K Grant Writer’s Corner

Writing is a key component of the K Grant process. The resources below provide guidance on this topic.

K Grant Application Checklist
Created and regularly updated by Karen Miller, MD, principal investigator for our K12 Training Award program, the K Grant Application Checklist should be thoroughly read as your first step in preparing a new K grant application.

K Grant Writing Guide
This guide is intended to be a comprehensive resource for investigators who are starting the writing process. If you don’t have the bandwidth for a full grant writing course, but want to start writing, this is the resource for you. It’s recommended that you pair this guide with examples from our K Grant Library. K Grant Writing Guide coming soon. 

Conquering the K
Are you planning on submitting a grant application for an NIH Career Development Award, ie K Award? If yes, we encourage you to check out our “Conquering the K” instructional videos to learn from the expertise and significant experience of senior faculty who have served on study sections and mentored many other investigators through this process. Please note, Harvard Key login is required to access videos. Get Harvard Key.

K Grant Library
Our past K Awardees have shared that examples of successful grant submissions have been some of the most helpful resources for them. We listened – and created this collection of successful K Grant applications. This K Grant library  was made possible by the generous K awardees who are committed to helping those who are next in line for training. Browse the library. Please note, Harvard Key login is required to access the library. Get Harvard Key

Online Forum for K Grant Writers
Meeting the challenges of writing your K Grant can be a lot easier when you’re part of a community of peers who can support you. To this end, we will be hosting a monthly online discussion forum to help you tackle some of the challenges, while simultaneously facilitating meaningful connections with other investigators. These lunchtime discussions will be interactive and led by faculty who have traveled the same path.

NIH K Grant Specific Aims Consultations
Apply to take advantage of our Specific Aims Page consultations, which offer individualized feedback on draft pages of specific aims to applicants who are applying for NIH K grants. Harvard Medical School (HMS) faculty who have demonstrated recent success in NIH grant funding will serve as consultants, offering edits and feedback on submitted draft aims. The consultations will take place via Zoom. This service is free for Harvard affiliates.

NIH K Grant Specific Aims Review & Career Development Consultations
Similar to our NIH K Grant Specific Aims consultation service, the Specific Aims Review & Career Development consultation provides enhanced support for applicants applying for NIH K grants. Receive feedback on your draft Specific Aims pages in a virtual two-hour peer review writing group led by a Harvard Catalyst distinguished mentor and take part in a series of K grant writers’ forums. In addition to this, you will have access to a one-hour individual meeting with one of our distinguished mentors to review the Career Development Plan and provide guidance. This service is free for Harvard affiliates.

Note: If you need any of the documents on this page made further accessible, please email communications@catalyst.harvard.edu.