CFAR Dev Cohort
The CFAR Developmental (“Dev”) Cohort, facilitated by Core leaders, uses a peer-based model, stages workshops, and sponsors career development presentations. Current ESI Developmental Awardees are required to participate in the Dev Cohort, however, it is open to all ESIs affiliated with the CFAR. For example, Developmental applicants who were not funded or ESIs who are interested in applying for CFAR funding in the future are all invited to join the Dev Cohort as well. In the upcoming grant cycle, we will be actively working with CFAR members across the Carolinas to identify promising ESIs at our affiliated institutions. We will encourage them to join the Cohort to help solidify their foundation for research and potentially support future grant submissions. Cohort meetings are held monthly on Zoom to accommodate members across our different partner institutions, with video recordings and presentation slides available on a password protected website afterwards.
The goal of the Cohort is to maximize research success through both essential professional development opportunities and works-in-progress discussions. To foster Cohort member interactions and encourage collaboration with other CFAR Cores, we dedicate one Dev Cohort meeting to introduce all the CFAR Cores. In addition, guest speakers are invited to attend and share their areas of expertise with the group. Each year, the Dev Cohort facilitates grant and manuscript writing workshops, provide personalized feedback on the specific aims of prospective NIH proposals, and host Q&A sessions with researchers who have served on NIH review panels. Additional meetings may include topics such as the paths of successful former ESIs, data safety and monitoring plans, NIH data sharing and other regulatory requirements, translating research findings for non-scientific audiences, creating mentorship networks, and managing study budgets.
Presenting a work-in-progress (WIP) is required for active Developmental Awardees and optional but encouraged for all other Dev Cohort members. The ESIs share whatever they are working on, e.g., scientific analysis, manuscript, and future grant proposals, with the Cohort. The presenters receive input on their research from the Core Director(s) and fellow Cohort members. We also invite relevant senior investigators to hear and provide feedback on the WIPs, helping presenters to build relationships with experts in their field.