Fund Your Future Series
Fund Your Future | 2026 Grant Writing Series
The Fund Your Future series is designed to equip postdoctoral scholars with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the grant writing process successfully. Through a mix of informational sessions, hands-on workshops, and expert panels, this series covers key aspects of securing funding – from understanding grant opportunities and NIH requirements to crafting competitive applications and planning for long-term research success.
Whether you’re new to grant writing or looking to refine your approach, these sessions will provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and opportunities to learn from experienced grant writers, awardees, and funding experts. All postdocs are welcome to participate.
K99: Information Session & Panel
Date: Thursday, May 7th 2026
Time: 09:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: In Person, Marsico 2004
Registration: https://apps2.research.unc.edu/events/index.cfm?event=events.go&key=CE94
Interested in securing independent funding? This session will focus on the NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) and provide practical guidance on the application process. From 9:30 to 10:50 AM, Dr. Susan Pusek from NC TraCS will outline key aspects of the K99/R00, including eligibility requirements, core components of a strong application, and strategies for developing a competitive proposal. From 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, three recent K99 recipients and a former study section member will share their experiences and offer advice on preparing a successful application and transitioning to an independent research career. This session is open to all postdocs and is designed for those preparing a K99 application, seeking insights from awardees and reviewers, or exploring future funding pathways.
Behind the Curtain: K99 Review
Date: Thursday, May 7th 2026
Time: 09:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: In Person, Marsico 2004
Registration: https://apps2.research.unc.edu/events/index.cfm?event=events.go&key=CE9A
Ever wondered what really happens during an NIH grant review? This interactive workshop offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the K99/R00 evaluation process. Participants will receive select application materials in advance to review. During the session, attendees will work in small groups to discuss the proposal, identify strengths and weaknesses, and predict scores – simulating the study section experience. Two faculty members who currently serve on NIH study sections will then walk through the actual review process, providing insight into how applications are discussed, scored, and evaluated. The session will conclude with a guided discussion of the sample application, including how it was assessed and scored based on its summary statement. This is a valuable opportunity to better understand reviewer perspectives and strengthen your own grant writing approach.
F32 Information Session & Panel
Date: Monday, March 9th
Time: 10:00-12:00
Location: In person
Explore the path to securing your own funding with this Information Session & Panel dedicated to obtaining a Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (Parent F32). From 10:00-10:45AM, Patrick Brandt will provide an overview of the F32 grant application essentials, and from 10:45-11:45PM, you will hear from recent F32 awardees and Dr. Jason Franz, a recent study section member. Whether you’re actively applying for an F32 grant, looking for guidance from successful recipients, or simply exploring the application process, this session should be informative. All postdocs are welcome.