R-Award Program

The R-Award Program (RAP) is part of a fully integrated approach to advance research at UC Davis Health by providing training and support to early career faculty to become successful, independent researchers. It is a cohort-based, selective, mentored program for new investigators to create, submit, and obtain their first R award. Preference will be given to faculty who have previously obtained pilot or training grant-level funding for research. Candidates must also have a mentor in place who is familiar with their project and willing to participate in all aspects of the program. See details below for eligibility.

PROGRAM FEATURES

• The R-Award Program is comprised of integrated dynamic workshops, progress presentations, and peer review accountability sessions.
• Participants will receive specialized training, guidance, and camaraderie. 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) will be provided to participants.
• Guest speakers with established track records of external funding will join us for group sessions.
• Self-directed peer group activities where participants will share and review proposal sections, provide constructive feedback to one another, and address problems and needs.
• Final application materials will be reviewed by our grantsmanship team, experienced researchers with a strong track record of obtaining R award-level grants

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Candidates must have a joint or full faculty appointment with UC Davis Health or College of Biological Sciences.
• Candidates must be willing to commit to full program.
• Participation is limited to faculty members who have not yet been Principal Investigators on an R award.
• Candidates must have a doctoral or other clinical terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M.)
• Candidates must have a mentor who is familiar with, or part of the project.
  • Mentor must be familiar with your project and willing to provide support.
  • Mentor must be willing to participate in bi-monthly mentoring sessions.
  • Mentor must be willing to review their mentee’s grant.
  • Mentor must be willing to participate in a Mock Study Section.

Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2025 R-Award Program (RAP).

Session dates:

September 24, 2025
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
October 1, 2025
10 - 11:30 a.m.
October 8, 2025
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
October 22, 2025
10 - 11:30 a.m.
November 5, 2025
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
November 12, 2025
10 - 11:30 a.m.
December 3, 2025
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
December 10, 2025
10 - 11:30 a.m.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applications will need to include the following (in Word or PDF format):

• Project Summary (Max 500 words)
• NIH Bio-sketch (docx)
• Statement of Commitment (signed by Chair) (PDF)
• Mentor Agreement Letter (PDF)

Please write all documents in lay terms.

APPLY HERE by August 15, 2025

Please direct any questions to: ucdhsfacultydevelopment@health.ucdavis.edu.