Research Skills Courses
Research skills training, ongoing support, and helpful resources
Explore a range of workshops designed to strengthen research skills across all stages of your academic career. These training opportunities provide practical tools, expert guidance, and strategies to support successful research and scholarship.
R-Award Fall Seminar Series
This live seminar series is designed for UC Davis faculty who are preparing to write and submit their first NIH R-Award. While the sessions are a part of a series, they may be taken individually based on your needs.
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Session One
NIH R-Grants: Structure, Storytelling, and Strategy
Register to save the datePresented by Cyndi Schumann, Ph.D., Erica Chedin, Ph.D., and Heather Hughes, Ph.D.
A successful NIH R-grant combines strong science with a clear, compelling story that reviewers can understand and champion. This session covers the major parts of an R-series application and the review process, with practical guidance on framing goals, using visuals effectively, anticipating reviewer concerns, and writing with strategic detail and clarity.
Oct. 7, 2026 | 12-1:30 p.m.
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Session Two
Visual Strategies for a More Compelling Grant
Register to save the datePresented by Cynthia Schumann, Ph.D., Heather Hughes, Ph.D., and Erin Carlson, M.Sc.
This session will focus on developing effective figures to communicate your grant story clearly and persuasively. Participants will learn what makes a grant figure effective, the strengths and limitations of tools such as AI platforms and BioRender, and why drawing on multiple platforms may be the most effective strategy.
Nov. 18, 2026 | 12-1:30 p.m.
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Session Three
Funding Opportunities Beyond NIH:
Register to save the dateFoundations, Corporations, and Other Federal Sources
Presented by Presented by UC Davis Foundation and Corporate Engagement Development, and The Conafay Group
The UC Davis Foundation and Corporate Engagement team will present an overview of foundation and corporate funding opportunities. The Conafay Group will present on navigating Department of Defense (DoD) research and development funding opportunities, including the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), the Defense Health Agency (DHA), and other relevant DoD programs. Attendees will come away with a stronger understanding of these funding sources and practical considerations for successfully pursuing foundation, corporate, and DoD research funding.
Dec. 9, 2026 | 12-1:30 p.m.
More Training
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Center for Precision Medicine and Data Sciences (CPMDS) Lunch and Learn Series
View more detailsThis six-session series, held during the spring and fall terms, will highlight UC Davis–specific resources and platforms, including clinical data access, omics cores, imaging analytics, and responsible AI applications. Sessions are designed for clinicians, researchers, trainees, and staff, and are open to all levels of experience.
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NIH OITE: Tips for Effective Conversations
Watch the recording on YouTubeOffered by the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE), this presentation discusses best practices for communication with mentees.
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2020 Grant Writing Bootcamp
Access archives of recorded sessionsThe highly-interactive grant writing bootcamp was designed to increase participants’ knowledge of (and facility with) the grant writing process, covering everything from finding funding to managing time, writing drafts, and soliciting feedback. Suitable for researchers and creative practitioners of all disciplines and skill levels.