REC Scholar Program

The program will include:

• Training in core research competencies and the ADRC core content areas necessary for success as an independent scientist (see Figure 1 below)
• Training in basic, clinical and translational research concepts necessary for furthering innovative research on Alzheimer's disease
• Mentorship to advance research independence
• Meetings to introduce ADRC Core leaders and resources
• $80,000 over two years to support a research project for junior faculty scholars
• $30,000 over two years to support a research project for post-doctoral scholars

Image

Eligibility Requirements

• Junior faculty, post-doctoral fellow or scientist
• Have an appointment at UW–Madison
• For Junior faculty, must have a minimum of 20% protected research time to carry out project
• Have research aims that can be connected to or benefit Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research and align with the National Alzheimer's Project Act
• Applicants who have a NIH career award or similar are preferred, but this is not required

Additional Considerations

• This program does not provide salary support. Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have protected time to carry out their project and engage in training
• Applicants who have previously been awarded an NIH R01 as PI or MPI, or a similar award, are NOT eligible. Applicants may have an NIH R01 grant (or similar) application under review at the time of their application
• REC support is intended for U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Mentoring and Career Coaching

Scholars will meet regularly with two to three named mentors with complementary skills.

Create an IDP

With their mentors, scholars will create an individualized development plan (IDP).

Tailored Instruction in Scientific Concepts in ADRD Research

To ensure comprehensive training, REC leaders in collaboration with the ADRC Cores, have identified eight ADRC content/concentration areas for development. Wisconsin ADRC REC Scholars are expected to identify 2-3 content areas, and propose in depth training in selected content areas, under the guidance of a mentorship team.

Meet ADRC Core leaders

Via bi-monthly meetings, scholars will hear from the Wisconsin ADRC Core Leaders in a small group setting on the goals, operation, and outcomes of their ADRC Core. We aim to ensure scholars integrate with the ADRC, and understand ADRC operations, preparing them for their own future leadership roles. 

Mentored Research Project

Faculty-level Scholars receive $40,000 per year (over two years) to support a mentored research project, training, travel to research conferences and annual travel to an ADRC meeting. 
Postdoctoral fellows will receive $15,000 per year (for two years) to conduct a mentored research project in their advisor’s lab, travel to a research conference and travel to an ADRC meeting. 

Attendance at the National ADRC Meeting (annual)

Scholars will attend at least one ADRC meeting in each of the two years as a Scholar. In-person attendance is recommended. 

Data Presentations

Scholars will present at one ADRC seminar series and/or the ADRC's Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementias Research Day. REC scholars will present a research update to other Scholars and faculty mentors to obtain feedback on their work and to foster cross-disciplinary learning. 

The application form can be found here. Application requirements can be found below.

Junior Faculty Application Requirements

• Training Plan / Career Development Plan (500 word limit)
• Letter of support from chair confirming minimum of 20% protected research time to carry out project
• NIH Biosketch (5 page limit)
• Abstract (500 word limit)
• 2-3 specific aims for the project that the $80,000 will support (1 page limit)
• Research plan (3 page limit)
• Budget (NIH format budget page and justification)

Post-Doctoral Fellow Application Requirements

• Training Plan / Career Development Plan (500 word limit)
• Letter of support from primary advisory stating they approve of this submission and the proposed project, which would be carried out in their lab
• NIH Biosketch (5 page limit)
• Abstract (500 word limit)
• 2-3 specific aims for the project that the $30,000 will support (1 page limit)
• Research plan (3 page limit)
• Budget (NIH format budget page and justification)

See the program guide for additional resources and details.

If you have questions, please email Sheryl at sspensley@medicine.wisc.edu.

Image

Anita Bhattacharyya, PhD
Dr. Bhattacharyya is junior faculty and a basic science researcher in the Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology. Her research project is “Investigating the role of APP in human Down syndrome neurons."

Image

Lindsay Clark, PhD
Dr. Clark is junior faculty and a clinical researcher in the Department of Medicine. Her research project is “Validating teleneuropsychology for earlier dementia diagnosis."

Image

Andrea Gilmore-Bykovskyi, PhD, RN
Dr. Gilmore-Bykovskyi is an assistant professor in the School of Nursing. Her career goal is to develop a clinical research program focused on improving Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis as well as access to care and treatments, especially for high-risk and disadvantaged populations.

Image

Maria Mora Pinzon, MD, MS
Dr. Pinzon is a physician-scientist and fellow with the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute. Her project is “Increasing Latinx participation in ADRD through a Community-Based Approach."