R-Award Program
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.
My grant writing improved substantially as a result of participating in this program. The program is very practical and hands on. I learned how to frame and write different portions of a grant and received invaluable feedback along the way.”—Michelle Dossett, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.
Program Details
Program Features
Participants can expect:
- Integrated dynamic workshops, progress presentations, and peer review accountability sessions.
- Activities and resources designed to provide participants with the tools and knowledge they need to write a successful R-award application (e.g., proposal writing seminar, mock review).
- Group sessions featuring guest speakers with established track records of external funding.
- Self-directed peer group activities where participants will share and review proposal sections, provide constructive feedback, and address problems and needs.
- A review of final application materials by our grantsmanship team and experienced researchers with a strong track record of obtaining R-award-level grants.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the program, candidates must:
- Have a UC Davis faculty appointment.
- Have a doctoral or other clinical terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M.)
- Have demonstrated success in obtaining funding for research.
- Be willing to commit to full program.
- Have not yet been Principal Investigators on an R01 award.
- Have a mentor for the project that is:
- Familiar with your project and willing to provide support.
- Willing to participate in bi-monthly mentoring sessions.
- Willing to review your grant.
- Willing to participate in a Mock Study Section.
Application Process
Be prepared to include the following documents in your application:
- Project Summary (≤ 500 words)
- NIH Bio-sketch (docx)
- Chair Statement of Commitment (PDF)
- Mentor Statement of Commitment (PDF)
Please write all documents in lay terms.
Consider the R-Award Seminar Series
Open to all UC Davis faculty and researchers, these informative sessions can be taken as a series, or individually.
View the scheduleReal feedback from R-Award Program participants:
I received the notice of acceptance for my first R01! I cannot thank you enough for guiding me through the entire R01 process. This would not have been possible without your support, guidance, and the incredible R01 Writing Program. The feedback, structure, and encouragement you provided were instrumental.” —Padmini Sirish, Ph.D.
I just received the Notice of Acceptance for my mPI R01 ... I greatly appreciate your time and review.”—Lifeng Jiang, Ph.D.
I was fortunate to participate in this program in 2021-2022 and was awarded funding for the proposal I developed there. The structured timeline, resources, and expertise were invaluable in moving the project from the initial idea to a complete application. Having feedback from my peers in other fields was particularly helpful in focusing on the bigger picture and making sure my ideas were communicated clearly.”—Meagan Talbott, Ph.D.
As a former veterinary ophthalmologist at UC Davis that participated in your R01 writing course, I am happy to report that the NEI has agreed to fund my proposal as an R56 mechanism. I wanted to share my gratitude for your course, time investment in early stage investigators and your encouragement.”—Brian Leonard, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACVO
This Faculty and Professional Development program is delivered in collaboration with the the the Clinical and Translational Science Center.