Q: Does the 5-page limit include references and figures?
A: No, references and figures are in addition to the 5-page limit.
Q: What size margins and font should I use?
A: No less than ½ inch and no less than 11pt font.
Q: Do I need to include actual letters of support or just contact details of 3 references?
A: We need actual letters of support from 3 references.
Q: Should references letters be sent directly to NYSCF?
A: We prefer reference letters to be included in your single PDF file. If your referees are not comfortable sending references letters directly to you, they can send them to the indicated email address investigators@nyscf.org or neuroscienceinvestigators@nyscf.org with your name in the subject line.
Q: Do the letters need to be received by the closing date?
A: Yes, to guarantee reference letters are included in your application, you will need to make sure your referees send their letters by the RFA closing date.
Q: Do I need to include a budget?
A: No, you do not need to include a budget in your application.
Q: Is there a minimum percent effort?
A: No percent effort needs to be declared, since this is a career development award given to a person rather than a project.
Q: Do I need to have the cover page signed by an institutional official?
A: No, not at this time. Please just list your financial grants officer and his or her contact information on the cover page.
Q: How much information do you need for "details of other support"?
A: Current sources of funding are sufficient. You can just provide the names of funders, title of award/project, grant amounts and dates. At this point, additional information is not necessary.
Q: Do proposals for the neuroscience investigator awards program really not need to involve stem cells?
A: That is correct. Neuroscience investigator proposals do NOT need to involve stem cells, and preference will not be given whether the project involves stem cells or not.
Q: If unsuccessful, can I reapply in subsequent years?
A: Yes.
Q: Will the RFA be released again next year?
A: Yes, it should be released again next year.
Q: Can I apply to both the stem cell investigator awards and the neuroscience investigator awards programs?
A: Yes, but only one of the applications can be funded.
Q: What is the funding start date?
A: January 1
Q: What is the funding rate?
A: At this time, it is NYSCF's policy to not disclose funding rates for this award.
Q: I have been awarded R01 grants and other NIH awards. Am I still eligible?
A: Yes, this award is meant to be a career development award to supplement funding in your laboratory and accelerate the pace of the research.
Q: What makes a position equivalent to a tenure track faculty position?
A: If selected for the award, you will need to be able to provide documentation from your department head detailing independent status and institutional commitment, both financially and in the form of dedicated laboratory space.
Q: My faculty appointment will not begin until _____. Am I eligible to apply?
A: As long as your faculty appointment will begin by the funding start date, January 1 of the year following your award, you are eligible to apply.
If you have further questions please contact Kristin Smith at investigators@nyscf.org or neuroscienceinvestigators@nyscf.org
