1.1         Overview of Institutional Support Systems

UI has developed numerous resources for grant writing and many of these are available to graduate students developing their research projects. When preparing a grant application, most students will have access to an administrator within their home department who is responsible for uploading files through the appropriate system for their funding agency, a process that will also involve the UI Division of Sponsored Programs (DSP, Chapter 2.1.2). For writing resources such as templates, boilerplate text, and examples, students may consult the CCOM Scientific Editing and Research Communication Core (SERCC) (Chapter 2.2.1), Graduate College (Chapter 2.2.2), or Research Development Office (RDO) (Chapter 2.2.3). You may also receive help on your writing from the SERCC, the Graduate College, or one of the writing centers on campus (Chapter 9.4). 

1.2.1     Familiarize yourself with the requirements for the grant and develop a timeline

The time needed to develop a grant application can surprise even a seasoned grant writer. Be sure to start months in advance. To give you a better idea of how far in advance to start and how to organize your time, see Chapter 3 of this document (Timeline/Checklist). This includes a description of the process of applying for a fellowship application, as well as a link to a tool that will help you schedule smaller deadlines leading up to the submission deadline of the funding agency.

1.2.2     Identify and work with your Departmental Administrator/Research Administrator[CB1] 

One of the first steps you will need to take is to identify the Department Administrator or Research Administrator who will work with you to upload PDF files of completed sections of your application to be sent to the UI Division of Sponsored Programs. 

1.2.3     Familiarize yourself with UI Policy and Resources[CB2] 

UI Policies are detailed in the UI Policy Manual (Link).  The Policy Manual, Section V, Chapter 5, specifically, covers the management and expectations for Gifts, Grants, and Contracts.  Review this chapter for the overall picture of external funds to the university and project management. The Division of Sponsored Programs (DSP), a division of the Office of Vice President for Research, is the office with official signature authority for research-related external funding.  Their website has a lot of information, such as how to develop a budget, the systems required for sponsor-funded research, roles, and responsibilities of PI and campus offices, to name a few.  Other important offices are the Human Subjects Office, Office of Animal Resources, Environmental Health and Safety, and the Research Integrity Office.

1.2.4     Consult a Program Official at the Funding Agency

This is something that faculty often do and it can be helpful in shaping your project. Program Officials (POs) are experts in their fields who are available to help you at different stages in the grant application process. For example, xxx. If you have never talked to a PO before, you may hesitate to reach out to them the first time. We provide tips to help you get started in Appendix xxx.  

Both the CCOM and the Graduate College offer incentives to apply for Fellowship applications. The Supplement for External Fellowships Program from the CCOM and the Fellowship Incentive Program (FIP) offered by the Graduate College are described in (REF).

1.3.1     Supplement for External Fellowships Program 

If a PhD student is awarded an individual, competitive extramural fellowship of at least $10,000, they will receive a stipend supplement of $2,000 per year. The stipend supplement is provided every year of the fellowship period or until graduation. For information, see the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies More Incentives webpage.

 1.3.2     Fellowship Incentive Program (FIP), Graduate School 

The Graduate College offers a stipend for currently enrolled UI graduate students to apply for approved nationally competitive grants and fellowships AFTER receiving feedback from faculty and/or fellowships advisors. FIP is based on the nationally competitive grants and fellowships application process; your fellowship DOES NOT have to be successfully funded. Graduate students are limited to one FIP award per fiscal year, and the fellowship/grant application must be submitted to the funding agency during the same fiscal year the FIP award is made. For your first FIP application, if you are submitting an NIH fellowship, either an NIH new submission or an NIH resubmission can be eligible, as long as you meet all feedback eligibility requirements. The 2025-2026 Fellowship Incentive Program (FIP) cycle offers a $250 incentive and is open from July 2025 through early June 2026. For the full description, instructions, and list of eligible fellowships/grants visit the FIP webpage. 

5.1         Overview of Fellowship Applications

5.1.1     Goals of the NIH F30 and F31 Funding Mechanisms

According to the NIH, the purpose of the Individual Predoctoral NRSA for MD/PhD Fellowships (F30) is “to enhance the integrated research and clinical training of promising predoctoral students, who are matriculated in a combined MD/PhD or other dual-doctoral degree training program (e.g. DDS/PhD, AuD/PhD, DVM/PhD), and who intend careers as physician-scientists or other clinician-scientists” (nih.grants.gov, 2025).

