Full applications should include the following information:

Title of research project: Choose a title that is descriptive and specific, not general.

Applicant(s): Provide name, degree(s), title(s), and affiliation(s) of both the trainee and the mentor(s) working on the project.

Contact information: Provide applicant mailing address (including institution, department, etc.), telephone number, and email address.

Budget: Indicate the total dollar amount ($US) requested (maximum allowable request is $4,000).

Will this project require access to SMS Patient Registry data? (yes/no)

Research ethics compliance: If human subjects are involved, please explain the process for recruitment and informed consent. Relevant existing IRB or animal use approvals should be included. If ethics approval is pending, explain the plan and timeline for ethics approval within your application. If the PI of the study protocol is different than the mentor for this application, please briefly explain.

Research Plan (2 pages)

• Abstract: Provide a brief abstract that addresses the following (250 words):
  1. What problem does the research project address?
  2. Why is the work important to those affected by SMS?
  3. How will the research project be accomplished?
  4. How will this project be valuable for the trainee?
• Specific aims: Describe concisely the specific goals of the research, including any hypotheses to be tested, and the project objectives.
• Significance: State the significance of the proposed study.
• Research and design methods:
  • Describe the background and premise of the proposed study.
  • Describe any preliminary data supporting the planned study.
  • Describe the research design and methodology to accomplish the project’s specific aims. Include the study population, means by which data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted.
  • Define and describe the expected outcomes of the study.
• Timeline: State briefly the projected timeline and expectations for publication of findings.

Budget and Justification (1 page)

• A detailed budget must be provided to justify the funding request and to support the proposed project. No indirect costs are allowed. The maximum allowable request is $4,000.

Applicant CV. If applicant is not yet determined, please explain the type of trainee sought for this research study and the oversight, mentorship, and supervision to be provided.

Mentor CV. (NIH Bio sketch is acceptable)

Ethics approval letter. If pending, an approval letter must be provided prior to funding of the award.

Grant Application Checklist:

• Complete online application (due February 28, 2026)
• Upload completed research application proposal as a single pdf:
  • Research plan
  • Budget and justification
  • Applicant CV
  • Mentor CV
  • IRB for access to SMS Patient Registry
  • Protocol approval letter
    If approval letter is pending, the funding cannot be distributed until the letter is submitted.