Frequently Asked Questions – Applicants
Can PhD basic science researchers apply?
Eligibility criteria for the career development research awards state: Applicants must be clinician scientists (both physicians and non-physicians). Applicants who are not clinicians must have a clinician mentor, consultant or co-Investigator on the project. All proposed projects must involve patient-oriented research even if the PI is not a licensed clinician. PhD scientists proposing epidemiology, outcomes, and health services research projects qualify for funding. PhD basic scientists and MDs who are not licensed to perform clinical care may not apply.
What is the "Contracts Office Contact?"
This is where you enter contact information for someone in your institution’s Grants & Contracts / Sponsored Projects / Research Administration office. This is the person who will receive a copy of the Notice of Award.
What if I have data that won’t be published until after the deadline?
We do not accept supplemental information after the deadline unless it is specifically requested.
Are the page limits really enforced?
Yes, they really are and you must comply with all page limitations or your application WILL be returned.
Do references count toward my page limits?
YES. References are included in the page limits and are limited to a certain number of pages. Check the award application instructions for details.
What if I need to upload supplementary information?
No worries, you get three additional uploads to be used at your discretion. However, please note that these uploads may not be used to circumvent the page limitations. Your proposal, etc., should be stand-alone documents.
What about indirect costs?
Unless otherwise stated in the award application and/or Conditions of Award document, REF award funds cannot be used to provide institutional support. No indirect costs or overhead will be provided. Please see below for our policy regarding fringe benefits.
What is the fringe documentation?
It’s a document for your Grants & Contracts/OSP/ORA office detailing the negotiated fringe rates for your institution. The rates are usually included in a document that includes the Facilities and Administrative cost rates approved for use on grants, contracts and other agreements. You can search ‘fringe rate’ on your institution’s Web site, or ask your Grants officer, they’ll know. For an example, see page 2 of the following PDF: http://financialaffairs.uab.edu/img.asp?dl=1&id=14539.
How do I continue an application?
When you enter the online application, you should see a set of instructions and then a ‘Submitter Information’ section for you to enter your contact information. Below this you should see the text “Here are awards you previously entered:” followed by a list of applications you’ve started. To enter an application you’ve already begun, simply click the ‘Update Award’ button next to the award name.
You can remove any applications you started in error by clicking the “Remove” button.
Where are the files I uploaded previously?
Within the application, you will always see blank upload boxes, even if you’ve previously uploaded something there. This is so you can make changes (i.e., replace a previously uploaded file with a new file). Your previously submitted file is saved and you can view it by clicking the word "download" in the phrase that appears below the upload box: “[Download] current document on file.”
What does the timeline for the awards and grants process look like?
Download a timeline detailing the REF awards and grants cycle.
Can I apply for several different awards in the same cycle/fiscal year?
We have a few exceptions in applying for different awards in the same cycle/fiscal year:
- You may not apply for the ACR/REF Rheumatology Scientist Development Award and apply for the ASP Junior Career Development in Geriatric Medicine Award or Rheumatology Investigator Award in the same funding cycle.
- You can apply for the ACR REF/Amgen/Wyeth Rheumatology Fellowship Training Award and the ACR REF Paula DeMerieux Rheumatology Fellowship Training Award, however applicants may receive only one of these awards.
How many times can I apply for the same award(s)?
We do not limit how many times you can apply for an award.
How do I withdraw my award application?
You may your request to the REF.
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