Co-developed by research development professionals at Utah State University, Montana State University, the University of Idaho, the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, and AtKisson Training Group, InterFACE (Faculty Academy for Competitive Excellence) is a new multi-institutional initiative to support faculty developing competitive proposals for select external funding opportunities.
In 2024, InterFACE will focus on the strategic development of National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 (research project grant) applications. A limited number of USU faculty will be selected to participate in the program through a university-wide application process. More information is available in the Applications section of this page. The University of Nebraska – Lincoln will be the host institution for 2024 in-person activities.
Format
Through didactic and experiential learning, small group collaboration, mock review panels, and expert consultation, the InterFACE: NIH R01 Academy will guide participants as they prepare a complete R01 application, including Specific Aims, research strategy, budget, and ancillary documents. Because this is a multi-institutional program, participants will have the opportunity to network with faculty from participating institutions.
Schedule
InterFACE: NIH R01 Academy programming will occur in April and May 2024. Formal programming will be followed by two rounds of proposal review during the summer and fall with an intended proposal submission date in February 2025. Faculty participants are encouraged to meet regularly with their learning pods throughout the program.
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Monday, April 8, and Tuesday, April 9 In-person, University of Nebraska – Lincoln |
NIH R01 Development Workshop, Part 1 (Developing and Funding an NIH R01; Specific Aims) AtKisson Training Group |
| Thursday, April 18 | Specific Aims due for review |
| Thursday, May 16, and Friday, May 17 In-person, University of Nebraska – Lincoln |
NIH R01 Development Workshop, Part 2 (Research Strategy) AtKisson Training Group |
| June 2024 (virtual) | Check-in meeting |
| August 2024 | Full proposal due for non-technical review |
| October 2024 (virtual) | Round-robin peer review |
| Wednesday, November 1 | Full proposal due for technical review |
| Friday, November 22 | Proposal returned from technical review |
| Wednesday, February 5, 2025 | NIH R01 submission |
| NOTE: Participants are responsible for scheduling times to meet virtually with their assigned learning pod throughout the program. | |
Eligibility
USU faculty who are conducting research in areas fundable by NIH and who have not yet received R01 support as a principal investigator are eligible to apply.
Applications
All eligible USU faculty are invited to apply for the InterFACE: NIH R01 Academy. To apply, applicants must submit the following as a single PDF file:
- An NIH Specific Aims page (one page maximum)
- An NIH biosketch
- One paragraph describing the project’s significance and one paragraph describing the project’s innovation (one page maximum)
- A short statement describing the applicant’s interest in and readiness for the InterFACE: NIH R01 Academy, including details about relevant publications and availability of preliminary/feasibility data (one page maximum)
The application period for the 2024 Academy is now closed.
Review and Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed internally by the Office of Research and the Research Development team. Application review criteria include:
- A clear connection between the applicant’s project aims and level of readiness for program participation (e.g., record of relevant peer-reviewed publications and availability of preliminary/feasibility data).
- Alignment between the applicant’s project aims and opportunities for NIH R01 support.
- Ability to participate in program activities to the greatest extent possible, including travel to Lincoln, NE for in-person workshops in April and May.
In consultation with senior administrators in the applicants’ colleges/departments, participant selection decisions and announcements will be made in early March.
Program Support
The Office of Research will cover the following costs for selected faculty:
- Fees for in-person workshops provided by AtKisson Training Group
- 50% of travel costs to the in-person workshops, held at the 2024 host institution (University of Nebraska – Lincoln)
- NOTE: The remaining 50% of travel costs to the in-person workshops must be covered by the faculty member's college/department
- Costs associated with individualized proposal mentoring and reviews provided by AtKisson Training Group
Questions?
For questions about the InterFACE: NIH R01 Academy, contact Jeri Hansen, Director of Research Development.