MARCH 2023

NEWSLETTER

The Center for Advanced Research Training & Innovation (CARTI) newsletter lists upcoming events, resources, services and grant deadlines for UMB research faculty and fellows. To register for CARTI's upcoming events, click HERE.

Time Management

Tuesday, March 14

1:00 – 2:00pm

Hybrid Session: HSRF III, Room 1010 (1st floor) & Zoom

Early stage faculty face many demands on their time, and need to be strategic in identifying requests that are appropriate and which they can fulfill, as well as those which are beyond their field of expertise or may be too time consuming at an early stage in their career. Dr. McCarthy will address some of the most difficult scenarios facing new faculty: when to say “yes” to requests for service, teaching, collaborating, etc., and when – and how- to say “no” to requests, especially when these requests are made by senior faculty/your chairman. 

Dr. McCarthy will provide criteria for identifying requests that may further a junior faculty member’s career. She will also provide tips for declining requests professionally, and in a way that leaves the door open to opportunities subsequently. She will conclude this session with tips for managing your time strategically.

Speaker: Margaret M. McCarthy, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Pharmacology; Director, Program in Neuroscience, UMSOM

Establishing Collaborations and Creating Your Network

Tuesday, April 18

9:00 – 10:00am

Zoom

Collaborations are a crucial aspect of developing and maintaining a successful research program and should be developed and maintained carefully. Often, early stage faculty are uncertain as to how to identify the best collaborators, as well as how to obtain the most meaningful input from collaborators. This session will cover:

• How to build successful collaborations and maintain relationships
• How to Identify venues to network and how to create your own networking opportunities
• The importance of establishing a network for career progression
• Challenges early stage investigators often face when collaborating and how to deal with them effectively
• How to make the meeting/conference experience professionally useful
• Using social media to network

Speaker: Lynn Schriml, PhD, Associate Professor, Institute for Genome Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UMSOM

Overview of NIH Career Development (K) Awards

Tuesday, March 7

9:00 – 10:30am (lecture)

10:30 - 11:00 (optional breakout sessions)

Hybrid Session: HSRF III, Room 1010 (1st floor) & Zoom

 This seminar is intended for new/junior faculty who are considering applying for an NIH career development (K) award and will help determine if it is an appropriate mechanism for their research and further training. This seminar is intended as an introduction to NIH K awards (K01, K08, K23) and will not cover how to write an NIH K award (a small interactive course on writing a K award will be available in the fall of 2023). The following subjects will be covered:

• Components of a K award
• Eligibility and competitiveness for a K award
• Preliminary steps, including developing a fundable research question, identifying your mentor(s) and communicating with your Program Officer
• Review Criteria for a K Award

The session will conclude with optional 30-minute breakout sessions. During the breakout sessions participants will have the opportunity to interact with CARTI to discuss questions related to their grant application, including identifying alternative career development awards.

Speaker: Marey Shriver, PhD, Executive Director for Faculty Development, Center for Advanced Research Training & Innovation (CARTI), UMSOM 

Resubmitting Your NIH Grant Application

Tuesday, April 11

11:00am – 12:00pm

Zoom

This session will discuss considerations for resubmitting an NIH grant application following peer review, including considerations for revising the application or submitting a new application. In addition, discussion will include NIH policies for resubmission, understanding reviewers’ comments, and writing the one-page introduction for a revision.

Speaker: Jonathan Lederer, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Physiology, UMSOM

Common Strategies in Scientific Writing

Thursday, March 9

9:00 – 10:00am

Zoom

Scientific papers that are organized and structured in ways that speak to the expectations of most editors and reviewers tend to have higher rates of acceptance; however, many scientists are unsure of how to present their research in a way that makes it easier for readers to follow along. This seminar focuses on common strategies in writing scientific research papers with a primary emphasis on organization and sentence structure. The session will review examples from various scientific disciplines to illustrate these principles and leave participants with some tangible action steps on how to review their own writing before submitting it to a journal.

Speaker: Isabell May, PhD, Associate Professor, Director, Science Communication Program, Graduate School; Director, Writing Center, UMB

Introduction to PIVOT Funding Database

Wednesday, March 15

9:00 – 9:30am

Zoom

Identifying sources of funding is a major challenge when trying to secure funding for a research project. To help make the search process easier for our faculty, fellows, staff and students, UMB has an institutional membership to PIVOT. PIVOT is a comprehensive, searchable database containing funding opportunities for all research disciplines and includes opportunities from federal, private, and international funding agencies. During this 30-minute session, participants will learn how to set up an account and profile, conduct basic and advanced searches and navigate and share search results.

