RFA & FAQs

RFA Details

Timeline

The application process is closed. Please check back for further details.

Overview and Goals

The application consists of two parts, each with its own deadline. The application must be completed and submitted in one session as it cannot be saved for later completion. Please see the subsequent sections for details.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming that it has been received.

Paper copies of the application or any other accompanying documentation will not be accepted.

For questions regarding this application, please contact the C/T Research Academy by email: CTAcademy@hms.harvard.edu.

Application Details and Requirements

Part 1 – The Application and Supporting Documents

  • Project Title
  • Full name
  • Email (Please enter your email address carefully to ensure the email is delivered to
    the proper inbox.)
  • Secondary email (e.g., gmail, hotmail, yahoo)
  • Contact phone number
  • Primary institution/department
  • Faculty/fellowship rank
  • Citizenship status
  • Summary of the research you anticipate conducting during your participation in the C/T Research Academy program. Consider using a standard research proposal format including hypothesis, specific aims, background, methods, potential limitations, and future directions. If you do not have a specific project, describe in general what your project will be. Limit your response to 2,000 words or less. You can include up to a total of 4 tables/figures. Proposal is to be uploaded as a PDF.
  • Your current NIH Biosketch (new format)
  • Mentor Information – name, email, NIH Biosketch, institution, and department

 

Part 2 – The Endorsements
Please have the following information ready:

  • Division chief/department chair’s name, email, institution, and department

The individual you list on the endorsement page as your chief/chair will receive an email with a link directing him/her to a secure website where s/he will be prompted to upload an individual letter of recommendation (in PDF format). This letter must detail the abilities of your chosen mentor, including evidence of capabilities, funding/support, resources, etc. The endorser will not have access to your application materials.

Application Decision Information

Acceptances will be announced via email within 4-6 weeks of the application close.

FAQs

Can I apply if I am not yet at Harvard, but expect to be by the time the program begins?

If you are able to provide an endorsement letter from a department chair or division chief in a Harvard-affiliated institution, you are eligible to apply.

Is there any cost for participation in the C/T Research Academy?

No, all costs are covered by Harvard Catalyst.

Is there a salary or stipend available?

No. Participants are required to have salary support from their divisions/departments.

What is the time commitment?

Anticipate dedicating at least 75% of your time for research and program-related activities. The initial summer program is a full-time commitment for four weeks.

Will the Academy be in-person or virtual?

For academic year 2022, the Academy met entirely on Zoom. We will continue to evaluate the status of COVID-19 in the Boston area, as well as if virtual sessions prove to be as beneficial as in-person meetings for the group.

How detailed does my research project need to be?

You should provide, at minimum, a concept description of the research you plan to pursue. Proposals that are more focused will likely be viewed more favorably.

When will classes meet?

You will be in class full-time during a four-week summer program in July 2022 (Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm). There will be a late afternoon seminar during the fall/spring, and at least one to two other required courses. Several elective courses are also available. Most fall/spring semester courses require about two hours in-class time per week.

Does enrollment in the program allow me to take other HMS/HCSPH courses?

Not at this time. Since participants are not enrolled as HMS students, they cannot cross-register into accredited courses at Harvard. However, they may enroll separately in HMS/HCSPH courses with payment of tuition or participate in other Harvard Catalyst courses tuition-free.