Application Instructions
Eligibility Criteria
A preferred candidate is an established investigator with 5-10 years of academic or professional research experience demonstrating a consistent period of success as a funded research investigator and a good track record of peer-reviewed publications in that time. A candidate must have an intent to transition into research administrative roles or be a newly appointed member of the research administrative team. Exceptional junior investigators who already demonstrate sustained research funding success and who show promise in leadership development may also be considered.
Prior to Applying
An applicant must be nominated by his or her CEO dean or, if not at an academic institution, a senior research administrator. Prior to completing the application, the nominator must meet with the nominee to:
- Develop a plan with the nominee that will provide learning and practical experiences to expand the nominee’s research leadership at the institution;
- Agree to serve as the Research Mentor for the nominee or identify an accomplished research scientist/administrator at the institution to serve as the Research Mentor;
- Discuss adequate release time for the nominee to pursue development activities associated with AACP Catalyst, both for scheduled AACP Catalyst activities and for development activities at the home institution. The time commitment to the program for attendance at required AACP Catalyst in-person meetings and webinars is estimated to be approximately twelve (12) days over the course of the year; and
- Commit financial support to the nominee, including tuition and all related travel and personal expenses associated with participation in the program. These additional expenses are estimated at $5,000 to $6,000 and include airline travel, ground transportation, lodging, and some meal expenses.
Application Package Components
- Electronic application form, which collects basic information on the prospective Catalyst nominee, the nominator, and the proposed Research Mentor.
- Prospective Catalyst's letter of intent, limited to three double-spaced pages, signed by the nominee and initialed by the nominator. The letter of intent should address the following:
- Briefly describe your history in research leadership, including but not limited to mentoring of trainees, supervising an active research program, and developing collaborative research programs across disciplines. Your letter should also include an assessment of your strengths and areas you wish to improve as a research leader.
- What are your career goals related to research?
- How do you intend to make a difference through your leadership in mentoring junior investigators and trainees and building research programs at your institution?
- What do you hope to learn and achieve as a Catalyst?
- Nominator's letter of support, limited to two double-spaced pages and signed by the nominator, that addresses the following:
- For how long and in what capacity have you known the nominee?
- How would you describe the nominee’s potential for research leadership and mentorship of others?
- What is the expected level of research at your institution in the next five years?
- Why do you believe the nominee should be a Catalyst?
- A current copy of the prospective Catalyst's curriculum vitae.
The prospective Catalyst's letter of intent, the nominator's letter of support and the nominee's CV should be assembled into a singled PDF document to upload in the electronic submission form.
Selection Criteria
An institution may nominate up to two (2) individuals. The selection of candidates is based on the strength of the application package as described above. To meet program goals and maximize each researcher’s leadership development opportunities, particular attention is given to the diversity in research backgrounds and expertise of the cohort as well as how participants may be complementary to each other within a cohort.
Up to fifteen (15) qualified nominees will be selected and will be notified in May 2018.