PRISM Champions
The PRISM Champions Program is offered each spring and provides focused support to faculty advancing their research proposals toward NIH funding readiness. Participants receive dedicated resources that include:
- Course replacement costs to support protected research time
- Funding for pilot data collection
- Student research assistant support
- Individualized mentorship from an assigned PRISM mentor
The program is designed to give participants the time, structure, and guidance needed to strengthen their proposals and move them toward competitive submission.
Eligibility
Required Criteria
Applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements for the PRISM Institute and also demonstrate the following:
- Completion of the six-day PRISM Summer Institute with all deliverables submitted on time
- Willingness to sign a participation contract for the six-month Champions program and meet ongoing annual data collection requirements
Preferred Qualifications
Highly competitive applicants will also show:
- A well-developed research proposal focused on collaborative biomedical research aimed at improving health outcomes across populations, with potential for submission or resubmission to a defined funding opportunity. Proposals should include clear aims, a feasible methods plan, and an anticipated dissemination strategy
- Evidence of responsiveness to mentor feedback during the PRISM Summer Institute
- A positive recommendation from the Institute mentor for participation in the extended mentoring program
- Preliminary data, published scholarship, or a strong literature review related to the proposed grant topic
Program Deliverables
Participants in the Champions Program are required to complete the following:
- Submit a signed participation contract
- Complete the PRISM Champions survey
- Maintain and submit meeting logs
- Participate in the PRISM Webinar Series (optional)
- Submit their proposal for a mock review with PRISM mentors and program leadership
- Complete the post-Champions survey
- Submit a new grant proposal (A0) or a resubmission (A1) within six months of completing the retreat
- Complete the PRISM Annual Survey and provide an updated CV for up to four years after program participation
