Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials: Career Development Award (Winn CDA) Grant

Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials: Career Development Award (Winn CDA) Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc
Amount: US $240,000
Last Updated: January 25, 2026

Summary

The Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials: Career Development Award (Winn CDA) aims to enhance participation in clinical trials by training early-career investigator-physicians. Established by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, this two-year program addresses barriers that have historically excluded diverse populations from clinical research. By fostering community-oriented clinical trialists, the Winn CDA seeks to ensure that research reflects the full spectrum of patients, ultimately improving treatment safety and efficacy for all.

Overview

History of the Winn Award Programs The Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program (Winn Awards) was established in 2020 by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation to improve participation in clinical trials to drive better health outcomes in all communities to save more lives. Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials: Career Development Award (Winn CDA) Improving Patient Participation in Clinical Trials The Winn Career Development Award (Winn CDA) was established by Bristol Myers Squibb in 2020 to tackle one of the most persistent challenges in medicine: the lack of participation in clinical research. For decades, many populations most affected by disease have been left out of clinical trials because of cultural, socioeconomic, and geographic barriers. When research does not reflect the full spectrum of patients it aims to serve, the consequences can be serious. Treatments proven effective in one group may be less effective — or even unsafe — for others. Equally important, many communities are often denied timely access to the most innovative, potentially life-saving therapies. The Winn CDA exists to change this by training a new generation of physician-researchers to lead the transformation of the clinical research landscape. Program Overview The Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials: Career Development Award (Winn CDA) is a rigorous 2-yr program designed to train early-career investigator-physicians to design and implement clinical trials that engage more communities. The purpose is to ensure that all the populations impacted by the disease being studied are reflected in research so that treatments developed are safe and effective for all who will use them. It’s a mission we call Better Science For All. The scholars accepted into the prestigious Winn CDA program demonstrate excellence in care and research as well as profound dedication to ensuring the latest medical advances reach the communities that need them most. Through structured education and mentorship, Winn CDA Scholars become community-oriented clinical trialists who have the skills and expertise to transform the ways that communities conduct research and deliver care. Current Winn CDA clinical research areas include cancer, cardiovascular and cardio-metabolic disease, and neuropsychiatry. Award The Winn CDA provides $120,000 annually for two years to institutions sponsoring scholars. The funds are expected to cover a percentage of each scholar’s salary, equivalent to 40% of their time. Scholars are required to receive mentorship from a seasoned clinical investigator at a clinical trial site or institution and are expected to actively participate in their mentor’s clinical trial, which must meet the FDA Clinical Trial Definition. Scholars aren’t expected to run their own trials.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.

Application Details

2025 Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials:
Career Development Award
Application Handbook
Application Deadline: May 12, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)
Please visit https://winnawards.org/ for more information
1

Table of Contents
Purpose 3
Commitment 3
Award 3
Mentoring 3
Training 3
Information about Winn CIPP 4
Clinical Research Focus Area 4
Annual Convening 4
Eligibility Criteria 5
Review of Applications 6
Key Dates 6
Application Changes 6
Award Notification 7
Application Information Use & Sharing 7
Application Procedures 7
Application Submission Checklist 8
Appendix A. Helpful Tips for Using the Application Portal 9-10
Appendix B. Full Application 11-29
2

Purpose
Winn CDA is a 2-yr program designed to support the career development of early-stage
investigator physicians who have a demonstrated commitment to improving patient
participation in clinical trials. They will become community-oriented clinical trialists who will
drive improved health outcomes through their research and mentoring.
Commitment
● To train and develop 316 new clinical investigators in clinical trials (~63/year)
● Provide opportunities to support ongoing career and leadership development in clinical
research
Award
$240k over 2 years ($120K/year for 2 years); requires at least 40% of the scholar’s time (Note:
Awards will be given to organizations, not to individuals.)
It is expected that the award will cover a percentage of the scholar’s salary to garner 40% of
their time. Additionally, funds can be used toward a portion of a research
assistant/coordinator/patient navigator salary; activities such travel and registration for
presentations, publications, and other training for career development; and a limited amount
for biostatistical support, and patient recruitment and/or retention activities. Funds should not
otherwise be used or any study activities. If funds are used for indirect costs, the amount
cannot exceed $10,000 per year.
Mentoring
Each scholar must be mentored by an experienced clinical investigator at an established clinical
trial site. If the applicant is applying with their mentor’s active trial, they must participate
substantively in the mentor's active clinical trial (it is not expected that scholars will have their
own clinical trials). *Click here for additional Mentor requirements.
Training
The goal of the Winn CDA is to develop a new generation of clinical trialists. The Community-
Oriented Clinical Trialist (COCT) curriculum is designed to develop and train a new generation of
first-rate clinical trialists with the additional knowledge, skills, and competencies to effectively
engage with communities to foster active community participation in clinical research.
3

