information and details:
- ACR Annual Scientific Conferences, Young Investigators Workshops
- ACR Rheumatology Research Workshop
- U.S. Bone & Joint Decade Young Investigators Initiative and Workshop Program, held in spring and fall
