Things to Consider Before Applying
Some key questions to consider before you start writing your application include:
- In thinking about your research have you determined:
- What you intend to do?
- Why is the work important?
- How is your work relevant to mental health?
- What has already been done?
- How you are going to do the work?
- Have you prepared a brief concept paper?
- Have you prepared to do the project?
- Have you developed preliminary data?
- Have you discussed your ideas and asked for critiques from colleagues?
- Have you discussed with others their experience with the NIH application process?
- Have you read through the PHS Form 398 or PHS 424 R&R, and other NIH application forms ?
- Have you thought about preparing a budget?
- Have you identified sources of funding in addition to NIH?
- In considering what grant mechanism to use have you:
- Matched where you are in your career (predoctoral, postdoctoral, new faculty)?
- Matched the type of research you will do (basic, risk and protective factors, intervention, secondary analysis)?
- Matched the type of funds needed (how much, for how long)?
Additional help for writing the application can be found at the Office of Extramural Research Home Page.