EIAP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Program Requirements and Components
What is the goal of EIAP?
The EIAP aims to enhance professional skills, guide the preparation of an R01 grant application, provide access to a mentoring and peer network, and grow a community of emerging established investigators from diverse backgrounds.
Is EIAP offered by all the Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs) at NIH?
EIAP is a trans-National Cancer Institute (NCI) program managed by the Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) with support from the NCI Equity Council.
How many Scholars and Associates will be accepted for FY 2024?
EIAP will welcome 20-25 Scholars and 50 Associates.
What is the timeline for submission, review, and acceptance?
- Applications are accepted through November 1, 2023. No late applications will be accepted.
- A review of all applications will commence on November 15 and end on December 8, 2023.
- Final award decisions will be emailed from the EIAP between January 3 and January 19, 2024.
- The 2024 EIAP cohort begins on February 13, 2024.
What is an EIAP Associate?
EIAP Associates are individuals who were not selected as EIAP Scholars but were identified by the trans-NCI screening committee and EIAP program staff as having meritorious applications. EIAP Associates are invited to the Grantsmanship Seminar (grantsmanship workbook included free of charge), the monthly career development seminars (PAVES), and other program events. Previous EIAP Associates are eligible to re-apply as an EIAP Scholar in the next cycle.
What are the key dates for EIAP participants?
| Date (All times Eastern Time) | Activity |
|---|---|
| February 6, 2024 | Scholar Orientation |
| February 13, 2024, 1:00–4:30 pm | Grant Writers' Seminar Day 1 |
| February 14, 2024, 1:00–4:30 pm | Grant Writers' Seminar Day 2 |
| End of February-Early March 2024 | Scholar 1 on 1 (more information to come) |
| March 20, 2024, 11:00 am | Pre-Proposal Due (more information and guidance will be provided once the program starts) |
| April 4, 2024 | EIAP Peer Networking Event |
| May 2, 2024 (Morning, TBD) | Group Workshop Session |
| May 2 or 3, 2024 (Afternoon, TBD) | One scheduled one-on-one session with a grant expert to discuss your pre-proposal |
| TBD | Mentored Mock Review Orientation |
| May-June 2024 | Scholar 1 on 1 (more information to come) |
| TBD | Mentored Mock Review |
| July 24, 2024 | Final Grant Proposal for Grantsmanship Review |
| August–September 2024 | Scholar 1 on 1 (more information to come) |
| October/November 2024 | Submit Grant Application |
Eligibility
Are all cancer researchers eligible to apply to the EIAP?
Cancer researchers can only apply if they satisfy the residency/citizen requirement, have not received an R01 or equivalent funding from the NIH, and are considered an Early Stage Investigator (ESI) or New Investigator (NI).
What is the difference between an ESI and NI?
An ESI is a Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) who has completed their terminal research degree or end of post-graduate clinical training, whichever date is later, within the past 10 years and who has not previously competed successfully as PD/PI for a substantial NIH independent research award. A PD/PI who has not previously competed successfully as a PD/PI for a substantial independent research award is considered a NI. The list of NIH grants that a PD/PI can hold and still be considered a NI is the same as the list of grants that a PD/PI can hold and still be considered an ESI. For more information, visit https://grants.nih.gov/grants/esi-status.pdf.
Are all U.S.-based researchers eligible to apply to the EIAP Program?
Only U.S. citizens or non-citizen nationals or green card holders are eligible to apply. Nonimmigrant (e.g., H1-B or O) visa holders are not eligible to apply.
Will a postdoc be able to apply for the EIAP?
No. Applicants should be eligible to apply for an R01 from their institution, which can support the conduct of the research for 1-5 budget periods, each normally 12 months in duration.
Can a K01 recipient apply?
Yes. K01 recipients can apply, as this is an example of a smaller NIH grant that can be received by an investigator without losing ESI status. The K award can enhance the EIAP application as it provides a platform to generate data that will serve as the foundation to propose an R01.
Will the ESI or NI status be lost with an attempt to apply for an R01 grant?
No. ESI and NI status is only lost when an R01 or an equivalent award is secured. Both ESI and NI status should not be impacted by an R01 submission.
Application Requirements
Can I use an R01 that is currently under review?
If the R01 is currently under review, you may not apply for the EIAP using that application as your draft R01; however, if you have a separate concept, you may apply using the draft of an R01 concept that is not currently under review.
If a previous R01 application was unsuccessful, can the investigator apply with the same application?
Yes.
Is there a particular research focus that is preferred in the scientific endeavor of applicants?
Applicants should be conducting cancer or cancer-related research.
What can strengthen the statement indicating preparedness to submit an R01?
You can strengthen your statement indicating preparedness to submit an R01 by describing your R01 experience, including if you have previously submitted one or more R01s or if your current draft has been reviewed internally or has been submitted to NIH. These types of statements provide insight into the applicant's preparedness. In addition, the strength of your draft is one of the best indicators of R01 preparedness.
Where can R01 preparation guidance be accessed?
The NIH website is an excellent source of information. Visit: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/how-to-apply-application-guide/format-and-write/write-your-application.htm.
Are there examples of successful R01 applications?
View successful R01 applications at: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/how-to-apply-application-guide/resources/sample-applications.htm.
Why is a draft R01 required at the time of application?
An R01 draft is an essential component of the submission packet. EIAP is anchored on supporting Scholars through the process of revising the draft through structured and guided grant writing and scientific mentorship support. It is expected that the draft R01 will be ready for submission to the NIH by October/November 2024. Thus, a draft R01 submission is an indication of readiness to participate and succeed in the program. See the program timeline and due dates.
Will reference letters be included in the application packet/pdf file?
Two letters of reference must be included in your application to EIAP. A reference is a professional who can comment on the applicant as a potential R01 investigator.
The requirements for the cover letter seem longer than two pages.
Do your best to address each component as appropriate.
What are examples of R01-equivalent grants?
R01-equivalent grants are defined as activity codes DP1, DP2, DP5, R01, R37, R56, RF1, RL1, U01, and R35 from select National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) and National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) program announcements (PAs). Not all activity codes will be in use every year.
What defines successful program completion for EIAP Scholars?
Scholars are expected to be very committed to this program and attend or complete all the activities listed below. Scholars are expected to provide EIAP staff with advance notice if they are unable to commit to any of the activities listed.
Required Scholars Activities
- EIAP Orientation
- Grant Writers' Seminar
- Pre-proposal submission
- Group-Specific Aims Workshop
- GWSW Specific Aims 1 on 1
- Quarterly EIAP staff meetings
- Mentored Mock Review Orientation
- Mentored Mock Review
- Peer Networking Event
- Submission of a final draft grant proposal to GWSW
- Submit grant application to NIH
- At least 1 interaction per month with the paired mentor (meeting, email exchange, text, etc.)
What defines successful program completion for EIAP Associates?
Successful program completion for Associates is defined as active engagement in all the following activities:
- Grant Writers' Seminar
- Mentored Mock Review
Where do I learn more?
For more information about EIAP, eligibility, and how to apply, please visit: https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/organization/crchd/diversity-training/eiap
Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Maria Jamela Revilleza or JoBeth McCarthy at EIAP@nih.gov.