Young Investigator GrantYoung_Investigator

The Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology was excited to announce the 2021 Young Investigator Grant recipients during our Annual Business Meeting on May 12. Congratulations to the newest and past recipients!

About the Grant

SOAP established the Young Investigator Grant to allow individuals in the early stages of an academic career to obtain funding for a research project. The $10,000 award is intended to be used for young investigators who will be able to ideally initiate and complete the proposed project within a 12-to-18-month period. 

Amount

$10,000 USD

Application Deadline

The 2021 application period closed March 1, 2021

Eligibility

Applicants must be SOAP members in good standing and pursuing an academic career in obstetric anesthesia through one of the following:

  • Fellows currently enrolled in an ACGME-accredited (or international equivalent accreditation) obstetric anesthesiology fellowship.
    • Residents accepted into an obstetric anesthesia fellowship, but who have not yet started, can be eligible but will not receive funds until they matriculate.
  • Fellows in a non-ACGME accredited fellowship (U.S. or international) must have their fellowship director submit a description of the fellowship activities to demonstrate substantial equivalency of the training and research environment.
  • Obstetric anesthesia faculty members within two years of completion of their accredited (or equivalent) fellowship.

Application Period

The application period for the next grant cycle is announced in January of each year.

Application Process

Proposals must contain the following:

  • Description of the proposed project of up to three (3) double spaced pages, 10-point font, with no less than 0.5-inch (2 cm) margins, containing:
    • Background statement
    • Clear hypothesis
    • Statement of achievable aim(s)
    • Methods
  • Curriculum vitae or bio sketch
    • A one-page statement of their career plans, including how they will achieve completion of the project within the time frame
  • Plans for future grant funding following the Young Investigator Grant (half page)
  • CV or bio sketch from the project mentor(s)
  • Budget statement, including supplemental funding where appropriate (single page)
  • Letter of support from the Program Director, if current resident/fellow, or from the Chairperson, if junior faculty
  • A letter of support from the mentor (if not one of the above)
  • If applicable, IRB approval should be obtained (or be in process)
  • Applications should be submitted to SOAP via email - [email protected] 

Supplemental Information

  • The $10,000 grant does not include any institutional indirect costs, and it is expected that in many cases departmental funds will supplement the grant. This small, starter grant is not intended for, and is insufficient for, funding salary for the PI or mentor. Although it is impossible to list all possible appropriate items that could be included in a budget, in general, most will include items such as laboratory supply costs, required specialized software or hardware, partial technician or research coordinator salary, research pharmacy charges, statistical consultation, etc.
  • The funded applicant will be expected to submit a progress report every six months until completion of their project, including completed activities, remaining needs, and status of the funds. The funds are intended for the project described in the application. Except for minor changes, if the project cannot be completed for any reason as outlined in the application, the applicant must immediately inform the Research Chair. The chair or may approve the changes or request termination of the project and return of remaining funds, as appropriate. The approved research project is expected to be completed within a reasonable time frame, such as 12-to-18 months from receipt of funding. No-cost extensions may be granted by the approval of SOAP for reasonable indications.
  • The funded applicant is required to remain a SOAP member for the duration of the award.

Review Process

  • Applications will be reviewed by the Research Committee with a decision within six weeks of submission closure.
  • Up to two proposals may be funded, based on the quality of the applications.
  • The subcommittee and invited reviewers will grade the submissions and choose the best two projects. The subcommittee may recommend not funding two projects if less than two are deemed to be worthy.
  • The chair will present the selected submissions for funding to the Board, which will provide the final decision on funding.

 For more information, contact SOAP headquarters.  Click here to view past recipients and their research projects.