What does the Family Research Scholars program provide?
The Family Research Scholars program (FRS) provides a course release, mentoring and other support to produce and submit a major grant proposal for family research in collaboration with the Center. In a year-long interdisciplinary faculty seminar led by CRF, the seminar supports Scholars in conceptualizing, writing, and submitting their planned grant proposals through several methods:
- Ongoing presentations and discussions of the Scholars’ developing proposals
- Concrete instruction on the details of successful proposal submission and the resources of the University that support proposal submission
- Individualized consultation from a methodologist specializing in statistical analyses of complex multi-level datasets
- Intensive consultation from off-campus experts in the Scholars’ targeted areas of family research
- A one-semester course buyout to provide more time for your research
How many faculty are chosen?
Up to six faculty are selected annually.
How do I apply, when is the application due and when will I hear?
Instructions and deadline details may be found on the application page. Completed applications are due January 29th, and award decisions are announced mid to late February. This provides ample time to notify your department and to confirm the course release for the following year.
Is the program more suitable for an early investigator?
Faculty from all ranks and all departments are eligible to apply and have found the program beneficial.
Are faculty from certain colleges given preferences?
We seek representation across many disciplines but you must have the support of your department as demonstrated in a signed MOU form that is part of the application.
Is my research project considered Family Research?
CRF recognizes that families take many diverse forms and we view research from all disciplines as relevant. When you apply, be sure to explicitly present how you conceive of your research as family-related. You may review previous Family Research Scholars’ projects on the Current and Past Scholars page to review the range of issues that former participants addressed. CRF's directors are happy to discuss this with you as you prepare an application. We are especially interested in research projects that are translational in nature, with an aim of linking basic research to human and family heath and well-being.
My project is currently in the early conceptualization stage and there are no preliminary findings or articles in progress. What is your recommendation about whether I should apply this year?
The FRS program is most appropriate for faculty who are ready to begin writing a major grant proposal when they start the program in September. It is preferable that preliminary findings and articles have been written, and that you are now prepared to secure funding for this research.
My proposed sponsor has three deadlines throughout the year. Does it matter if I apply in February? Will I benefit from the rest of the Scholars seminar program?
You should submit your proposal when you feel that you are the most prepared to participate in the FRS program. Each scholar's timeline is unique. Scholars often submit more than one proposal during their year in the program. Past scholars have submitted in the fall, spring and summer, as well as the fall semester following the program year's conclusion. Informal CRF assistance may persist beyond the FRS year; it can continue individually through mentorship with faculty and consultation with Center staff after the FRS year concludes, and sometimes, the peer Scholars' groups continue to meet.
APPLY HERE
https://www.umass.edu/family/frs-app