The COCT training will launch with a 4 ½-day intensive educational workshop on clinical trial
research methods. Winn CDA has partnered with the American Association of Cancer Research
(AACR) to develop and deliver the Winn-AACR Design and Implementation of Clinical Trials
(DICT) Workshop. This is a 4 ½-day training, which will introduce Scholars to foundational
knowledge in state-of-the-art clinical trial design, development, implementation, and
community engagement. Over the course of the 2-yr program, Scholars will participate in a fully
elaborated COCT curriculum, featuring weekly or biweekly lectures by distinguished faculty,
which will build and expand upon concepts presented during the Winn-AACR DICT Workshop,
providing a comprehensive approach to presenting community outreach and engagement
methods, skills, and strategies.
Please note:
★ This Workshop is a required element of the Winn CDA Program.
★ 2025 Winn-AACR DICT Workshop (November 17-21, 2025, Albuquerque, NM).
Please click here for more information about the 2024 Winn-AACR Design and Implementation
of Clinical Trials Workshop, an essential program element to the Winn CDA.
Robert A. Winn Clinical Investigator Pathway Program (Winn CIPP) Mentoring
Each scholar will serve as a mentor to a medical student during the first summer of their
program. 316 medical students (63/year) will participate in a 6- to 8-week summer immersion
program working in community-based clinical research organizations to learn the basics of
clinical trials and community outreach, education, and engagement efforts.
Clinical Research Focus Areas
Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, and Immunologic Disorders
Annual Convening
An annual in-person event in the Fall 2026 and 2027 will bring key stakeholder groups together
to inspire, educate, amplify and celebrate. Scholars will present their investigator-initiated
clinical trial protocols in their second program year.
4

Eligibility Criteria
● Clinical Trial Interest
○ Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to improving patient
participation in clinical trials
● Professional Degree
○ Eligible candidates will hold the degree of MD, MD/PhD, DO, or DO/PhD and be
licensed to practice medicine on human subjects in the United States.
● Career Phase
○ Early-Stage Investigator (ESI:) As defined by NIH, a new investigator who has
completed their terminal research degree or medical residency/fellowship—
whichever date is later—within the past 10 years and has not yet competed
successfully for a substantial, competing NIH research grant. (Applicants with an
RO1 or RO1 equivalent are ineligible.)
○ *Applicants who are current fellows must be in their graduating year (expected
to graduate by Summer 2025) and have a commitment from their institution
towards their junior faculty position.
○ Applicants who hold concurrent career development awards (e.g., K23, K08, or
any other type of career development award) are expected to have listed the
funding in the application.
● Citizenship or Immigration Status
○ Eligible candidates will be US Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) as
defined by the US Department of Homeland Security. Applicants who hold H-1B
or O-1 Visas are eligible. The visa must be valid during the full 2-year program
period.
The Winn CDA Selection Committee reserves the right to evaluate and determine applicants'
eligibility based on the information and justifications included in the application materials.
Applicants who are uncertain about their eligibility are encouraged to contact
winncda@vcu.edu for clarification and provide their CV for evaluation.
5

