International Training Grant

Guidelines for the 2024-2025 International Training Grant Cycle

Applications for the 2024-2025 grant cycle are now closed.

Background

SRI currently supports its members in a variety of ways- for example, the SRI supports the Reproductive Scientist Development Program (RSDP), which is only open to trainees that are US citizens or green-card holders. To further support all members and to do so in a fair and balanced way, SRI has created the International Training Grant, which is open only to international members (non-US Citizens or non-green-card holders), and provides a level of funding that is similar to that of RSDP. This grant opportunity is only available to non-US citizens/green-card holders.

About the International Training Grant

Purpose:

The purpose of the SRI International Training Grant is to provide an opportunity for international trainees to obtain research experience in an institution outside of their home country.

Eligibility:

Current SRI In Training, or Regular Members who are Early Career Researchers (ECRs), may apply for this opportunity. If the applicant is not an SRI member at the time of submission, then their mentor/supervisor must be. If they are selected as a recipient of the International Training Grant, they are expected to become an SRI member. “In training” includes those who are currently full-time postdoctoral trainees, residents, or fellows, or are a student enrolled in a formally approved training program leading to a degree (BA, BS, MD, PhD, MS, MPH, DVM). An ECR is defined as someone within their first 5 years of a faculty or faculty equivalent position.

U.S. Citizens or permanent residents (green card holders) are NOT eligible. The host Institution may be located in any country, including the USA and applications will be accepted for both new and existing collaborations. Exploring new techniques and/or partnerships is strongly encouraged. Applicants must identify the Institution in which they wish to work and obtain an agreement from the host prior to submitting the application. Agreement to host the applicant’s training must be confirmed with a letter of invitation by the Principal Investigator, Department Chair, Institute Director or similar position with authority within the training setting to make such an offer. Hereafter, for convenience, the person in the host Institution with the authority to invite the trainee will be called the Principle Investigator (PI).

Amount of Support:

Up to five (5) grants, each of $5,000, will be offered to support research training for 4-8 weeks.

Application Requirements:

1. Training must take place between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.
2. Both SRI members, as well as non-members, are eligible to apply for this grant. If the applicant is not an SRI member at the time of submission, then their mentor/supervisor must be. It is expected that the applicant become a member if they receive the grant.
3. The applicant is responsible for identifying the training opportunity that best meets his/her training needs, and for obtaining the collaboration and agreement of the host PI.
4. The host PI will provide a letter of support demonstrating intellectual and in-kind commitment to support the trainee-applicant, such as laboratory space, materials, equipment, access to clinical environments where relevant etc.
5. Recipients may use a portion of the funds to attend the 2025 Annual Meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina March 25-29.
6. As part of SRI’s programmatic follow-up, the host PI and the awardee each will be expected to complete an evaluation form. The awardee will also be required to complete a post-activity report. Forms and guidelines will be provided once the training period has ended. The evaluations are short and are designed to improve the program and assess the value of the training to the applicant’s career goals and development.

What the Grant Does and Does Not Cover

The grant underwrites costs directly related to the travel, research, visas and temporary housing costs as needed. The grant does not cover the following:  Salary, meals, entertainment, childcare, expenses of accompanying family members, along with any item not listed within your budget that has not been approved by SRI.

Application Process & Required Materials:

1. Cover Page as provided by SRI
2. Submit a two-page proposal to include the following:
   1. Indicate why you seek research training with the host research group and Institution.
   2. Highlight how this training will enhance your research and your career
   3. The research/training/skills to be developed at the host Institution
   4. The proposed time frame (start and end dates); Please note applications are due April 1, 2024; training must take place between July 1^st 2024 and June 30^th 2025
   5. The research/training/skills to be developed at the host Institution during the proposed time frame
3. A current CV, not to exceed 5 pages
4. A draft budget, including participation at the SRI Annual Meeting (see ‘Additional Information’ below)
5. A letter of support from your mentor or Chair (whoever is currently your direct supervisor) at your home Institution
6. A letter of support from the host PI as indicated in #3 of the requirements, above

Formatting Requirements:

Each piece of the application should be single-spaced and use Arial 11- or 12-point font with 1⁄2 inch borders on a standard USA 8 x 11 inch page size.

Timeline:

• Applications open: January 23, 2024
• Online Application With Cover Letter Due: April 1, 2024
• Notifications: Applicants will be notified approximately late May 2024
• Award Start Date: Training must take place between July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025
• The Host PI Evaluation and Awardee Post-Activity Report are due within 4 weeks of completion of the training

Additional Information:

While not required, awardee may use some of the funds to attend the SRI Annual Meeting in the same year as the year the grant is given. Please be sure to identify this in your drafted budget if applicable.
 

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