The goal of the Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31) is to “enable promising predoctoral students with potential to develop into a productive, independent research scientists, to obtain mentored research training while conducting dissertation research” (nih.grants.gov, 2025).

5.1.2     What Funding Provides

Funding typically covers three types of costs: Stipend, Tuition and Fees, and Institutional Allowance. For the current fiscal year (see budget notice), funding is as follows.

The following are the review criteria for F30, F31, and F32 applications). This document can be found online at xxx and the source of the information provided is the NIH web page xxx.

5.2.1.   Overall Impact Score

Reviewers will provide an overall impact score to reflect their assessment of the likelihood that the fellowship will enhance the candidate’s potential for, and commitment to, a productive independent scientific research career in a health-related field, in consideration of the scored and additional review criteria. The overall merits of the applications will be scored using the three scored review criteria, additional review criteria, and additional review considerations outlined below:

5.2.2     Scored Review Criteria (Reviewer Instructions)

1. Candidate’s Preparedness and Potential (Reviewer will provide a score from 1–9)

• Discuss the candidate’s previous educational, scientific, and professional experience in terms of how it prepares the candidate for the proposed research training plan. Consider the context, for example, the candidate’s stage of training and the opportunities available. 

• Assess whether the candidate and sponsor statements as well as the referee letters provide convincing evidence that the candidate possesses qualities (such as scientific understanding, creativity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and drive) that will improve the likelihood of a successful research training outcome. 

• Consider the candidate’s potential to benefit from the fellowship research training plan and to transition to the next career stage in the biomedical research workforce. 

2. Research Training Plan (Reviewers will provide a score from 1–9)

• Assess the rigor and feasibility of the research training project and how completion of the project will contribute to the development of the candidate as a research scientist. 

• Evaluate the goals of the overall research training plan and the extent to which the plan will facilitate the attainment of the goals. 

• Discuss whether the research training plan identifies areas of needed development and contains appropriate, realistic activities and milestones to address those needs. 

• Consider whether the sponsor(s), scientific environment, facilities, and resources are adequate and appropriate for the proposed research training plan. 

• If the candidate is proposing to gain experience in a clinical trial as part of his or her research training, is there evidence of the appropriate expertise, experience, resources, and ability on the part of the sponsor(s) to guide the applicant during the clinical trial research experience?

3. Commitment to Candidate (Reviewers will provide a score from 1–9)

• Assess whether the sponsor(s) presents a strong mentoring plan appropriate to the needs and goals of the candidate. 

• Evaluate the extent to which the sponsor(s) and organizational commitment is appropriate, sufficient, and in alignment with the candidate’s research training plan. 

• Consider whether the level of commitment provided will contribute to the successful completion of the proposed plan and allow the candidate to advance to a productive career in the biomedical research workforce. 

• If proposed, will the clinical trial experience contribute to the proposed project and/or the candidate's research training?

5.2.3.   Additional Review Criteria (Applicant Instructions)

As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will evaluate the following additional items while determining merit, and in providing an overall impact score, but will not give separate scores for these items.

1. Protections for Human Subjects: For research that involves human subjects but does not involve one of the categories of research that are exempt under 45 CFR Part 46, the committee will evaluate the justification for involvement of human subjects and the proposed protections from research risk relating to their participation according to the following five review criteria: 1) risk to subjects, 2) adequacy of protection against risks, 3) potential benefits to the subjects and others, 4) importance of the knowledge to be gained, and 5) data and safety monitoring for clinical trials.

2. For research that involves human subjects and meets the criteria for one or more of the categories of research that are exempt under 45 CFR Part 46, the committee will evaluate: 1) the justification for the exemption, 2) human subjects involvement and characteristics, and 3) sources of materials. For additional information on review of the Human Subjects section, please refer to the Guidelines for the Review of Human Subjects.

3. Inclusion of Human Subjects Policies: When the proposed project involves human subjects and/or NIH-defined clinical research, the committee will evaluate the proposed plans for inclusion. For additional information on review of the Inclusion section, please refer to the Guidelines for the Review of Inclusion in Clinical Research. 

