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The Transition to Independence Grants application is currently closed.

Transition to Independence Grants Application

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. EST.

The Transition to Independence Grants Program includes the following grants:

KidneyCure Grants

  • Joseph V. Bonventre Research Scholar Grant- Given to a general nephrology investigator.
  • Carl W. Gottschalk Research Scholar Grant- Given to a general nephrology investigator.
  • John Merrill Grant in Transplantation- Given to an investigator performing biomedical research related to transplantation.
  • Norman Siegel Research Scholar Grant- Given to a pediatric investigator.
  • KidneyCure Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Research Scholar Grant- Given to an investigator who identifies as underrepresented in medicine or is conducting research focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, or justice.

    • Partner Grants

    • OHF-KidneyCure Grant- Supports research on topics relevant to oxalosis, primary hyperoxaluria and related stone diseases. This grant is made possible through a partnership with The Oxalosis & Hyperoxaluria Foundation.

      • By submitting an application to the Transition to Independence Grants program, candidates are considered for all of the opportunities listed above.

      All Transition to Independence Grants are not renewable and previous recipients are not eligible for a second grant. Applicants may only submit one application during a cycle.

      Purpose

      The KidneyCure Transition to Independence Grants Program provides funding for young faculty to foster evolution to an independent research career and a successful, competitive application for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 grant or equivalent.

      Eligibility

      KidneyCure encourages applications from women and those underrepresented in medicine (as defined by the Association of American Medical Colleges).

      To apply for a Transition to Independence Grant, a candidate:

      • Must be working in North or Central America during the grant period.
      • Must be an active member of ASN.
      • Must hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent degree.
      • Cannot be a previous recipient of an ASN or KidneyCure Transition to Independence Grant (formerly ASN Foundation for Kidney Research Career Development Grant). Previous ASN-Amos Medical Faculty Development Program (AMFDP) grant recipients are excepted from this clause.
      • Cannot be a previous recipient of a National Institutes of Health R01 grant, VA Merit Award, or equivalent.
      • Must be within 10 years of initial faculty appointment at the time of the award activation.
      • Must have a proposed project that is independent of previous mentors.
      • If the specific aims of the Transition to Independence Grant overlap with the aims of an applicant's other current external grant(s), applicants cannot have more than $250,000 (in annual direct costs) in external grant support, including KidneyCure funds, at the time of the award activation.
      • Must devote at least 75% of their time to research.
      • Appointment to full-time faculty must be confirmed in writing by the Department Chair, indicating the date of first full-time faculty appointment, and providing assurance that the department will provide needed resources for conducting independent research (laboratory and office space, salary support, and protected research time of at least 75%).

      An applicant who is uncertain of their eligibility should request an advisory opinion from KidneyCure before completing an application.

      Extension Requests

      KidneyCure will accept extension requests for the 10-year eligibility window on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must submit supporting documentation for requests, which can include family care responsibilities, medical concerns, disability, natural disasters, and active-duty military service.

      An automatic 12-month extension will be applied per childbirth during the initial faculty appointment. All parents, including those who adopt, are eligible for this particular extension.

      To be submit an extension request, please email grants@asn-online.org.

      Previous or Current Funding Allowed

      Applicants are allowed to have currently, or have had previously, extramural (NIH, KidneyCure, or other) mentored career development grant funding (e.g., NIH K08). However, total grant funding, including the KidneyCure Transition to Independence Grant, cannot exceed $250,000 in annual direct costs, if there is scientific overlap of the specific aims of the proposal. The amount of the KidneyCure grant will be reduced as appropriate if total funding exceeds this amount at any time during the funding period of the grant.

      Funding and Stipulations

      • The award will provide $100,000 annually for two years, beginning July 1, and will cover salaries/supplies related to the candidate's research proposal. A maximum of 10% of the award per year may be used to cover indirect costs at the candidate's sponsoring institution.
      • A progress report and a financial report are required for non-competitive renewal of the grant for the second year. Final reports are also required at the end of the funding period. The award is for continuous support, and interruptions in the period of support will require prior written approval from KidneyCure.
      • Recipients shall acknowledge KidneyCure's (and co-sponsoring institution, if applicable) support in publications resulting from their proposed work.
      • Grants may be transferred from one institution to another only with the prior approval of KidneyCure.

      Use of Grant Funds

      • Salary/Fringe: Up to $70,000 per year can be used for the PI's salary, including fringe benefits.
      • Supplies: Funds may be used for research supplies or support salary of research assistant.
      • Equipment: Funds cannot be used to purchase equipment that costs more than $5,000, unless such purchase is clearly justified in the research plan and approved by KidneyCure.
      • Restrictions: Up to $2,000 a year may be used on travel to attend relevant scientific meetings. Funds may not be used for clinical or administrative time.

      Application

      The KidneyCure Transition to Independence Grants Program application has been updated, please refer to the instructions before beginning your application.

      A complete application must contain the following documents:

      • Contact information and project title
      • Applicant Biosketch (using a KidneyCure provided modified NIH biosketch format)
      • Research Project Plan
      • Letter of support from Department Head
      • Three additional letters of support (Submitted blindly by the author.)

      To complete an application, an applicant will need the following documents available for download by logging into the KidneyCure website:

      • Instructions for completing KidneyCure Transition to Independence Grant
      • Biosketch Template
      • Research Project Plan Template (must be used in application)

      Review Process Overview:

    • Application opens (fall)
    • Application deadline (early winter)
    • Peer review process (winter)
    • Committee meeting (early spring)
    • Award notifications (spring)

      • Evaluation Criteria

      The KidneyCure Grants Review Committee will consider the potential of the applicant and the proposed project for eventual funding by an NIH R01 grant or its equivalent. Assessment will include the qualifications of the applicant with respect to prior training, productivity, and independence, as well as the scientific merit of the proposed project. The institutional commitment to the development of the applicant as an independent investigator will also be assessed. Funding decisions will be distributed in May.

      Contact

      Please contact KidneyCure with any questions at grants@asn-online.org.