K Award Program for On-time Proposal Preparation (K-POPP)

The NIH K Award Program for On-time Proposal Preparation (K-POPP) provides resources—e.g., info sessions, checklists, and timelines—to guide assembly of application components and to ensure applicants are staying on target to meet the submission deadline. Additionally, participants have access to self-paced online course materials, editing services (with priority given to VP&S faculty), and opportunities to engage with instructors during live info sessions. 

K-POPP is offered three times a year, coinciding with the K Award submission deadlines. You can ask to join at anytime no matter when you plan to submit your grant. 

How to Apply:

Interested CUIMC junior faculty members or postdoctoral scientists/research associate scientists must apply in order to participate and gain access to course materials on the Courseworks site.  Please register here. Email [email protected] for more information.

Dates for the February 2025 K-POPP:

  • Online Course Modules:
    • For new submissions, start at least 14 weeks before the deadline.
    • For resubmissions, start at least 16 weeks before the deadline.
  • Intro to the K Award
    • Date: Monday, November 4 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. via Zoom
  • Understanding the Evaluation Criteria and Constructing a Biosketch Info Session
    • Date: Monday, November 18 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. via Zoom
  • Building your Mentoring Team and Crafting a Candidate Section Info Session
    • Date: Monday, December 2 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. via Zoom
  • Articulating Significance and Innovation Info Session
    • Date: Monday, December 9 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. via Zoom
  • Administrative Documents Info Session Part I & Check-In
    • Date: Monday, December 16 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. via Zoom
  • Administrative Documents Info Session Part II & Check-In
    • Date: Monday, January 13 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. via Zoom

Course details:

Instructors

  • Danielle Matsushima, PhD, Senior Director of Research and Strategic Initiatives in the VP&S Office for Research
  • Daichi Shimbo, MD, Professor of Medicine, Co-Director of the TRANSFORM in the Irving Institute, and Associate Dean of Research Career Development 
  • Walter Bockting, PhD, Professor of Medical Psychology (in Psychiatry and Nursing)
  • Pam Factor-Litvak, PhD, Professor of Epidemiology and Associate Dean for Research Resources
  • Francesca Copperi, PhD, Grant and Research Development Associate

Learning objectives: 

Participants will be able to understand the components of a NIH Career Development Award and the key elements that compose a strong application. At the end of the program, all applicants will be equipped to submit a complete application to the NIH institute of their choice.

Structure: 

K-POPP is a didactic online course with self-paced materials available via Courseworks. Each element of applying to the K Award has been broken into easily understandable sections to help PIs. There will also be weekly emails with a recommended to-do list to keep participants on track.

Helpful links:

  • NIH K Kiosk: Information about the different types of NIH Career Development (K) Awards as well as a list of notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs) for each activity code (e.g., K01, K08, K99)
  • NIH K Award Parent Announcements: Apply to these NOFOs if you are submitting an application that is not solicited by NIH.

Other educational resources:

  • K Award Info Session for Clinicians: There is a session held every year and it is good overview information for both basic scientists and clinicians considering applying for a K award.
  • New York State Psychiatric Institute K Award Course: Led by Dr. Harold Pincus (New York State Psychiatric Institute), this course meets monthly from October to February with the goal of educating and preparing applicants to submit K Award applications. For more information, please email LaKeysia Huger or call 646-774-5400.
  • Funding and Grantsmanship for Research and Career Development Activities Course: Dr. Jamie Rubin, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Vice Chair for Investigator Development, teaches a course in the spring for all interested students, postdoctoral scientists, clinical fellows, new investigators, faculty, and administrators. You can view more details about the course here.

 

Please refer to the VP&S Office for Research Grant Starter Kit for checklists, templates, examples, and helpful links.

 

Questions about K-POPP? Email the VP&S Office for Research.