4. Vertebrate Animals: The committee will evaluate the involvement of live vertebrate animals as part of the scientific assessment according to the following three points: (1) a complete description of all proposed procedures including the species, strains, ages, sex, and total numbers of animals to be used; (2) justifications that the species is appropriate for the proposed research and why the research goals cannot be accomplished using an alternative non-animal model; and (3) interventions including analgesia, anesthesia, sedation, palliative care, and humane endpoints that will be used to limit any unavoidable discomfort, distress, pain and injury in the conduct of scientifically valuable research. Methods of euthanasia and justification for selected methods, if NOT consistent with the AVMA) Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals, is also required but is found in a separate section of the application.  For additional information on review of the Vertebrate Animals Section, please refer to the Worksheet for Review of the Vertebrate Animals Section.

5. Biohazards: Reviewers will assess whether materials or procedures proposed are potentially hazardous to research personnel and/or the environment, and if needed, determine whether adequate protection is proposed.

6. Resubmissions: For Resubmissions, the committee will evaluate the application as now presented, taking into consideration the responses to comments from the previous scientific review group and changes made to the project.

7. Renewals: Individual fellowship awards are generally not renewable. In rare cases in which fellowship recipients require further fellowship support, the committee will consider the progress made in the last funding period.

8. Revisions: Not Allowed

 5.2.4.   Additional Review Considerations (Applicant Instructions)

As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will consider each of the following items, but will not give scores for these items, and should not consider them in providing an overall impact score.

1. Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research: All applications for support under this NOFO must include a plan to fulfill NIH requirements for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR).  Taking into account the level of experience of the candidate, including any prior instruction or participation in RCR as appropriate for the candidate’s career stage, the reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the proposed RCR training in relation to the following five required components: 1) Format - the required format of instruction, i.e., face-to-face lectures, coursework, and/or real-time discussion groups (a plan with only on-line instruction is not acceptable); 2) Subject Matter - the breadth of subject matter, e.g., conflict of interest, authorship, data management, human subjects and animal use, laboratory safety, research misconduct, research ethics; 3) Faculty Participation - the role of the sponsor(s) and other faculty involvement in the fellow’s instruction; 4) Duration of Instruction - the number of contact hours of instruction (at least eight contact hours are required); and 5) Frequency of Instruction – instruction must occur during each career stage and at least once every four years.  Plans and past record will be rated as ACCEPTABLE or UNACCEPTABLE, and the summary statement will provide the consensus of the review committee. See also: NOT-OD-10-019 and NOT-OD-22-055.

2. Applications from Foreign Organizations: Reviewers will assess whether the project presents special opportunities for furthering research programs through the use of unusual resources, populations, or environmental conditions that exist in other countries and either are not readily available in the United States or augment existing U.S. resources.

3. Select Agent Research: Reviewers will assess the information provided in this section of the application, including 1) the Select Agent(s) to be used in the proposed research, 2) the registration status of all entities where Select Agent(s) will be used, 3) the procedures that will be used to monitor possession use and transfer of Select Agent(s), and 4) plans for appropriate biosafety, biocontainment, and security of the Select Agent(s).

4. Resource Sharing Plans: Reviewers will comment on whether the Resource Sharing Plan(s) (e.g., Sharing Model Organisms) or the rationale for not sharing the resources, is reasonable.

5. Authentication of Key Biological and/or Chemical Resources: For projects involving key biological and/or chemical resources, reviewers will comment on the brief plans proposed for identifying and ensuring the validity of those resources.

6. Budget and Period of Support: Reviewers will consider whether the budget and the requested period of support are fully justified and reasonable in relation to the proposed research.

5.3         Keys to a Strong Application[CB1]  and Application Checklist

5.3.1     Six Keys to a Strong Application [Based on compiled for the UI Medical Scientist Training Program by Ashley Hood]

1. You need to write the application, but be sure to make support and input from your mentor(s) front and center [CB2] (clearly outline mentor roles and be sure to coordinate with your mentor(s) to make sure that your statements and theirs are consistent).

2. Include a biosketch[CB3]  that complies with all agency requirements; note that it must be prepared and submitted using SciENcv[CB4] . A template from the SERCC is available to help you in preparing the content for this. 

3. Establish an exceptional research and career development team [mentor(s), co-sponsors[CB5] , advisory committee] that collectively covers all research and training needs.

