The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) is committed to fostering the next generation of pain researchers through its Early Career Research Grant program. This initiative is specifically designed to support young investigators as they embark on their independent research careers. The 2019 Iasp Early Career Research Grant Program offered a pivotal opportunity for those beginning their journey in pain research.
Key Aspects of the 2019 IASP Early Career Research Grant
The IASP Early Career Research Grant program, including the 2019 cycle, provides a significant boost to researchers in the early stages of their professional development. Here’s a detailed look at what the grant entails:
Financial Support and Project Duration
Successful applicants of the 2019 IASP Early Career Research Grant Program were awarded $20,000 USD. This funding is intended to support research projects spanning one year. The grant is open to international applicants across all disciplines relevant to pain research, emphasizing its broad reach and inclusivity.
Grant Administration and Reporting Requirements
Recipients of the 2019 IASP Early Career Research Grant were expected to adhere to specific administrative and reporting guidelines to ensure accountability and effective use of funds. These terms included:
- Grant Management: Awardees were responsible for the proper management of the grant funds, which were administered through their respective institutions.
- IASP Acknowledgment: Any publications or presentations resulting from research supported by the 2019 IASP Early Career Research Grant were required to acknowledge IASP as the funding source.
- Project Timeline: Grantees were required to commence their projects within one year of receiving the award notification and complete the project within one year from the agreed start date.
- Reporting Obligations: To monitor progress and outcomes, awardees had to submit a 6-month progress report, a comprehensive final scientific report within six months of project completion, and a two-year progress report detailing the grant’s impact on their ongoing research trajectory.
Eligibility Criteria for the 2019 IASP Early Career Research Grant
The 2019 IASP Early Career Research Grant Program had specific eligibility requirements to target researchers genuinely in the early stages of their independent careers. Applicants for the grant needed to meet the following criteria at the time of application:
- IASP Membership: Applicants were required to be members of IASP, underscoring the importance of engagement with the global pain research community.
- Early Career Stage: Eligibility was limited to individuals within six years of receiving their final degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) or completing professional and specialty training, ensuring the grant supported those truly at the beginning of their independent research careers.
- Independent Investigator Status: Applicants were expected to be initiating their careers as independent investigators, meaning they should not be under the direct supervision of a senior scientist. This criterion was crucial for fostering the development of independent research leaders.
- Limited Prior Funding: To ensure the grant served as a significant boost to early career researchers, applicants should not have previously received grants of equal or greater value than the IASP Early Career Research Grant. This condition applied to all types of grants, regardless of the applicant’s role or the grant’s focus (clinical or research). Even pre-degree awards of significant value would impact eligibility.
- Non-Leadership Positions: Applicants should not hold senior leadership positions such as current professor or associate professor, reinforcing the focus on supporting researchers in the nascent stages of their independent careers.
Application Requirements for the 2019 Grant Cycle
Applying for the 2019 IASP Early Career Research Grant Program involved a detailed application process designed to assess the merit and feasibility of proposed research projects. Key application components included:
- Online Application Form: Applicants were required to complete an online application form, serving as the central submission point for all materials.
- Research Project Description: A comprehensive research project description was a critical part of the application. This document, limited to four pages (including references, 11 pt. font, ½ inch margins), needed to clearly outline the research question, methodology, expected outcomes, and significance of the proposed project.
- Letters of Recommendation: At least one letter of recommendation was required to support the applicant’s qualifications and the potential impact of their research. These letters provided external validation of the applicant’s capabilities and the project’s merit.
- Institutional Support Letter: A letter from an institutional official was necessary to demonstrate the applicant’s professional independence and the institution’s commitment to supporting the research. This letter needed to include:
- Evidence of professional independence, such as dedicated research space.
- Evidence of institutional support, confirming coverage of basic costs like salary, administrative support, and laboratory/office space.
- Verification of the institution’s non-profit status.
- Acknowledgment that IASP would not be liable for any indirect costs associated with the research.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Applicants were required to submit a short version of their CV, including a list of publications, limited to four pages. IASP provided a mandatory CV template to ensure consistency and facilitate review.
- Proposed Budget: A detailed proposed budget was necessary, outlining how the grant funds would be utilized. IASP provided a budget template to guide applicants in preparing this document.
Review Process and Evaluation Criteria
The Fellowships, Grants, and Awards Working Group was responsible for reviewing all applications submitted for the 2019 IASP Early Career Research Grant Program and making the final award decisions. The review process was rigorous and based on the following key criteria:
- Scientific Merit: The primary evaluation criterion was the scientific merit of the proposed research. Reviewers assessed the significance of the research question, the rigor of the methodology, and the potential impact of the findings on the field of pain research.
- Investigator Qualifications: The qualifications and experience of the applicant were also carefully considered. Reviewers assessed the applicant’s track record, research potential, and the extent to which the grant would contribute to their career development.
- Publication Record: Only work published in international refereed journals or periodicals was considered as evidence of scientific contribution, highlighting the emphasis on high-quality, peer-reviewed research.
The 2019 IASP Early Career Research Grant Program played a crucial role in supporting emerging pain researchers globally. By understanding the program’s details, eligibility, and application process, future applicants can better prepare competitive submissions for similar opportunities.
