Frequently Asked Questions & Program Expectations
Below questions frequently asked by trainees.
Each trainee receives up to $1000 for travel and research supplies. Full details are outlined in the trainee’s appointment letter. Trainees will receive regular updates regarding the status of travel and supply funds.
As a general guide, allowable expenses include lab supplies (e.g. pipettes, test tubes), other research-related expenses (e.g. research subject costs), specific project-related software (e.g. statistical analysis software), annual memberships and license fees, and domestic travel to research conferences. Unallowable expenses include general office supplies (paper, pens), large equipment and computers (e.g. autoclave, laptop), general software (e.g. Microsoft programs, Adobe Acrobat), memberships and license fees > 1 year, and international travel.
Yes, you may travel to more than one conference or training workshop (e.g. The Endocrine Society’s Early Investigator’s Workshop) at the discretion of your mentor and providing you have sufficient funds to cover the cost. Trainees are encouraged to pursue outside travel grants to help defray the cost of attending conferences.
Any NRSA postdoctoral trainees or fellow incurs a payback obligation during their first year of support. Pre-doctoral NRSA trainees do not incur a payback obligation. Payback means that you will perform qualified research or teaching activities for a length of time equal to the period of NRSA support you received. Receiving 12 months of postdoctoral training support obligates you to perform 12 months of qualified research or teaching activities as payback. Only the first year of training incurs a payback obligation; the second year of training pays back the first year, with each month of qualifying payback activity paying back one month of NRSA support. If you receive two full years of NRSA training, you will have completed your payback obligation. In general, payback activity must involve at least 20 hours per week and be conducted over 12 consecutive months. Special exceptions to these requirements may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Additional resources on Payback Obligations can be found on the NIH website:
Responsible Conduct of Research | Predoctoral: "Colloquium on Integrity in Biomedical Research" course (part of DGP curriculum) Postdoctoral: Taking "Responsibility for Responsible Conduct of Research" course offered by NUCATS | ||
Scholarly Activities |
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Career Development Activities
| Participation in all NUPEDHA-sponsored career development activities, e.g.
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Grant Submission | An NIH-format grant as appropriate for training level (e.g. F32, K08, K23 or R01) must be submitted to NUPEDHA Program Directors annually. This application must be a final document in a relevant NIH-grant format but does not need to be submitted to NIH. A grant must be received for review by the end of month 10 of each appointment year to qualify for reappointment. A substantially revised application can be submitted after the first year of appointment. | ||
Progress Updates & Program Evaluation |
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Annual Research Symposium | Attendance is required by all trainees and their mentors at this annual symposium attended by NUPEDHA Faculty and the Advisory Committee. Each trainee gives a formal presentation on his/her research project and career development plan. | ||
Ongoing Program Obligations |
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Publication Milestones | Predoctoral:
Postdoctoral:
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