4. In selecting individuals to write reference letters for you, be sure to include someone from outside your department, to show that you have external support.

5. Leave plenty of time to write the “Candidate’s Goals, Preparedness, and Potential”[CB6]  and “Training Activities and Timeline” documents for your application, and be thoughtful about your answers. Make sure that the planned research clearly supports your stated career goals.

6. Get several people [CB7] (some in your lab and some outside of your lab, e.g, an editor in the SERCC) to provide input on your draft, to ensure that it is easily understood by both scientist whose research area is closely related your field and scientists whose research interests lie outside of your proposed area of research. Be sure to do this early so that readers can provide detailed feedback and you have time to incorporate it.

5.3.2     Application Checklist[CB8] 

5.4.1     Documents that are key to evaluating the proposed research[CB9] 

1. Research Training Project Specific Aims: Brief summary of the background and scientific context for the proposed research describing the broad goals and specific aims of the research, as well as the expected outcomes and broader impact of the work. One page (submitted via the xxx form).

2. Research Training Project Strategy: Six page document that provides justification for the proposed work and describes the strategies and methods. The latter include support for feasibility of the study and contingency plans in case things don’t go as expected. Six pages (submitted via the xxx form).

3. Introduction to Resubmissions: Unsuccessful applications may be resubmitted once (subsequently the same application must be submitted as a new application), in which case an Introduction must be included. It summarizes any major changes to the application (changes may not be indicated in the application itself) and responses to issues in the summary statement from the previous submission. One page (submitted via the xxx form).

 Links to Resources[CB10] [CB11] 

• Template For a template, including an example, visit the link or see Research Training Project Specific Aims and Strategy Template. The template includes additional helpful tips, guidelines, and formatting instructions. This resource complies with FORMS-I.

• NIH Instructions For the NIH instructions for fellowships, see Fellowship Instructions for NIH and Other PHS Agencies. These are a fellowship-specific, filtered subset of the general instructions (General Instructions for NIH and Other PHS Agencies).

• SERCC Lectures SERCC created lectures covering individual components of NIH F series grants. Although these were created for the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) and focus on F30 applications, they are applicable to PhD applications as well and contain guidance for writing and organizing individual documents. These can be viewed as PDFs or as recorded video lectures.

  • What’s in an Aims Page Lecture

  • Addressing Rigor and Reproducibility in the Research Strategy Lecture

  • For all presentations, including those covering general success in scientific writing for grants, see SERCC Presentations. 

Notes about Resources

• It is important to check for updates to all instructions and consult the current Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for your specific fellowship application for any additional instructions. 

• To search for up-to-date (Active) funding opportunities, see Explore NIH Grant Opportunities. Under Filters, click Advanced Search, type F30 or F31 into the Activity Code filter, then search. In the desired fellowship row, click Grants.gov Record, scroll down, and then click the Link to Additional Information for the fellowship details. 

• SERCC Templates will be updated to reflect the most current NIH policies. Be sure to check for new versions if…

5.4.2 Documents That Are Key to Evaluating the Training Potential 

1. Candidate’s Goals, Preparedness, and Potential: Description of the applicant’s qualifications for the proposed training, goals, and potential for a productive career in biomedical research. Three pages (submitted via xxx).

2. Training Activities and Timeline: Overview of each training activity and when it will be completed. This should also include a description of 1) how each activity will help the applicant achieve the goals outlined in the “Goals, Preparedness, and Potential” section and 2) utilize the resources described in the “Facilities and Other Resources” section. Three pages.

3. Sponsor(s) Commitment: Document that is completed by the applicant’s sponsor and any co-sponsors. It should describe how the sponsor(s) will support the applicant throughout the fellowship. It is helpful for the applicant to provide the sponsor(s) with the “Goals, Preparedness, and Potential,” “Training Activities and Timeline,” and “Research Training Project” sections so that the sponsor(s) may specifically comment on the training and research goals the applicant has written about. Six pages.

4. Biosketch: A tailored version of your CV that conveys your qualifications for completing the fellowship. Unlike a typical CV, a biosketch includes a personal statement and contributions sections that show how your past experience has prepared you for the proposed research and training. A separate Biosketch must be completed by the applicant and each of the senior/key personnel and significant contributors. Five pages.

