Skip to main content

Faculty Academic Affairs and Professional Development section navigation

Researcher Survival Skills

This workshop series is designed to provide researchers with the skills they need to succeed in academic medicine. Traditional skills like manuscript and grant writing will be discussed, as well as addressing lab/research team management, people skills, navigating research administration, and other topics not covered in professional school. It is suggested to consider this series as a curriculum where each session builds on previous ones, but faculty are also welcome to attended individual sessions as well.



Upcoming

NIH R01 Proposal Development Academy

This 8-week proposal development academy will orient researchers to NIH and its most frequently used award mechanisms - the R01. The academy will review the core components of R01 applications, provide suggestions for structuring your proposal, and demystify the review process. This academy is most appropriate for early career faculty members and others who have not yet secured an R01 or equivalent award. Applicants at any stage of readiness are welcome and those committed to applying within the next 6-12 months are particularly encouraged to join.

The workshop series will be held live on Mondays from noon-1 p.m. via Zoom.

Session dates:

* Sep 28, 2026
* Oct 5, 2026
* Oct 12, 2026
* Oct 19, 2026
* Oct 26, 2026
* Nov 2, 2026
* Nov 9, 2026
* Nov 16, 2026

Previous

Aug. 12, 2026 New NIH Review Process

In this interactive session, attendees will gain an insider’s perspective on the updated NIH grant review process from School of Medicine faculty with direct study section experience. The session will begin with a concise overview of NIH study section structure, review processes, and scoring systems to provide participants with a clear understanding of how applications are evaluated. Panelists will highlight recent changes to review criteria, explain how these shifts are influencing reviewer perspectives, and share practical insights into the second level of review—shedding light on how it shapes both study section discussions and final funding decisions.

Speaker: Lawrence Boise, PhD (professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology), Molly Perkins (professor, Deparment of Medicine), PhD, Christopher Scharer, PhD (associate professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology) and Richard Wainford, PhD (Professor, Department of Medicine: Cardiology)

Richard Wainford's Simplified Review Framework of how study sections/scoring systems work

From the Audience

"This session was very helpful and I made sure another colleague tuned into the session."
"Thank you for this excellent session! Really engaging and well presented."

Feb. 11, 2026 Creating and managing grant budgets

This session offers a practical overview of budgeting strategies for research projects. Attendees will learn the key components of a strong budget, hot to align financial planning with project goals, and tips for managing common challenges during both the planning and implementation phases. This talk emphasizes strategic thinking, transparency, and compliance in building effective, fundable proposals. 

Speaker: Zirka Smith, MPH, DRPH (Executive Administrator for Academic Affairs and Administration, Department of Medicine) and Samantha Yeligar (Associate Professor, Medicine: Pulmonary) 

From the Audience

"This was seriously the best and most comprehensive talk that I have ever seen on grant management...Fantastic."
"This is one of the best and most informative Research seminars I have attended."

Aug. 27, 2025 Pivoting research

This workshop discusses strategies for pivoting research in response to funding challenges and exploring alternative funding sources beyond the NIH. It highlights opportunities through other federal agencies, private foundations, professional societies, and industry partnerships as ways to sustain and expand research programs designed to support faculty in navigating research pivots during periods of uncertainty or transition. 

Speaker: Stacy Heilman, PhD (Associate Professor, Pediatrics)

Alternative Funding Mechanisms (Non-NIH) Slide Deck

From the Audience

“This was seriously the best and most comprehensive talk that I have ever seen on grant management and really think our department would benefit from hearing this on a more frequent basis. It was awesome.” – Zanthia Wiley, Department of Medicine 

Bonus: New NIH focus areas – Kimberly Eck, MPH, PhD (Associate Vice President for Research, Office of Senior Vice President for Research)

View New NIH Focus Areas slide deck

New NIH Focus Areas Slide Deck

From the Audience

“Many thanks to the panelists. I learnt a great deal and am certain others found the information equally helpful and energizing, all while grounded in the reality of the moment.”– Saria Hassan, Department of Medicine 

Feb. 12, 2025 New NIH Biosketch

NIH is adopting the Biographical Sketch Common Form for application due dates and report submission dates on or after May 25, 2025. Join for a discussion with experts from the Office of Research Compliance and Regulatory Affairs (RCRA) on the new form.

View Slide Deck