NIH Fellowships
NIH Fellowships
Individual Support
Request an appointment with our Director of Writing Services and Training Grant Development, Elaine Smolock, for assistance with fellowships.
UR Resources
In the F-repository, you will find examples of applications and summary statements from trainees, as well as many additional resources (requires URMC login).
📘 Join a Fellowship Club (F-Club)›
F-Club is a writing support group for University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD) trainees (students and postdocs) interested in submitting applications for NIH F awards.
F-Club focuses on development of the Biosketch, Candidate Preparedness, Research Training Plan, and Research Projects (Aims and Approach).
Participants receive feedback and guidance from Elaine Smolock, PhD; Director of Writing Services & Training Grant Development Elaine_Smolock@urmc.rochester.edu, and a writing intern. Below are the details of the F-Club, including the schedule for all sessions, meeting format, and expectations.
Dates, Times, and Location:
Thursdays | Jan 15 - Apr 2 | In-Person Sessions start Jan 15
Rooms | Various - See table below
Time | 11:00a - 1:00p
Independent Work | Check in with Dr. Smolock on ‘Office Hour’ weeks
Program Structure
- 8-week writing clubs
- 4 in-person sessions
- 4 optional review sessions
- Aligned with NIH submission cycles
11:00a - 12:00p Didactic Session
12:00p – 12:30p Example Review Session
12:30p – 1:00p Workshop, Questions, and Active Writing Session
Expectations:
- Come prepared to learn and ask questions.
- Bring drafts to In-person meetings for review.
- All sessions are modular, and you may attend when relevant or time permits. However, you are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions to build community and strengthen your grant writing knowledge/skills.
- Review any necessary links and resources to help prepare.
- Office Hour weeks are designated for trainee drop-in and for the moderators to read and review drafts – please send drafts as early in advance as possible.
Date | Block Application Part | Topic | Links relevant for all F’s (F30/F31/F32/F99:K00) |
Jan 15, 2026
Room: 1-9545 Natapow Room
| General F information Introduction | We will review:
| |
Jan 22, 2026 Room: G-9554 |
| Please email drafted documents for individualized comments/feedback | |
Jan 29, 2026
Room: 1-6200 Bhagat Classroom in Miner Library | Biographical Sketch, Abstract, and Project Narrative, Introduction | Review Biographical Sketch, Abstract, and Project Narrative, and Introduction for resubmission Review Letters of Support and Referees **Effective January 24, 2026, Common Forms for the Biographical Sketch must be used – see NOT-OS-26-018 | See Page F-49 in SF424 |
Feb 5, 2026 Room: G-9554 | Please email drafted documents for individualized comments/feedback | ||
Feb 12, 2026
Room: TBD | Candidate Section: Goals, Preparedness, and Potential section
Research Training Plan: Training Activities and Timeline The Research Training Plan | Review how to write the Overall Training Goals, Candidate’s Preparedness, Candidate’s Self-Assessment, and Scientific Perspective essays Review what to outline in the Training Activities and Timeline, and why and how the choice of sponsors, collaborators, environment are appropriate to achieve your career goals | Page F56 in SF424
Page F58 in SF424 |
Feb 19, 2026 Room: G-9554 | Please email drafted documents for individualized comments/feedback | ||
Feb 26, 2026
Room: 1-6200 Bhagat Classroom in Miner Library | Research Training Plan: Research Training Project Specific Aims
Research Training Project Strategy | Review the anatomy a specific aims page
Discuss how to write the Scientific Foundation and the Approach | Page F59 in SF424
Page F60 in SF424
|
Mar 5, 2026 Room: G-9554 | Please email drafted documents for individualized comments/feedback | ||
Mar 12, 2026 Room: 1-9555 Louise Slaughter Room | Commitment to Candidate, Mentoring and Training Environment | Review what will be expected of your sponsor(s) (mentor(s)). *Your sponsor(s) is welcome to attend this session with you* | Page F64 in SF424 |
Mar 19, 2026 Room: G-9554 | Office Hours | Please email drafted documents for individualized comments/feedback | |
Mar 26, 2026 Room: 1-6200 Bhagat Classroom in Miner Library | Revisiting your Candidate Section and Research Training Plan | Review cohesion of your document and refine any goals, plans, language to insure alignment across sections | Pages F56-F-60 in SF424 |
Apr 2, 2026 Room: G-9554 | Office Hours | Please email drafted documents for individualized comments/feedback |
NIH Fellowship Deadlines & Club Timing
- April 8: January – April
- August 8: June – August
- December 8: September – December
Interested in joining F-Club?
Complete the F-Club Interest Survey
🎓 myHub Grant Writing Exploration Modules (Archer)›
All SMD trainees and alumni have access to the myHub Grant Writing Exploration Modules through the Archer Career platform.
These self-paced modules support independent NIH Fellowship development or can be used alongside mentorship and F-Club participation.
How to Access Archer EdApp
Archer Grant Writing Modules:
Individual Microlearning Modules – at your own pace
- Register for F-Club using your University of Rochester email address
- Create your password
- Access the course:
- Browser: Archer Course Link
- Or via the EdApp mobile application
- Begin course!
If you have previously accessed Archer, log in at web.edapp.com/login .
For assistance, contact support@archercareer.com.
Begin your Grant Writing Modules
Spend just 15 minutes a day to build skills that previous participants describe as an “incredible support” to both writing and project management.