Review of Applications
The applications are reviewed by the Winn CDA Selection Committee using a multi-stage review
process. Each application is assigned to at least two committee members who are leaders in
their areas of expertise for independent and confidential review.
Key Dates
Online Applications Open: January 6, 2025
Application Deadline Due: May 12, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)
Selection Process: May 13-Aug 1, 2025
Award Notifications: August 2, 2025
Award Term: October 16, 2025 – January 15, 2028
2024 Winn-AACR DICT Workshop: November 17-21, 2025, Albuquerque, NM
Application Changes
The applicant must notify Winn CDA immediately via email (to winncda@vcu.edu) if any of the
following conditions apply, from application submission through award notification:
● Withdrawal of Application: Inform the Winn CDA Grants and Awards team of the
reason(s) for withdrawing the application. The email should include the applicant’s
name, the title of the proposal, and the reason for withdrawing the application.
● Change of Institution or Position: The applicant has a career plan change, leaves their
current position in the institution, or is unable to meet the eligibility requirements for
the program.
● Change in Eligibility Status: If the applicant is selected as a Scholar, Winn CDA has the
right in its sole discretion to withdraw the award.
● Mentor Change of Institution: The applicant’s mentor leaves their current position or
institution.
● Change in Proposal (Scope, Timeline, Budget, etc.): The applicant has significant changes
in the submitted proposal affecting aims, research strategy, timeline, and/or budget. If
Winn CDA is notified of the change in proposal after the applicant is notified of an
award, Winn CDA has the right in its sole discretion to withdraw the award.
6

Award Notification
Applicants can expect to be notified in August 2025 via email. All communication regarding
applications, including award notifications, will be sent to the preferred email address on file. If
you have questions, please email winncda@vcu.edu.
Application Information Use and Sharing
Winn CDA may use and process the information submitted through this application form for
several purposes, including but not limited to: 1) evaluating the application, 2) communicating
with you regarding your application and other opportunities that may be of interest to you, 3)
publishing information regarding Winn CDA’s grants and awards program, including through
third party databases, and 4) for other legitimate purposes in keeping with Winn CDA’s Privacy
Policy and charitable mission. Information submitted through this application form will be kept
on secure servers accessible only to third parties authorized by Winn CDA to perform functions
on Winn CDA’s behalf.
In addition, by submitting an application to Winn CDA, the applicant grants Winn CDA the right
to use all application information submitted, outside of the research proposal, for any purpose.
Winn CDA is permitted to share research proposals with reviewers, and potential supporters,
and Winn CDA will require all to maintain the confidentiality of such proposals.
Application Procedures
All applications must be submitted in accordance with the requirements and instructions of this
application. All application materials must be in English and must be submitted online through
the Winn CDA application portal at https://winnawards.smapply.io/prog/winncda/. No paper
applications sent by mail, email, or fax will be accepted.
Applicants are encouraged to start their application early due to the complexity of the online
application process. The full application must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on May 12, 2025.
No late applications will be accepted.
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Helpful Tips for Using the Application Portal are included in Appendix A.
Application Submission Checklist
Full application attached. Detailed instructions are noted in the application.
Listed below are the required application tasks to submit:
● Applicant Information (required)
● Training, Employment and Interest (required)
● Funding/Publication and Additional Questions (required)
● Project Information (required)
● Project Timeline Form (required)
● Project Research Strategy (required)
● Project Clinical Protocol (required)
● Project Cited References (required)
● Primary Mentor Contact Information (required)
● Primary Mentor Invitation Request (required)
● Institutional Letter of Support from Department Chair or Dean (required)
● Budget (required)
● Personal Statement Form (required)
● Applicant’s Biosketch (required)
● Supporting Documentation (optional)
● Attestation of Institutional Notice and Approval (required) - MUST COMPLETE ALL
OTHER REQUIRED APPLICATION TASKS BEFORE COMPLETING THIS TASK
8