5. Letters of Recommendation and Support: These letters are completed by individuals who will provide the applicant with additional training or support and should detail their anticipated role in the proposed work. SERCC put together two presentations about how to request letters of recommendation and letters of support, linked below. Briefly, two types of letters can be added to your application. 

• Letters of recommendation. Three are required, but up to five can be submitted, and each can be up to two pages. Aim to formally request letters one month before the fellowship is due. It is helpful to provide the referee with key deadlines, fellowship documents, and details about what to include when you request the letter. Two weeks before the deadline, follow up with the referee. They must submit the letter through eRA commons before the fellowship deadline, at which point you will be able to see the completed submission, but the contents will remain hidden. 

• Letters of support. Six pages total are allowed for these letters, which are not required but could be pertinent to your specific proposal. These are letters describing institutional commitment or resources provided for your proposal, contributions from a collaborator, or support by a potential or current user of a resource or service proposed in your application. If you choose to request letters of support, be sure to mention the role of the supporters in your training plan for continuity. 

 Links to Resources

• Templates

  • Candidate’s Goals, Preparedness, and Potential Template

  • Training Activities and Timeline Template

  • Sponsor(s) Commitment Template

  • NIH Biosketch Template for Fellowships

• Lectures

  • Considerations for the Research Training Plan Lecture

  • Biosketch Lecture

  • Obtaining Letters of Recommendation and Support Lectures

5.4.3     Documents That May or May Not Affect Overall Impact Score but Must Be Submitted)

For detailed instructions for the following documents, see the Fellowship Instructions for NIH and Other PHS Agencies.

1. Cover Letter –The cover letter includes administrative information listed in instructions, including a list of the applicant’s referees. Other information includes the timing and nature of delay for late applications, any changes or corrections submitted after the due date, certain budget conditions, a statement of intent if a video will be submitted with the application, a statement if the proposed study will generate large-scale genomic data, and a statement if the proposed study will use human fetal tissue from elective abortions. The cover letter is not evaluated with the rest of the application and is not seen by peer reviewers.

2. Project Summary/Abstract – This document is a brief description of the proposed research that should stand on its own, apart from the rest of the application. It should include the long-term objective, specific aims, methods, and the health relatedness of the proposed work specific to the mission of the funding agency. Avoid discussing previous work and using first person voice. Also, avoid including proprietary or confidential information as this section is made public if the award is funded. 30 lines maximum

3. Project Narrative – Short description of the public health relevance of the proposed research. If the award is funded, this section is made public. Three sentences maximum.

Bibliography and Works Cited – List of references to the previous work you cite in your application.

1. Facilities and Other Resources – Description of the scientific environment in which you will complete the proposed work and the resources available to enable you to meet your research and training goals. This includes both physical resources and the intellectual rapport of your institution or environment. If working with biohazardous or other dangerous materials, describe safety measures. Your PI will likely have a good starting draft for this document from their previous grant submissions that you can tailor to your fellowship. SERCC has also developed a template for this document with information on content and organization and some boilerplate text that may be applicable. Facilities and Resources Template

2. Equipment – List of the equipment available to conduct the proposed studies in the fellowship application. Your PI will likely have a good starting draft for this document from their previous grant submissions that you can tailor to your fellowship

3. Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research – Description of the training the applicant has received and will receive in responsible conduct of research. Because this is something that is typically integrated into the graduate curriculum, departments will likely have templates and/or examples available. One page. 

5.5.1     Key documents covered in the SF424 (R&R) Form

Cover Letter Attachment: [CB12] The cover letter includes administrative information listed in instructions, including a list of the applicant’s referees. Other information includes the timing and nature of delay for late applications, any changes or corrections submitted after the due date, certain budget conditions, a statement of intent if a video will be submitted with the application, a statement if the proposed study will generate large-scale genomic data, and a statement if the proposed study will use human fetal tissue from elective abortions. The cover letter is not evaluated with the rest of the application and is not seen by peer reviewers. Find detailed instructions in Fellowship Instructions for NIH and Other PHS Agencies.

 PHS Assignment Request Form (Optional)

5.5.2 Key documents to upload via the SF424 (R&R) Other Project Information

Project Summary/Abstract: This document is a brief description of the proposed research that should stand on its own, apart from the rest of the application. It should include the long-term objective, specific aims, methods, and the health relatedness of the proposed work specific to the mission of the funding agency. Avoid discussing previous work and using first person voice. Also, avoid including proprietary or confidential information as this section is made public if the award is funded. 30 lines maximum.

