NIH Blueprint and BRAIN Initiative Diversity Specialized Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Advancement in Neuroscience (D-SPAN) Award (F99/K00 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Funding Agency:
- National Institutes of Health
The F99/K00 award is intended to support individuals who require 1-2 years to complete their Ph.D. dissertation research training (F99 phase) before transitioning to mentored postdoctoral research training (K00 phase). Individuals must have demonstrated an interest in a neuroscience research career in NIH Blueprint mission-relevant areas and/or BRAIN Initiative research areas (see Research Areas Supported).
The F99/K00 award provides up to 6 years of support in two phases. The initial (F99) phase will provide support for 1-2 years of dissertation research (final experiments, dissertation preparation, and selection of a postdoctoral mentor). The second (K00) phase will provide up to 4 years of mentored postdoctoral research and career development support, contingent upon successful completion of the doctoral degree requirements and securing a neuroscience-focused postdoctoral position. The two award phases are intended to be continuous in time. A K00 award will be made only to support a PD/PI who has successfully completed the F99-supported training, secured a neuroscience-focused postdoctoral appointment, and worked with the applicant institution to provide the D-SPAN oversight committee with a strong research and career development plan that will occur in a supportive and competitive research environment.
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Program Official prior to initiating plans for application submission. Additional resources and answers to frequently asked questions can also be found here: https://neuroscienceblueprint.nih.gov/training/nih-blueprint-d-span-award-f99k00.
Note: The four years of K00 support of this award will not preclude supported PD/PIs from working with their institutions to apply for other mentored career development (K) awards such as K99/R00. Supported PD/PIs who can justify the need for additional mentored career development training beyond the four years of K00 may work with their institutions to apply for additional NIH mentored career development awards.
Need for the Program
The D-SPAN initiative will enhance the ability of predoctorates from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups, to progress in what is often perceived as a challenging research career environment (Developing a 21st Century Neuroscience Workforce; National Academy of Medicine). The program will address these issues by providing support to neuroscience trainees at a critical juncture in their career decision-making pathway. Among underrepresented minority (URM) groups, compared to well-represented groups, research indicates that lower interest in faculty careers as a postdoctoral scholar is accompanied by lower feelings of intellectual and social belonging that starts in graduate school (Gibbs et al., 2015). Studies have suggested that mentoring on self-efficacy, identity as a scientist, and commitment to a science career may remediate these barriers (Chemers et al., 2011). Surveys of postdoctoral fellows have also shown that those trained in an environment with more structure, administrative oversight, and formal training are more likely to be satisfied with their postdoctoral experience, to rate their advisors highly, and be more productive (Davis, 2005; Scaffidi and Berman, 2011). Structured postdoctoral training programs have also been shown to help prepare these scholars for successful transition to academic positions (Derting et al., 2016; Rybarczyk et al., 2011).
The D-SPAN is a structured program that requires formalized and defined training plans and seeks to increase levels of participation of trainees from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups, transitioning from predoctoral to postdoctoral positions. As cited above, the literature shows that intervening at this graduate time point could change the trainee's perception about the pursuit of an academic/research career. The D-SPAN program creates accountability and structured processes for ongoing assessment of the training environment. A key component of the program is enhanced mentorship; D-SPAN requires the involvement of a vetted mentor or mentor team in the graduate phase (F99) and after approval of the transition for the postdoctoral phase (K00). Note that at the time of application, identification of the postdoctoral mentor or mentor team is not required. D-SPAN also empowers trainees from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups, to find postdoctoral environments that match their skills and scientific interests with minimal financial constraints by providing continuous support throughout the critical postgraduate career stage. The funding stability and professional development benchmarks will allow researchers who receive support through D-SPAN awards to structure a specific plan forward in their early career as a researcher. It is envisioned that F99 phase funding support paired with the K00 phase funding support will enhance the pool of well-trained researchers who can compete for and conduct independent neuroscience research.
For the F99 phase, award budgets are composed of stipends, tuition and fees, and institutional allowance, as described below. For the K00 phase, award budgets are composed of salaries and fringe benefits, research and career development support, and indirect costs.
April 15, 2024; October 08, 2024
Michelle Jones-London, PhD
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Telephone: 301-451-7966
Email: DSPANF99K00@nih.gov
Lauren Ullrich, PhD
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Telephone: 301-451-7964
Email: DSPANF99K00@nih.gov