Appendix A. Helpful Tips for Using the Application Portal
Navigating the Application
• Click “Save and Continue Editing” at thebottomofthepageasyougothroughtheapplicationor“Next”
to continue to the next section.
• When finished with a particular task (e.g., Project Information), click“MarkasComplete”atthebottom
of the page to validate task completion.
• If you need to edit a task after it has been Marked as Complete, click the ellipsis (…) on the top right
corner of the task as shown below. Select “Edit” to reopen the form.
o IMPORTANT!Do NOT click “Reset” as this will deletepreviously entered data!
Receiving Notifications
Add noreply@mail.smapply.net and winncda@vcu.edu to your safe senders list to ensure you receive timely
notifications associated with recommender task submissions, application submissions, etc. If you are not
receiving notifications, check your junk/spam folders first, then contact winncda@vcu.edu for additional
assistance.
Uploading a Document
• Documents should not be password protected.
• Documents must follow the file namingconventionandrequirementsforpagelimits,margins,andfonts
(seeindividualapplicationsectionsfordetails).Ifanydocumentyouuploadeddoesnotmeetthespecific
criteria, Winn CDA will return your application.
• To upload a document, click “Attach File” and select the file to be uploaded.
• To edit a file name, click the ellipsis (…) next to the file name as shown below. Select “Edit” and enter
the new file name based on the file naming convention.
• To remove orreplaceanuploadeddocument,clicktheellipsis(…)nexttothefilenameasshownbelow.
Select “Remove” then click “Attach File”.
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Inviting a Mentor
• As part of your application process, you will need to “Request a Recommendation” from third parties
such as aMentorandInstitutionApprover.ClickonthetaskandfillinthedetailsoftheMentorincluding
the First Name, Last Name, Email, and a brief message (optional) to send the Mentor. Once the
information is submitted, an automated emailwillbesenttotheMentorlettingthemknowthatthey’ve
been asked toprovidearecommendation.Whentherecommendationissubmitted,youwillbeinstantly
notified.
• If the Mentor didn't receive anemailinvite,confirmthatyousenttheinvitetothecorrectemailaddress
and there are no spelling errors, ask the Mentor to check their junk/spam folder, or resend the Invitation.
• To resend or withdraw the request, click the ellipsis (…) near the Recommender’s name andemailand
select the appropriate option from the drop-down list as shown below.
• If the Mentor still has not received the email, please contactwinncda@vcu.edu.
10