 Project Narrative: Short description of the public health relevance of the proposed research. If the award is funded, this section is made public. Three sentences maximum.

Bibliography and References Cited: List of references to the previous work you cite in your application. For formatting instructions, see Fellowship Instructions for NIH and Other PHS Agencies.

Facilities and Other Resources: Description of the scientific environment in which you will complete the proposed work and the resources available to enable you to meet your research and training goals. This includes both physical resources and the intellectual rapport at your institution or environment. If working with biohazardous or other dangerous materials, describe safety measures. Your PI will likely have a good starting draft for this document from their previous grant submissions that you can tailor to your fellowship. The SERCC has also developed a template for this document that provides information on content and organization and some boilerplate text that may be applicable. Facilities and Resources Template

Equipment List of the equipment available to conduct the studies proposed in the fellowship application. Your PI will likely have a good starting draft for this document from their previous grant submissions that you can tailor to your fellowship.

5.5.3 Key documents to upload via the SF424 (R&R) Project/Performance Site Location form

5.5.4. Key documents to upload via the SF424 (R&R) Senior/Key Person Profile form

In a fellowship application, the graduate student applying for the award is considered the PI/PD and the faculty mentor is the sponsor. Since you are the PI/PD on the application, you must have an eRA Commons account with the PI role that is affiliated with the applicant organization. 

Biosketch: The biographical sketch, or biosketch, is akin to a CV formatted for an NIH grant proposal. According to the NIH, a biosketch “documents an individual's qualifications and experience for a specific role in a project,” (nih.grants.gov, 2025). The biosketch comprises 3 sections: the personal statement; positions, scientific appointments, and honors; and contributions to science. To help you decide what to include, SERCC created a fellowship-specific template explaining how to fill in each section of the biosketch. The template also includes two completed examples. An accompanying lecture from SERCC is available to provide additional details. NIH Biosketch Template for Fellowships, Biosketch Lecture

5.5.5 Key documents to upload via the PHS Fellowship Supplemental Form

Introduction: An Introduction to the Application is required only for resubmissions or if specified in the NOFO. The introduction should include a summary of any major changes to the application (do not indicate or markup changes in the application itself) and responses to issues in the summary statement from the previous submission. One page. 

Candidate Section: The Candidate’s Goals, Preparedness, and Potential document is a place to showcase how your previous experience prepared you to complete the proposed research training plan, to demonstrate that you possess the drive and traits to successfully complete the plan, and to explain how the training during the fellowship period will increase your potential to become a productive scientist. These criteria are evaluated based on four statements: Overall Training Goals, Candidate’s Preparedness, Candidate’s Self-Assessment, and Scientific Perspective. To help you complete this document, the SERCC has created a template with instructions and examples of content to include in each section. Candidate’s Goals, Preparedness, and Potential Template

Research Training Plan: The Training Activities and Timeline document is a place to describe the target timeline for each activity proposed in your fellowship application and how they will promote both the completion of your research aims and your development as a scientist. Information about how you and your sponsor have/will collaborate on the proposed plan and the suitability of the training environment is also included. This document can be organized into four sections: activities planned under this award; contribution of training activities to overall fellowship goals; transition to next career goal; and sponsors, collaborators, and training environment. To help you understand what to include in each section, the SERCC has built a template with detailed instructions and examples. A lecture from the SERCC is also available; it includes descriptions of grant scoring criteria that are useful to keep in mind as you write. Training Activities and Timeline Template, Considerations for the Research Training Plan Lecture

The Research Training Project Specific Aims document of the fellowship application is a crucial one page overview of the research project goals, or aims. Although only a few reviewers will read your entire application, many will read the specific aims page to get a general overview of your proposal before scoring. With this in mind, it is important to outline the importance of the proposed work, the gap in knowledge that the work will fill, the objective and central hypothesis, each aim, and the expected outcomes and impact of the work when successfully completed. The SERCC developed a template that provides guidelines for content that should be included in the Research Training Project Specific Aims. The template contains both tips on what to write in each section and how to write it effectively, and a completed example. Although the template is based on NIH F series fellowship guidelines, it can be easily adapted to other applications. The formatting in the template is meant to highlight concepts but not to be carried over to the final document, so be sure to cut and paste the content you develop in this document into a fresh one[CB13] . A lecture from SERCC providing more details about how to write the specific aims page, as well as tips on style and information on scoring, is also available. Research Training Project Specific Aims and Strategy Template What’s in an Aims Page Lecture

