Junior Faculty Biomedical Research Association
Meetings 2025-2026
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Aim High: A Workshop to Refine your Specifics Aims Page
In Person | HWH 4W-506
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 12:00pm - 1:00 pm
Establishing and Maintaining External Networks and Mentorship
via Zoom
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 12:00pm - 1:00 pm
Current Challenges in Developing a Research Program
In Person | Louise Slaughter Conference Rm. 1-9555
REGISTER HERE
Margot Meyer-Proschel, PhD
Martha M. Freeman, MD Professorship in Biomedical Genetics - Department of Biomedical Genetics
Professor - Department of Neuroscience
Mark Noble, PhD
Professor - Department of Biomedical Genetics
Emily Goodenough
Director, Foundation Relations at University of Rochester
Ellen Speer
Assistant Vice President of Foundation Relations at University of Rochester
This seminar will focus on the funding challenges of developing a research program. The first part will focus on the current trends in federal funding given from the perspective of applicants and study section participants. The second part will look at alternative funding strategies, focusing on Foundation funding and opportunities available to faculty.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this presentation participants should be able to:
- Understand how to better approach assembling an NIH proposal
- Appreciate how proposals are scored from the perspective of a Study Section Chair
- Understand the key role that the Office of Foundation Relations plays in supporting faculty and developing a relationship with foundations
- Demonstrate greater insight into funding opportunities offered by foundations.
Accreditation: The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Certification: The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Mission
The School of Medicine and Dentistry, Junior Faculty Biomedical Research Association (JFBRA) is an academic peer group designed to serve the unique needs of early-stage PhD and MD faculty to promote their success in scientific discovery, funding, publications, mentoring, teaching and service to the University of Rochester and the greater Rochester community.
Purpose and Goals
- Provide a forum for junior faculty to interact and to discuss the tasks and challenges that they face in establishing successful independent research programs
- Foster collaborations among basic research and clinical research faculty
- Facilitate communication among junior faculty through newsletters, emails, and JFBRA meetings
Target Group Members
Any junior faculty starting an independent research program in basic, translational, and/or clinical sciences. Examples include but are not limited to Assistant Professors in the early stages of their careers, Research Assistant Professors and Senior Instructors.
Meeting Format
- Discussion groups to provide peer support for specific topics (decided by group)
- Interactive presentations and mentoring from senior faculty
- Structured networking sessions with junior faculty
JFBRA Leadership
Co-Directors
Jonathan I. Leckenby, MBBS, PhD
Assistant Professor of Surgery, Plastic Surgery
Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
Souvarish Sarkar, PhD
Assistant Professor of Environmental Medicine
Assistant Professor of Neuroscience