SMSNA Scholars in Sexuality Research Grants Program - Undergraduate/Medical/Graduate School Students

The SMSNA Scholars in Sexuality Research Grants Program supports junior investigators in exploring human sexuality and sexual wellness. Funded by the Sexual Medicine Society of North America, this initiative provides $5,000 to undergraduate, medical, and graduate school students. Awards are disbursed in two payments, with specific reporting requirements. This program aims to enhance research in sexual medicine and foster diversity in the field, particularly focusing on historically underserved populations.

Note:
Applicants must complete the online application form by March 30 of each year prior to the SMSNA Scientific Meeting at the AUA or by August 31 of each year prior to the SMSNA Fall Scientific MeetingIf all grant funds are awarded during the first application cycle (deadline: March 30), no additional funding will be available until the next award year.
ABOUT SMSNA
Our objective is to promote, encourage, and support the highest standards of practice, research, education, and ethics in the study of human sexual function and dysfunction.
Our members are all committed to sexual health and are made up of Physicians (MD/DO), Clinician/Research Scientists (PhD), Advance Practice Providers (APN/PA), Allied Health Professionals (LPN/LVN/RN, Technician, Medical Assistant), Social Workers (MSW), and other healthcare or research professionals focused on sexual health across North America.
Develop a Diversified & Focused Content Strategy
Define and Enhance Collaborations & Partnerships with All (Scientific and Corporate) Stakeholders
The Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) “Scholars in Sexuality Research Grants Program” supports junior investigators conducting research into human sexuality and sexual wellness. It is the intent of this program to attract junior clinicians and researchers to the field of sexual medicine and to support their early studies.
$5,000 for Undergraduate/Medical/Graduate School Students
Awards will be disbursed in two payments, with the first paid at the beginning of the grant period when all payment information has been received, and the second paid at the midpoint of the grant following receipt of a mid-term progress report and approval by the Research and Awards Committee. Customized disbursement of funds for projects and no-cost extensions can be arranged by request from the applicant/mentor and approved at the discretion of the SMSNA Research and Awards Committee.

Eligibility

Applications will be accepted from graduate or medical students, residents in graduate medical education training programs, and post-doctoral/post-residency fellows.
Applications will be accepted from researchers representing diverse backgrounds including, but not limited to: urology, psychology, psychiatry, gynecology, internal medicine, geriatrics, public health, physiology, genetics, molecular biology, social work, law, etc.Research projects must be carried out within the United States or Canada to qualify for funding.All funded applicants will receive membership in the SMSNA at no charge for 2 years.Research on fertility, gender-based medicine, or other topics not directly related to sexuality will be considered but will be given lower priority for funding.The Sexual Medicine Society of North American values the concepts of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.Reporting Requirements:The recipient will be required to provide both a Mid-term Report and a Final Progress Report. The Mid-term Report will be due 6 months after award disbursement. The Final Progress Report is due within 30 days of the end of the award term.Post Award Requirements:Awardees will be required to submit an abstract based on their research to the SMSNA Annual Fall Scientific Meeting, following the award term. All accepted abstracts are published in a special edition of the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Awardees are required to submit manuscripts, videos, or other material based on the supported research and intended for dissemination to an ISSM affiliated journal (ie The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Sexual Medicine, Sexual Medicine Reviews, or the Video Journal of Prosthetic Urology) prior to submission to any other journal. If the material is not accepted by the ISSM affiliated journal it may be submitted to a non-ISSM affiliated journal.
The SMSNA will be credited as a sponsor in any presentations and publications that result from the research project.
The SMSNA requests that the Grant’s Committee be informed of how data generated with the support of SMSNA is subsequently used for essay contests or to solicit additional funding opportunities.
The Grant’s Committee would also appreciate being informed how/if the funding research receives recognition/awards from local, national, or international institutions/organizations.Awards will be paid to the sponsoring institution (medical school, hospital, university). The primary purpose of the grant is to support research related expenses. Grant funding is not intended to be the primary source of funding for travel, lodging, meals, or other costs associated with attending SMSNA meetings, but may supplement those expenses. The grant may supplement the grantee’s salary if not already fully funded. Proof of grant expenditure is required upon request.
You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. Applicant’s mentor must be an SMSNA member. If a proposed mentor is not a member of the SMSNA, we require that they join the SMSNA prior to inception of the research project.

Ineligibility

Awards cannot be paid directly to the successful applicant or mentor.