The Research Training Project Strategy document contains the bulk of the scientific plans for your proposal. The proposed aims are described in detail over two levels: the scientific foundation and rationale, and the approach. Together, these sections cover background information to support the proposed research, justification for the scientific rigor of the project, descriptions of why and how each aim will be performed, potential pitfalls and outcomes, and the overall importance and potential impact of the project. To help you complete the Research Training Project Strategy, the SERCC developed a template with guidelines for the structure and content of this document. A lecture on one of the main scoring criteria, rigor and reproducibility, as it applies to the research training plan, is also provided by the SERCC. This lecture covers NIH instructions, content to include to address rigor and reproducibility, wording to make your writing compelling, and examples of what NIH reviewers like to see. Research Training Project Specific Aims and Strategy Template Addressing Rigor and Reproducibility in the Research Strategy Lecture

Progress Report Publication List

Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research

Commitment to Candidate, Mentoring, and Training Environment: The Sponsor(s) Commitment document is your PI’s, or “sponsor’s”, opportunity to describe their role in the proposed research and training plan, their ability to help you accomplish your goals, and the suitability of your skillset and the environment to the proposed research. This document contains 5-6 sections: mentoring approach and candidate mentoring plan; prior commitment to training and mentoring; commitment to the candidate’s research training plan; research training environment; candidate’s potential; and, if proposed, clinical trial training. The SERCC created a template to guide sponsors through writing this document, with suggestions for what to include and how to structure each section.  Sponsor(s) Commitment Template

Other documents that contribute to xxx are not discussed in detail here because…[IMAGES]

The NIH provides guidance to authors at three levels:

SF424 Application Guide: This manual provides general instructions regarding applications by activity code (e.g., Fellowship (F), Career (K), Research (R)), as shown in Fig. X and can be downloaded as a PDF via the document that the header of this paragraph links to. These instructions are typically valid for broad categories of applications and for multiple years. When major changes to NIH instructions are implemented (e.g., changes in grant structure like the replacement of “Significance and Background” with “Significance” and “Innovation” sections as specific subsections of grants in 2011?) or significant new requirements are incorporated (e.g., explicit discussion rigor and reproducibility in the Significance and Approach sections in 2016?), the SF424 guidelines are updated to a new “Form.” At the time of this writing (January 2026), the valid instructions were referred to as SF424 Forms I (Fig. X). 

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): These provide specific instructions for a particular funding mechanism, e.g., for specific types of R01 or F31 applications. For many grant types, both a parent NOFO and more specialized versions exist (e.g., standard, investigator-initiated R01 application vs. an R01 application entitled Advancing Research on the Application of Digital Health Technology to the Management of Type 2 Diabetes). NOFOs include information about due dates, which NIH institutes participate in the program, and specific requirements that do not apply to the standard version of that funding mechanism. Because these instructions can be for application types that have a very specific purpose, they supersede the guidance in both the “Parent NOFO” and the standard guidance in the SF424 Application Guide.

Related Notices: These typically provide updates to NOFOs, or clarifications, that are made after the SF424 and NOFO of interest are published. They therefore supersede both the instructions in the SF424 Application Guide and NOFOs. You can find these notices by checking the NOFO for the funding opportunity of interest periodically; they will be linked to the NOFO when they are published.

Conflicting information: Sometimes the information in Related Notices, NOFOs, and the SF424 Application Guide conflict. In those cases, rely on the most specific source of information, as outlined in Fig. X.

[  Will probably be a paragraph or two and some LINKS} 

 5.8         Instructional Videos from NIH 

• NIH Webinar: Focus on Fellowships Part 1. Introduction to NIH Fellowship Funding Opportunities 

• NIH Webinar: Focus on Fellowships Part 2. Information for Candidates 

• NIH Webinar: Focus on Fellowships Part 3. Fellowship Application Review 

• NIH Webinar: Focus on Fellowships Part 4. Information for Sponsors