This session introduces faculty to the array of internal funding opportunities available through the LSUHSC School of Medicine. A panel of faculty members who have received these awards will share personal strategies for success and offer practical guidance on navigating the application process. This session is especially valuable for early-career investigators or mid-career faculty seeking funding for new projects, bridge funding, or preparing for their next external grant submission.

This foundational session provides a practical roadmap for investigators new to the process of preparing peer-reviewed grant applications. Topics include identifying appropriate funding mechanisms from NIH, NSF, industry, and foundations), understanding key proposal components, and managing institutional procedures such as budget development and routing. Presenters will provide a framework for approaching investigators’ first submission or improving future proposals. Especially useful for junior faculty, fellows, and postdocs entering the world of grant writing.

Often considered the most important page of an NIH grant application, the Specific Aims page requires clarity, focus, and persuasive framing, as well as a clearly outlined hypothesis. This interactive session invites participants to submit an Aims page in advance for peer and faculty review. During the session, investigators can present their aims and receive structured feedback on the hypothesis, scope, innovation, and experimental direction. This is a hands-on opportunity to refine a draft toward submission-quality, particularly helpful for those with upcoming NIH deadlines.

The Research Strategy forms the core of a grant application and must convincingly articulate the rationale, innovation, and approach of the project. This session will guide investigators in writing this section in alignment with NIH criteria. Topics include experimental design, consideration of rigor and reproducibility, and inclusion of human subjects or animal models. Participants will learn to structure their ideas effectively while addressing review expectations.

This session demystifies the NIH biosketch format, walks through common budgeting pitfalls, and outlines how to write effective budget justifications that align with project aims. This is important because Scientific Review Groups (SRGs) are responsible not only for evaluating the scientific and technical merit of applications, but also the appropriateness and justification of the budget for the proposed Research Strategy. Lastly, the presenters will cover institutional procedures for budget review, Kuali routing, and working with Sponsored Projects staff.

This workshop introduces investigators to the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and the requirements for obtaining approval to work with recombinant DNA, infectious agents, and other biohazards. The session will cover risk classification, biosafety protocols, lab registration, and common submission errors.

Researchers working with vertebrate animals must navigate the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) review process. This session provides an overview of regulatory compliance, humane animal use practices, and the application process from planning to protocol approval.

For clinical and translational researchers, obtaining IRB approval is a critical early step. This session will provide practical instructions on preparing compliant and effective IRB submissions. Topics include study design considerations for human subjects, informed consent, common reviewer comments, and using the IRB submission portal.

Fellowship grants (F30/F31/F32) are key NIH mechanisms to support MD/PhD, graduate, and postdoctoral research training. This session will describe the structure of these grants, training plan expectations, and the roles of the mentor and institution in successful applications.

Career Development Awards (K-series, CDAs) are critical grant mechanisms for transitioning to research independence. This session will provide an overview of K-award structure, eligibility criteria, mentor selection, and required components such as career development plans, training goals, and letters of support. Recent awardees will offer tips and personal lessons.

This workshop focuses on grant forms/components that can delay submissions if overlooked: Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR), Biohazard statements, and Authentication of Key Biological and Chemical Resources. These documents are increasingly scrutinized by NIH reviewers and must be crafted with precision and clarity.