| The PCCSDP requires five years of commitment and participation from PCCSDP Scholars and their institutions. During Phase I, the PCCSDP will provide funding (see below) for the individual as he or she pursues intense research training. During Phase II, as the Scholar transitions to an independent investigator, the PCCSDP will provide limited support in the form of travel to the annual PCCSDP retreat.
Phase I will last up to two years (in exceptional circumstances, three years may be possible). During this period, the Scholar will:
- Pursue intense training in a mentored laboratory or clinical research setting.
- Develop a short and long-term career development plan, including plan for
future research activities.
- Meet with the National Advisory Committee at the annual PCCSDP retreat where protection from clinical and administrative responsibilities will be discussed and evaluated.
Development Plan
The development plan must be outlined in the application for funding. The Scholar must be protected from clinical and administrative responsibilities so that a minimum of 75% time is protected for research training.
Evaluation
During Phase I, members of the National Advisory Committee will site visit each training institution and will verify that the Scholar is being provided with the institutional commitment described in the scholar's application and the department chairs endorsement letter. Renewal for two years, and in exceptional circumstances, three years, is dependent on satisfactory progress of the scholar.
Program Benefits
During Phase I, Scholars may receive up to $75,000 for salary, benefits, limited laboratory support for supplies (up to $10,000), travel to the annual PCCSDP retreat and to appropriate scientific meetings (up to $3,500), and limited tuition support for specific training opportunities (up to $4,500). Indirect expenses will be provided to training institutions at 8% of all direct costs except tuition, which is not eligible for indirect expense reimbursement. Carryover of funds between years is normally not permitted, as unexpended funds are used to fund additional Scholars.
During Phase II, Scholars must be:
- Supported by their institution, preferably with extramural funding such as K08 or K23 NIH awards.
- Protected from clinical and administrative responsibilities at least 50% of their time, according to the RFA for this program.
Institutions are strongly encouraged to protect Phase II Scholars for 75% of their time, reflecting our goal that these scholars will be supported by K awards. It is important to note that protection of Scholars for the duration of five years must be a firm commitment of the sponsoring Department and must be acknowledged in a letter from the Department Chair during the application process.
Annual Retreat
Phase II Scholars will attend the annual PCCSDP retreat, and discuss their long-term career development with the National Advisory Committee at these annual retreats. Travel expenses will normally be born by the sponsoring Department, but in exceptional circumstances, it may be possible for the program to defray these expenses.
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