Guidlines
Instructions for reviewers
New investigators and investigators in training are typically not very experienced in the preparation of applications and expression of research plans. In the MCRCDP Program, we believe that the best indicators of the applicant’s future success include: the applicant’s training and experience; the experiences, quality and commitment of the selected mentoring team; the environment in which the scholar will work and learn; and the commitment of the applicant’s department to nurturing and developing the applicant’s career. While it is important that the research proposed by the applicant be scientifically sound, we are asking that reviewers weigh these other factors more heavily than the research plan.
Applicant
- Is the applicant prepared, in terms of background and experiences, to undertake this program?
- Does the applicant demonstrate a plan to achieve short and long-term goals that would lean to a successful career in multidisciplinary clinical research?
- Does the applicant have a record of independent accomplishments that would lead to a successful research career?
Career Development Plan
- Is the career development plan appropriate to the applicant's establishing a multidisciplinary clinical research career?
- Is the career development plan consistent with the applicant's previous training and career goals?
Research Environment
- Does the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success?
- Is the applicant affiliated with a University Center, Institute or laboratory?
Mentors
- Do the mentors represent different disciplines, specialties or subspecialties?
- Do the mentors have sufficient experience in mentoring and conducting research?
- Have the mentors developed an adequate and appropriate team plan for mentoring the applicant?
Institutional Commitment
- Is the division chief or department chair enthusiastic about the applicant?
- Is the division chief or department chair committed to the applicant's long term career at the University?
- Is the division chief or department chair providing resources (e.g., seed monies, administrative support) to support the applicant's research advancement?
- Do the other references speak to the applicant's ability to have a successful career in multidisciplinary clinical research?
Research Plan
Significance:
- Does this study address an important problem?
- If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge or clinical practice be advanced?
Approach:
- Are the conceptual or clinical framework, design, methods, and analyses adequate and feasible?
- Is the research plan appropriate to the applicant's stage of training and experience?
Innovation:
- Is the project original and innovative? For example: Does the project challenge existing paradigms or clinical practice; address an innovative hypothesis or critical barrier to progress in the field?
- Does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools, or technologies for this area?
Multidisciplinary:
- Does the research project address the problem using different perpectives from several disciplines, specialties, or subspecialties?
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