CTSI K Scholars Bridge Fund

UCSF is pleased to announce a new funding opportunity for early career faculty who have participated in or are participating in the CTSI K Scholars Program and are in need of one year of bridge funding before transitioning to independent funding. The program is generously funded by the Lisa Stone Pritzker Family Foundation (LSPFF) and is open to investigators conducting research in the following areas: women’s health, children’s health, maternal health, or mental health.

Short-term bridge funding during the K transition will help retain talented UCSF faculty in research tracks. Bridge funds fill a critical gap in support for early-stage faculty as they navigate the process of obtaining NIH or other grant funding. Bridge funds can ensure that highly accomplished faculty are able to continue their innovative research, and UCSF maintains a pipeline of research leaders to support scientific advancement.

Apply Here

Timeline

Application Opens: October 25, 2024

Deadline to apply: December 8, 2024, 11:59 PM

Decision announced: December 13, 2024

Eligibility
UCSF faculty who have participated in the K Scholars Program and are in transition from K grants to other granting mechanisms will be eligible to apply for the K Scholars Bridge Fund. These faculty must have a strong track record of success in research related to child or maternal health, mental health, and/or women’s health. CTSI faculty and staff leadership, led by Dr. Urmimala Sarkar, Director of the K Scholars Program, will review applications and select candidates. LSPFF will meet with awardees to discuss their research and career trajectory.

  • Current or former K Scholar Program participant
  • Shows demonstrated need for funding to bridge from K to independent award (R01 or equivalent)
  • Exhibits potential to achieve independent award (R01 or equivalent)
  • Research areas: women’s health, children’s health, maternal health, or mental health (or a combination of any)
  • Has not received an R01 or equivalent independent investigator award
  • Current faculty appointment at UCSF

Award Amount: $67,500 for 12 months

Allowable Expenses: salary (investigator or staff) and any costs that are directly related to your research project. Direct costs only.

Application

  • Statement of research goals (250 words)
  • Budget justification: what will you use the funding for and why does it matter to you? (250 words)
  • Plan/Path toward independent funding: have you submitted an R01 or equivalent? Was it scored or not? If so, what was the score? Do you have a resubmission plan? (350 words)