Ob-Gyn Early Career Research Awards
We are pleased to announce a new department-wide initiative to support early career researchers in obstetrics and gynecology, jointly supported by the Center for Women’s Health Research and the Collaborative for Maternal and Infant Health. The overarching goal is to foster careers in academic Ob-Gyn by providing seed funding for projects that inform practice, policy, and/or future research.
We are seeking applications from early-career investigators (MD or PhD) in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology. Candidates may apply for up to $5,000 (direct costs only) to cover a 12-month period beginning on July 1, 2026 after ethical approval. Applicants must have a rank of assistant professor, fellow, or resident in the UNC Department of Ob-Gyn. Candidates are asked to identify an Ob-Gyn faculty mentor to support them in this work. Given the size of the award, salary support is not allowable under this mechanism.
Departmental resources will support research across the fields of obstetrics and gynecology. Additional resources are available for studies that address issues related to Ob-Gyn medical education, maternal and infant morbidity and mortality (Bowes/Cefalo Endowment), and gynecologic cancers (Patricia Lee Brenton Fund).
Application deadline: 5 p.m. ET, Friday, April 17, 2026
Application guidelines
The proposal comprises the following components, to be submitted via an online portal. Font size should be 11 points or larger (Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, or Palatino Linotype) with half-inch margins. Consistent with NIH guidelines, font size should also be legible in tables/figures. Adhere to the page or word limits for each section.
1. Cover Letter (maximum 200 words)
• Summary of proposal
2. Project Plan (maximum three pages)
• Research hypothesis
• Scientific aims
• Methods
• Description of how research will further the field of Ob-Gyn
3. Budget (maximum one page)
• Itemized budget
• Narrative justifying expenses and personnel
• Description of any co-funding (if available from other sources)
4. Work Plan (maximum one page)
• Monthly work plan for 12-month period
• Identify milestones and activities
5. References
• Separate document that does not count towards page limits
6. NIH Biosketch
• New NIH Common Forms will be accepted but are not required