Professional effort

K12 Scholars are expected to devote 75% of their full-time effort to the training and clinical research activities.

Scholars’ remaining effort may be devoted to other clinical or academic pursuits consistent with the award. NIH policy requires that the remainder of a scholar’s salary (the portion NOT paid by the K12 program) must come from non-federal sources.

Mentorship

Developing a successful clinical and translational research career requires strong relationships with mentors and a research team. Each scholar must have program-approved primary and secondary mentors. The primary mentor will be the scholar’s main source of research supervision and career development.  Scholars are expected to meet with their mentors monthly.  K12 mentors are expected to be available for consultation and support concerning the scholar’s current projects and future progress. K12 mentors are also expected to provide formal feedback to the scholar at least annually.

Individual development plans

K12 scholars must establish a Individual Development Plan in consultation with their mentors and advisory committee. This plan must be submitted annually.

All Individual Development Plans should include:

  • Individual development goals for the next 1-5 years
  • Career objectives for each goal – For each objective, the scholar should indicate what individual products (degrees, publications, presentations, grants, etc.) are expected
  • Research activities and projects that will assist the scholar in meeting the objectives
  • An overview of the courses, workshops and other educational/training activities that the Scholar plans to pursue
  • A timeline should also be constructed to display the individual objectives, educational activities, research activities, and products

IRB approvals

Scholars are required to provide to the Program current IRB approvals for their research project(s).

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

Scholars are required to complete the course Ethical and Legal Issues in Clinical Research (M17-510) during their time in the program or a minimum of eight contact hours consisting of face-to-face or small group discussions in the responsible conduct of research led by expert faculty as part of their training in the Responsible Conduct of Research. Scholars must also comply with Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Guidelines for the duration of the program.

Grant citations 

K12 scholars are to acknowledge the receipt of K12 grant support in all publications, Biosketches, and Other Support documents. Each program has unique requirements for citing grants. 

Learn more about grant citation requirements »

Research progress

Scholars are to keep the Program Coordinator informed of their individual progress including published manuscripts, abstracts, submitted grant applications and awards in a timely manner. Additionally, at least once each year, all Scholars are required to provide a progress report detailing their research-in-progress.

Research funds

Scholars are required to submit a budget to the CRTC Financial Coordinator prior to the start of their program appointment and each subsequent year of the program. This budget must outline projected expenses to be covered by research funds. Budget revisions and expense reports are required as incurred. All scholars are expected to follow the financial policies of the Program. Failure to follow Program policies may result in denial of reimbursement or purchase requests.

Program evaluations

Scholars are expected to complete required program evaluations twice per year. These evaluations are administered online and are mandatory for all scholars.