Speaker: Emily Boydston, MBA, Assistant Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Office of Development, UMSOM

Creating a Data Management Plan with DMPTool

Wednesday, April 19

1:00 – 1:30pm

Zoom

Effective January 25, 2023, NIH has issued the Data Management and Sharing Policy (NIH DMSP) to promote the sharing of scientific data. This new policy requires that all grant applications submitted include a data management and sharing plan. During this 30-minute seminar, participants will learn how to create a data management plan (DMP) using the DMPTool. The DMPTool is a free, open-source, online application that helps researchers create data management plans and provides data management best practices resources.

Speakers:

Amy Yarnell, MLS, Data Services Librarian, Center for Data and Bioinformation Services, Health Sciences and Human Services Library, UMB

Irmarie Fraticelli-Rodriguez, Data Services Librarian, Center for Data and Bioinformation Services, Health Sciences and Human Services Library, UMB

Funding Opportunities Through the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)

Wednesday, May 3

9:00 – 10:00am

Zoom

The US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) offers a number of funding opportunities available to faculty and postdocs. Dr. Ivey will introduce participants to the various types of grant applications available through the VA, including eligibility requirements, tips for applying, and insights into the review process. 

Speaker: Frederick M. Ivey, PhD, Deputy Associate Chief of Staff for Research & Development, Baltimore VA Medical Center

Funding Success at the

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Tips for Identifying the Right Funding Opportunity and Applying to the NSF

Wednesday, May 17

 2:00 – 3:30pm 

Zoom

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency and funds basic research and education in most fields of science and engineering. This seminar will focus on grantsmanship and funding opportunities offered by NSF.

Major subjects will include:

·        The NSF’s mission

·        Identifying the right NSF funding opportunity

·        Specific biology-related funding opportunities

·        How to apply

·        Elements of a competitive proposal

·        NSF Review Process

Target audience: Faculty and senior postdoctoral fellows.

For more information on NSF funding, visit: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/

Speaker: Edda (Floh) Thiels, PhD, Program Director, Neural Systems Cluster, National Science Foundation

Scholarly Writing Accountability Group (SWAG) Program

Virtual Program to Help Faculty Increase Their Scholarly Writing Productivity

The Center for Advanced Research Training & Innovation (CARTI) provides a virtual peer accountability/support program designed to increase writing productivity among UMB early stage faculty called Scholarly Writing Accountability Group (SWAG). A description of our virtual SWAG program follows, including details on how to participate.

What is a VIRTUAL SWAG?

A virtual SWAG is an active peer-led writing group for UMB junior faculty that meets for 1-hour, once a week over a 10-week period using Microsoft Teams. Groups follow a structured agenda including 15 minutes of updates and goal-setting followed by 30 minutes of individual writing and then 15 minutes of reporting and wrap-up. Each group is limited to 4-8 members who must commit to attending at least 8 out of the 10 weekly sessions. In a SWAG, there is no peer review of writing; SWAGs focus on the process of writing, not the content. The purpose of SWAG is to help junior faculty get in the habit of 1) writing in short blocks of time daily or almost every day and 2) identifying and prioritizing feasible writing goals.

Writing accountability groups are being used at multiple major medical schools. The data which have been reported on the results of this program are very favorable, reflecting marked increases in the quantity and quality of writing by junior faculty participants.

What are the Benefits of Joining a SWAG?

Faculty who join SWAG will:

• Develop new writing habits to achieve writing goals
• Improved time management skills
• Gain a greater sense of control over the writing process
•  Build a small community of support/social network

Registration

New SWAGs at UMB are being formed on a rolling basis. If you’re interested in participating, please submit the following REQUEST FORM.

Questions? Email Stacie Mendoza

CARTI'S Seminar Slides & Recordings

CARTI'S Individual Consultations

Professional Development Resources

Online Communities Recommended by CARTI

National Center For Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD)

The NCFDD is an independent professional development, training, and mentoring community for graduate students, post-docs, and faculty members and are 100% dedicated to supporting academics in making successful transitions throughout their careers. They offer an array of resources including webinars and past recordings. UMB has an institutional membership. To sign up, visit: https://www.facultydiversity.org/join and select “University of Maryland Baltimore”

Edge for Scholars

https://edgeforscholars.org/

Edge for Scholars is your community for candid conversation about life in academics. Stories focus on how to do great research, stay productive, network effectively, mentor well and be mentored, negotiate for resources, get grants, refine writing and editing, cultivate leadership skills, and achieve your goals.