Application:
Robert A. Winn Career Development Award (Winn CDA)
Applicant Information
Incomplete
Form for "Applicant Information"
This page will collect demographic information of the applicant. Collection of this demographic data will not used to
determine eligibility nor will it factor in the selection/award process.
First Name
(No response)
Middle Name
(No response)
Last Name
(No response)
Primary Email Address (all future communications about the application will be sent to this address)
(No response)
Alternate Email Address
(No response)
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Phone Number (please use XXX-XXX-XXXX format)
(No response)
Mailing Address
(No response)
City
(No response)
State
(No response)
Zip Code
(No response)
I identify my gender as:
(No response)
Pronouns
*Mark all that apply
No Responses Selected
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I identify my race/ethnicity as (please select all that apply):
No Responses Selected
Citizenship/Immigration Status
(No response)
Age Range
(No response)
NPI Number
(No response)
Training, Employment, Interest
Incomplete
Form for "Training, Employment, Interest"
What is your medical degree?
(No response)
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Medical License and Board Certification
Please list all active licenses and board certifications, including but not limited to:
State Medical Boards
United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
American Board of Medical Specialties
American Osteopathic Association’s Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists
(No response)
Date you completed your terminal research degree or end of post-graduate clinical training.
If you do not have the exact date, please list year:
As a reminder, applicants must be considered an Early Stage Investigator (ESI).
As defined by NIH, a new investigator who has completed their terminal research degree or clinical training—
whichever date is later—within the past 10 years and has not yet competed successfully for a substantial, competing
NIH research grant. (Applicants with an RO1 or RO1 equivalent are ineligible.)
(No response)
Please list any post-graduate clinical training and the completion date (MM-YYYY):
(No response)
*If you are applying as a fellow, you must be in your graduating year (expected to graduate by Summer 2025)
and have a commitment from your institution towards your junior faculty position.
Please confirm the date of graduation.
(No response)
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Please list your specialty:
(No response)
Please list your specialty sub-type (i.e. Surgical vs. medical vs. radiation oncology vs. pediatric):
(No response)
What is your planned Clinical Research Focus Area for Winn CDA?
Research conducted under Winn CDA must be within one of these three therapeutic areas. Please choose the one
that is most aligned with your research project.
(No response)
Please select the clinical specialty you would like to work on during this program and specify the disease
your research will focus on:
(No response)
What is your current job title?
(No response)
What is the name of your current employer?
(No response)
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Date started:
(No response)
What is the street address of your employer?
(No response)
What is the city of your employer?
(No response)
What state is your employer in?
(No response)
Do you expect to transfer institutions at the time of awarding and contracting (August/September 2025)?
(No response)
What is your practice environment (i.e. Urban vs. suburban vs. rural)?
(No response)
Does your institution serve HRSA designated medically underserved areas/populations (MUA/MUP)?
(No response)
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Please attach your CV here: (within the last 6-months)
Use this file naming convention – [last name first name CV] (i.e. Smith John CV)
Funding and Publications
Incomplete
Form for "Funding and Publications"
Current Sources of Salary Support and/or Other Funding
Using the template provided here, please list all current sources of funding including: Name of funder, Amount,
Funding Period, Percentage of time spent, Renewable, and Brief Summary/Description.
Upload Funding Sources Template
Use this file naming convention – [last name first name Funding Sources] (i.e. Smith John Funding Sources)
Publications
Please list all significant publications within the last 3 years.
Please include Peer Review status. Specify if an abstract or manuscript.
If none, leave blank.
(No response)
Additional Questions
Incomplete
Form for "Additional Questions"
Please tell us how you heard about this program. Please include name(s) of referring individual or
organization, if applicable.
(No response)
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Did you participate in a Winn CDA Informational Webinar?
(No response)
Project Information
Incomplete
During the Winn CDA you are required to participate in an active clinical trial. In most cases, the project will be that of
your mentor; in some cases it may be your own project. This section solicits the information about the clinical trial you
will be working on.
Form for "Project Information"
Project Research Focus Area(s): Select one
(No response)
Project Disease Focus: What specific disease or condition will your project address?
(No response)
Type of Research Study: Select one.
(No response)
Will the project serve or recruit from rural communities?
(No response)
Research Project Title (75 words maximum): Provide a short descriptive title of the research project.
(No response)
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Research Project Description/Abstract (650 words maximum): Provide a brief abstract of the research project.
(No response)
Lay Abstract (500 words maximum): Provide a layperson summary of the project. Describe the work in a way
that it would be understood by people who do not have scientific or medical backgrounds. Be clear and avoid
technical and scientific terms when possible. It should not include confidential information. If selected to
receive an award, the Winn CDA may use the contents of this summary on its website and/or other public
facing materials.
(No response)
Specific Aims (300 words maximum per aim): Select the number of aims from the dropdown list. Use a
separate text box for each aim. Succinctly list the specific objectives of the research proposed (e.g., to test a
stated hypothesis, create a novel design, solve a specific problem, challenge an existing paradigm or clinical
practice, address a critical barrier to progress in the field or develop new technology). The specific aim
should concisely and realistically state what the research intends to accomplish and/or what hypothesis is to
be tested, and should list measurable objectives.
(No response)
Assurances
Human Subjects - Indicate whether human subjects will be involved in the research. If yes, select the
appropriate status below.
(No response)
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If the study is a drug trial, please enter the name of the drug(s) and the drug manufacturer(s). It is highly
encouraged to include a letter from the manufacturer(s) or supplier(s) that they will provide the drug in the
Supporting Documentation section of the application.
(No response)
Project Timeline
Incomplete
Please use the template provided here.
Enter each major project milestone/activity, a brief description, the expected completion date, the status and if it is an
associated deliverable. A deliverable is something that can be included in a progress report, such as a publication or
an approval letter. You are not required to have deliverables; however, the timeline should make it clear what
outcomes will be achieved during the grant award period.
Download the template, then update the following:
Enter the name of the milestone/activity
Enter a description of the milestone/activity
Enter the expected date of completion
Indicate whether the milestone/activity is a deliverable
Select the appropriate status
Do not enter any comments.
Click “Attach File” and select the file to be uploaded in the application.
If possible, use this file naming convention – [last name first name Project Timeline] (i.e. Smith John Project Timeline).
After completing this form, click “Mark as Complete”.
Project Research Strategy
Incomplete
Please describe the research strategy of the clinical trial of which you are applying.
The project referenced here should be the same project outlined in the Project Information section of this
application.
If you are applying with your mentor's trial, please address the questions below with a focus on your role in that trial
where applicable.
The research strategy is limited to six (6) typewritten, single-spaced pages, with one-inch margins and using an 11-
point Arial font type. ALL pertinent tables, pictures, and graphs MUST be included within the 6-page limit. When in
preview mode, it may look like there are more than 6 pages.
The Research Strategy must contain the following information:
1. Significance and Background:
Explain the importance of the problem or critical barrier to progress in the field that the project addresses.
Explain how the project will improve scientific knowledge, technical capability, and/or critical practice in one or
more broad fields.
Describe how the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that
drive this field will change if the aims are achieved.
2. Innovation:
Explain how the application challenges and seeks to shift current research or clinical practice paradigms.
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