Due This Month: Intramural Research Fellowship (IRF)
Funding opportunity for all NICHD fellows
In 2017, DIR launched the Intramural Research Fellowship (IRF), a competitive research funding opportunity for NICHD postdoctoral, visiting, and clinical fellows. Its main objective is to promote grant writing among our intramural trainees, while enhancing awareness of the various components of an NIH grant application.
The IRF submission date is Monday, September 8, 2021. For more information on the IRF, please visit NICHD Intramural Research Fellowships or email Dr. Triesta Fowler (fowlerlt@mail.nih.gov).
Due This Month: Salzman Virology Award Application
The Salzman Virology Awards honor the 40-year career of Dr. Norman P. Salzman in virology research and his accomplishments in mentoring of young scientists. Two awards will be given. One postdoctoral fellow will receive a plaque and an award of $2,500. One graduate student/postbaccalaureate trainee will receive a plaque and an award of $1,000. The mentors of the awardees will each receive a plaque. The winners will give talks during the virtual 23rd Annual Norman P. Salzman Memorial Symposium in Basic and Clinical Virology on Monday, November 8, while selected other applicants will be invited to present posters.
The application due date for the Salzman Virology Awards is September 30, 2021. Application forms and eligibility information can be found at fnih.org/SalzmanSymposium.
Due Next Month: PRAT Program Applications Due October 4
Fellows in the NIGMS Postdoctoral Research Associate Training (PRAT) program receive three years of stipend support to conduct independent, mentored research in an NIH intramural laboratory. The PRAT application process is like the F32 Postdoctoral NRSA, and applicants who are already in the NIH intramural program may apply if they began postdoctoral training on or after June 1, 2020, and are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
The PRAT program is especially interested in ensuring the applicant pool reflects the diversity of the biomedical PhD talent pool, and strongly encourages applications from scientists in groups underrepresented in the biomedical sciences. For more information about the program, eligibility, and the NIGMS mission, please visit https://www.nigms.nih.gov/training/pages/prat.aspx.
NICHD Annual Postbac Seminar Series: Professional Development and Career Exploration
The next cycle of our Annual Postbac Seminar Series begins this month!
Currently there are over 100 postbacs conducting clinical and basic science research in our intramural laboratories. During your one or two years of training here at the NICHD, we want you to have an enriched research experience, while at the same time growing more prepared and excited about your chosen career path.
The year’s course will take place (virtually*) on Wednesdays, from 1 to 2 p.m. The intent is to create a comfortable environment within a small group of peers to help postbacs improve their analytical skills as scientists, while expanding their knowledge of biomedical research and its relevance to human health.
This course also focuses on professional development:
- Learning how to present your science
- Exploring different career trajectories
- Meeting physicians and scientists from various clinical or research settings
- Preparing for the medical or graduate school application cycle (including interviews!)
*All sessions will be held via Zoom until NIH guidance permits in-person meetings.
Upcoming sessions (to take place from 1 to 2 p.m. unless otherwise indicated):
| Date | Speaker | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| September 29 | Public Speaking Coach, Scott Morgan | Speaking About Science: Giving Scientific Presentations |
| October 20 | Public Speaking Coach, Scott Morgan | Interviewing for Professional School |
Additional sessions will be announced in upcoming newsletter issues, and via email. Enrollment in this course will be limited to 25 students to allow maximum participation and interaction with the instructors.
If you are interested in joining the class, please email Katherine Lamb (katherine.lamb@nih.gov) to register and let her know which sessions you plan to attend.
The Fellow's Safety Committee is Recruiting New Members
The Fellow’s Safety Committee was started by NIH fellows to act as a conduit between the research community and the Division of Health and Safety (DOHS). We provide a platform for fellows to discuss safety in and out of the laboratory and the opportunity to take part in a service activity.
The ability to perform cutting edge science safely is an in-demand skill that will distinguish you to future employers. When you join the committee, you have the opportunity to gain leadership experience and network with DOHS and across multiple ICs here at NIH. Please feel free to reach out to our Secretary/Outreach Coordinator Anna SantaMaria (anna.santamaria@nih.gov) for more information!
Save the Date: Wednesday, October 27, Annual DIPHR & DIR Joint Scientific Retreat
Please mark your calendars for the annual DIPHR & DIR Joint Scientific Retreat, which will be held virtually this year on Wednesday, October 27. We strongly encourage all NICHD intramural researchers, PIs, and lab members to attend as we celebrate our research achievements and try to spark new ideas and collaborations.
Agenda coming soon!