CARTI'S Mini LIbrary

University of Maryland School of Nursing

Research Seminar Series

IRB/HRPO Related Audits

Thursday, March 16

12:00 - 1:00pm

Webex

Please join the UMSON as they host Dr. Sarah Archibald from the UMB Office of Accountability and Compliance, who will be speaking about IRB/HRPO audits here at UMB. Topics will include OAC oversight, what types of audits they conduct, and how to be audit ready”

Speaker: Sarah Archibald, PhD, MSL, MS, MDE, MA, CCEP

The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) 

Baltimore Chapter

The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) is a non-profit, charitable and educational membership organization committed to providing education, certification, and networking opportunities to all persons involved in clinical research activities. 

The Baltimore Chapter's monthly meetings are open to the public.  Below is the topic for the next meeting:

• Clinically Assessing Abnormalities (3/8 @ 12pm; Zoom)

For more info on the monthly meetings and to register, visit: https://www.socra.org/chapters/list-of-chapters/view/Baltimore

2023 Passano Award Lecture

Invite to Attend

UMSOM, Institute of Human Virology (IHV)

Clinical Research Unit

Attention Clinical Investigators!

Are you interested in Clinical Research? IHV can help!

The Clinical Research Unit of the Institute of Human Virology is a complete fee-for-service research unit that can assist you in all your research goals.



• Start-up, contracting, IRB
• Study coordination
• Research visits requiring airborne isolation precautions
• Phlebotomy
• Lab processing, PBMC collection, storage and shipping



Contact the CRU for more information: 410-706-1684 or Rchiu@ihv.umaryland.edu 

Please include a short description of the study of interest in any email.

UMB Graduate School

Applications are being accepted by the UMB Graduate School for the following:

• Master of Science in Epidemiology and Clinical Research –Clinical Research Track
• Certificate Program in Clinical Research

 Both are designed specifically to meet the needs of clinicians and scientists who want further education and training to develop a successful career as a clinical and translational investigator. Graduates will gain the ability to identify important clinical research questions, develop research protocols, generate pilot data, conduct clinical research, analyze and write the results in a publishable form and develop and submit grant proposals. Former students include faculty members (particularly those on or applying for career development awards), fellows, residents and medical and dental students.

Please see the details and application deadline for each below:

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CLINICAL RESEARCH –CLINICAL RESEARCH TRACK

• 30 credits
• Eligible for tuition remission
• Designed for clinicians and clinicians-in-training wanting to develop a successful clinical research career

Early Admission Deadline: March 1, 2023

Final Application Deadline: May 15, 2023

For more information, visit the WEBSITE

In particular, read the "Frequently asked questions" for each.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN CLINICAL RESEARCH

• 12 credits
• Eligible for tuition remission
• For clinicians and scientists who do not have time to do a full MS but need to gain skills not covered in their health profession or graduate education

Early Admission Deadline: March 1, 2023

Final Application Deadline: May 15, 2023

For more information, visit the WEBSITE

In particular, read the "Frequently asked questions" for each.

For an individual consultation on whether this training is appropriate for you, please contact Jennifer Albrecht, PhD at jalbrecht@som.umaryland.edu

University of Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health

SHARP Training: Skills for Health And Research Professionals

Registration is open for summer trainings!

Geared towards early-career faculty and postdocs, these 1-4-day trainings in omics, data science, climate, and professional development provide immediate take away skills for investigators from any institution and are offered in a variety of in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats. Scholarships (deadline coming up 3/7) and early-bird rates are available, and capacity is limited. See flyer and website for more information

Funding Opportunities

Seeking Foundation Funding for your Research?

The SOM’s Office of Development, Corporate and Foundation Relations, provides services and resources to assist UMSOM faculty with identifying private foundation funding for research, programs, educational initiative, and community outreach at the local, regional, and national level. Visit their website for more information and to schedule an appointment. 

Additional funding opportunities can be found at:

 UMSOM Internal Funding Opportunities & External Funding Databases

UMGCCC Funding Database

(Cancer related research)

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