Neuro-EM Scholars Program

 

In conjunction with the NIH Office of Emergency Care Research (OECR), SAEM's leadership has been working tirelessly to advocate for increased funding for emergency care research. The result of their efforts is the creation of the new K12 program by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) called the Neuro-EM Scholars Program. This career development program aims to recruit, mentor, train, and support early-career emergency medicine (EM) faculty, enhancing their ability to conduct NIH-funded research on neurological disorders in pre-hospital and emergency department settings.

In addition to funding scholars through the K12 portion of the program, the Neuro-EM Scholars Program will support a Pipeline Program for early career investigators who are not yet eligible or ready to apply for the K12 program. A primary goal of the Pipeline Program is to promote the diversity of EM research and the pool of successful EM physician-scientists by enhancing the participation of individuals from backgrounds and with perspectives that are underrepresented in medicine.

SAEM's proactive approach and strategic alliances in achieving this milestone marks a pivotal moment in EM research, ensuring progress and innovation in the field.

The application portal for the Neuro-EM Scholars Program is now open. Applications are due October 1, 2024.

 

K12 Program

Who Should Apply?

Clinically practicing EM physicians within their first 2 years of a faculty position after residency or fellowship training. Applicants must be citizens or noncitizen nationals of the U.S. or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of appointment.

Funding Availability

The program funds 3 new scholars each year and provides up to 3 years of support for each scholar.

Award Requirements
  • Dedication of 75% effort to research and career development during the first 3 years of the program.
  • Commitment from the awardee's department chair to provide 2 additional years of at least 50% protected time for research after the funding period.
  • Submission of an individual NIH K application (or R01-equivalent) by halfway through the third year of the program.
  • Attendance at the Neuro-EM Annual Retreat during the 3 years of K12 funding, plus the 2 years immediately following K12 funding.
Accepted Research Types
  • Basic, clinical, translational, health services, etc.
  • Research must align with the missions of NINDS, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), or National Institute on Aging (NIA).
Award Deliverables
  • Salary support of $115,000 (plus fringe benefits) per year for up to 3 years.
  • $40,000 for research and career development costs per year for up to 3 years.
  • Travel expenses to attend the required Neuro-EM Annual Retreat for up to 3 years.
Application Timeline
  • First round applications due: October 1, 2024.
  • Interviews conducted: December 4-7, 2024 at the Neuro-EM Annual Retreat.
  • Awardees notified: January 2025.
  • Anticipated start of scholar funding: July 2025.
How to Apply

The program application is similar to an NIH individual K award application. Interviews will be conducted at the Neuro-EM Annual Retreat.

 

Pipeline Program

Ideal Candidate

EM senior residents, fellows, and first-year faculty interested in neurological sciences research who could be future K12 program applicants. Participants must be nominated by a chair, division chief, and/or program director, and are encouraged for individuals from backgrounds and with perspectives that are underrepresented in medicine.

Program Capacity

The program will support up to 10 early career investigators to attend the Neuro-EM Annual Retreat.

Program Deliverables
  • Travel/lodging expenses covered for attending the Neuro-EM Annual Retreat on December 4-7, 2024.
  • Grant writing training and support for 1-2 years preceding application for the Neuro-EM Scholars Program K12.
Nomination Timeline
  • Nominations due: October 1, 2024.
  • Program attendees notified: November 1, 2024.
How to Apply

Candidates must be nominated by a chair, division chief, or program director. Details and the official nomination form will be provided soon. Visit the  Neuro-EM Scholars Program website for additional details.