NYSCF–Robertson Investigator Awards (Neuroscience Investigator Award)

NYSCF–Robertson Neuroscience Investigator Award

Purpose: Career development award for early-career independent faculty members in neuroscience to supplement laboratory funding and accelerate research pace.

Geographic Scope: Not restricted; applicants from any institution eligible

Focus Areas:

• Neuroscience research
• Does NOT require stem cell involvement - proposals do not need to involve stem cells
• No preference given whether project involves stem cells or not

Eligibility:

• Must be within 6 years of starting independent faculty position (as of June 1, 2022)
• Tenure-track faculty position or equivalent
• Independent status and institutional commitment required (documented by department head)
• Must have dedicated laboratory space
• Faculty appointment must begin by January 1 (funding start date) of year following award
• Eligible career breaks permitted (maternity/paternity leave, military service, etc.)
• May have R01 and other NIH awards and still be eligible
• Multiple investigators from same institution can hold award (though unusual for more than one Neuroscience Investigator Award per institution per year)
• Can reapply in subsequent years if unsuccessful
• Can apply to both Stem Cell and Neuroscience Investigator Awards but only one can be funded

Award Details:

• Funding start date: January 1
• Career development award for early-career faculty
• Funding rate: Not disclosed
• Does not require budget submission
• No minimum percent effort declaration required

Additional Requirements:

• Institutional Report Card for Gender Equality must be completed

Application Process

Submission Method: Online grants management system

Proposal Requirements:

• 7-page limit (figures included in page count, references not included)
• Minimum ½ inch margins
• Minimum 11pt font
• Figures embedded within main proposal
• Any pages after 7-page mark will be deleted

Required Materials:

1. Research proposal (7 pages max)
2. Letters of reference (3 required)
3. Details of other support
4. Institutional Report Card for Gender Equality (required)
5. Cover sheet with faculty appointment dates

Letters of Reference Submission:

• Input reference names and email addresses in online system
• Use "Request letter of reference" function to enter reference email
• Click "Compose Email" button to send request through system
• Auto-generated email also sent from administrator@grantinterface.com with instructions and upload link
• Advise references to add administrator@grantinterface.com to safe lists
• Can resend emails using same "Compose Email" button if needed
• All reference letters must be received by RFA closing date

Career Break Documentation:

• Indicate eligible career breaks on cover sheet with faculty appointment dates

Deadline Requirements:

• Application submission by RFA closing date and time
• All reference letters must be submitted through online system by RFA closing date
• Institutional Report Card must be completed

Program Schedule:

• RFAs released annually