Grant Workshops

Get yoUr gRant fUnded (GURU)

Get yoUr gRant fUnded (GURU) is an intensive grant writing course intended for College of Medicine faculty, focused on NIH R01 or equivalent types of applications. This course is taught by Philip Kern, MD, and the UK Proposal Development Office. The program includes a mixture of class work, tutorials, and personal assistance with the hope that the participant could submit a grant and then submit a revision if the first submission is not funded.  There are writing accountability milestones throughout the course to encourage progress and growth. The course is designed for in-person attendance.

Space is limited and priority will be given to College of Medicine faculty targeting submission deadlines in the next two NIH cycle deadlines (~6-9 months). Candidates for the course must be ready to write, have adequate protected time to pursue a grant, actively participate in the course, and devote time to writing, meeting their mentors, and perform other grant-related activities.  Participants are selected based on eligibility, readiness to write (as evidenced by abstract or specific aims submitted during application, targeted funding opportunity, anticipated date of submission), and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Questions regarding the course can be directed to Kelly Meulendyke (kelly.meulendyke@uky.edu).

Spring 2025 GURU Details and Application

If you are interested in this program, please complete the following application: GURU Application

The application window will close February 12, 2025. Participants will be notified of acceptance into the program February 17, 2025.

Session 1: Overview of the NIH Grant Process and Expectations (Thursday, February 20, 2025, 2-4 p.m.)

  • Learn about the NIH submission process, how NIH grants are scored, and how to select appropriate NIH study sections.
  • Introduction to the Specific Aims page.
  • Homework:  Write a draft Specific Aims page.

Session 2: Specific Aims (Thursday, February 27, 2025, 2-4 p.m.)

  • Learn features of an impactful Specific Aims page.
  • Introduction to Significance and Innovation.
  • Homework: Refine and improve your Specific Aims.
  • Homework:  Start writing Significance and Innovation sections.

Session 3: Significance and Innovation (Thursday, March 20, 2025, 2-4 p.m.)

  • Learn to craft the Significance and Innovation sections of the Research Strategy.
  • Bring questions to class.  Describe your interactions with your mentor(s).
  • Introduction to the Approach section.
  • Homework: Refine and improve your Significance and Innovation sections.
  • Homework:  Start writing Approach section.

Session 4: Approach (Thursday, March 27, 2025, 2-4 p.m.)

  • Learn how to write a compelling Approach section.
  • The previous class’s homework will be reviewed. Bring questions and issues to class.  Be prepared to share your issues and problems in writing.
  • Homework: Write and/or improve Approach section.

Session 5: Course Wrap-up (Thursday, April 17, 2025, 2-4 p.m.)

  • Putting the pieces together.
  • What do you put in the budget and budget justification?

Office hours (optional) will be available on the weeks in between the main course sessions (Thursdays, 2-4 p.m.). These are informal sessions, providing a dedicated time and space to write, discuss progress/challenges, and/or receive feedback. 

Fall 2024 GURU Details

Session 1: Overview of the NIH Grant Process and Expectations (Wed., Sept. 18, 2-4 p.m.)

  • Learn about the NIH submission process, how NIH grants are scored, and how to select appropriate NIH study sections.
  • Introduction to the Specific Aims page.
  • Homework:  Write a draft Specific Aims page.

Session 2: Specific Aims (Wed., Sept. 25, 2-4 p.m.)

  • Learn features of an impactful Specific Aims page.
  • Introduction to Significance and Innovation.
  • Homework: Refine and improve your Specific Aims.
  • Homework:  Start writing Significance and Innovation sections.

Session 3: Significance and Innovation (Wed. Oct. 16, 2-4 p.m.)

  • Learn to craft the Significance and Innovation sections of the Research Strategy.
  • Bring questions to class.  Describe your interactions with your mentor(s).
  • Introduction to the Approach section.
  • Homework: Refine and improve your Significance and Innovation sections.
  • Homework:  Start writing Approach section.

Session 4: Approach (Wed., Oct. 30, 2-4 p.m.)

  • Learn how to write a compelling Approach section.
  • The previous class’s homework will be reviewed. Bring questions and issues to class.  Be prepared to share your issues and problems in writing.
  • Homework: Write and/or improve Approach section.

Session 5: Course Wrap-up (Wed., Nov. 20, 2-4 p.m.)

  • Putting the pieces together.
  • What do you put in the budget and budget justification?