Fund Your Future Series
Fund Your Future | 2025 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 will cover 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. Join us to strengthen your grant writing skills and take the next step toward securing independent research funding. All postdocs are welcome to participate.
Session 1: Grants 101 for Postdoctoral Scholars
Date: 1/29/25
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
In the first seminar of OPA’s Spring 2025 Grant Series, Dr. Nate Warren will present Grants 101 for Postdoctoral Scholars, an introductory session tailored for early-stage postdocs. This webinar will cover essential eligibility and compliance considerations, guidance on submitting grants through the UNC system, and practical steps to help you get started. The seminar will also cover major funding opportunities, including NIH F and K awards, NSF Postdoctoral Fellowships, foundation grants, and specialized programs like CDMRPs and SBIR/STTRs. Participants will gain insights into the key components of an NIH proposal and learn strategies for identifying other funding opportunities to support their research.
Session 2: Crafting Your NIH BioSketch | For Postdoctoral Scholars
Date: 2/19/25
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Join Barrie Hayes from UNC Health Sciences Library for an informative session on crafting your NIH Biosketch, tailored specifically for postdoctoral researchers. This workshop will cover the upcoming NIH requirements effective May 25, 2025, including obtaining and linking your ORCID iD and utilizing the SciENcv tool to create your biosketch. We’ll delve into each component of the NIH biosketch, providing detailed guidance on the type of information to include, with a particular focus on composing a compelling ‘Contribution to Science’ section. The session will feature a follow-along demonstration of creating a biosketch using SciENcv; attendees are encouraged to obtain an ORCID iD and an NCBI login prior to the workshop to participate fully.
Session 3: F32 Information Session & Panel
Date: 3/12/25
Time: 10:00 – 11:45 AM
Location: Mary Ellen Jones Room 3116
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.
Session 4: Roundtable Discussion for International Scholars | Grant Writing
Date: 04/15/25
Time: 11:00-1:00
Register for Session 4: Roundtable Discussion for International Scholars
Join us for an exclusive professional development session where retired faculty from UNC Chapel Hill will share insider strategies and proven techniques for crafting winning grant proposals. Learn from their firsthand experiences and gain practical advice to navigate the complexities of funding applications with confidence. Following the session, enjoy a networking luncheon where you can connect personally with these seasoned faculty members, exchange ideas, and expand your professional network. This roundtable career development session is facilitated in partnership with ISSS, the Retired Faculty and Professionals Association, the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and the International Postdoc Alliance, and is intended for international scholars and graduate students.
Session 5: K99: Information Session & Panel
Date: 5/08/25
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Bondurant Hall G010
Register for Session 5: K99: Information Session & Panel
Interested in securing independent funding? This session will focus on the NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) and provide valuable insights into the application process. From 10:00-11:00 AM, Susan Pusek from NC TraCS will outline key aspects of the K99/R00 grant, including eligibility requirements, essential components, and tips for crafting a strong proposal. From 11:00AM -12:00PM, recent K99 recipients and a former study section member will share their experiences and offer practical advice on submitting a competitive application and transitioning to an independent research career. Whether you’re actively preparing a K99 application, seeking advice from successful recipients, or exploring future funding options, this session will provide valuable guidance. All postdocs are welcome.