Mentoring and Training

Grant Review Services

A primary mission of the CFAR is to support and develop the next-generation of HIV/AIDS researchers at the UR. To accomplish this the Developmental Core offers pilot funding and a mentoring program to support early career development of young faculty and to enhance the quality of extramural grant applications.  To that end the CFAR has implemented a mentoring/grant review service where new, early stage or established investigators new to the field of HIV/AIDS can receive advice and comments on grant proposals in a friendly, informal environment. Investigators can use this service for proposal shaping, proposal refinement or even discussion of summary statements for scored applications.

Proposal shaping phase

Investigators will provide draft specific aims that will then be orally presented, using a “chalk talk” format (i.e., without slides), to a customized ad hoc review panel comprised of faculty members chosen from the CFAR Mentor Pool*. The panel will discuss the draft aims and overall approach of the proposal with the investigator, in an oral review session. The panel will also assist the investigator in identifying potential collaborators, as needed.

Proposal refinement

A full proposal draft will be provided at least one month prior to an NIH deadline. This will be circulated to the same customized ad hoc review panel that initially provided feedback the proposal’s Aims. The panel will then meet in person to review the proposal, and will provide a written “summary statement” to the investigator, as well as in-person feedback if desired, within 10 working days or less.
To take advantage of this service please contact the Program Administrator at Laura_Enders@urmc.rochester.edu.
*Applicants are encouraged to invite additional mentors or faculty to attend the proposal phase as needed.

Mentoring Program

The CFAR supports career development the next generation of URMC HIV/AIDS researchers through a structured mentoring program that matches outstanding, experienced mentors with diverse, young mentees through multidisciplinary mentoring teams that supplement the traditional mentor-mentee dyad.  The CFAR also supports a Junior Faculty Peer Mentoring Program that is designed for junior faculty working in HIV/AIDS research.  Learn more about CFAR mentoring.

HIV Training Grants

The SMD supports a predoctoral training program in laboratory-based HIV/AIDS research that is directed by Dr. Maggirwar (Director, Basic Sciences Core) [Training in HIV Replication and Pathogenesis, NIH T32 AI049815].

Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute Career Development
The UR CFAR has a close working relationship with the UR CTSI that ensures efficient and synergistic use of resources to optimally meet the needs of HIV/AIDS researchers. Learn more about CFAR and UR CTSI Career Development.

Translational Biomedical Sciences PhD

The goal of this unique program is to prepare individuals for academic and clinical careers relating to the translation of basic biomedical research into clinical strategies to improve health. Through feedback from clinical situations, program graduates will also target and stimulate basic scientific research in pursuit of causes of disease and optimal therapies to prevent and cure disease. Learn more about the Translational Biomedical Sciences PhD Program.