The Pillars of PRIM&R Award is intended to recognize and nurture professionals whose scholarship in the field of human subject protections and/or animal care and use reflects PRIM&R’s mission and core values, and who demonstrate exceptional potential for leadership in the field of research ethics. The Pillars of PRIM&R Award will support the continued professional development of awardees by highlighting the importance of, and their appreciation for, ethical practices in the conduct of research through the research projects or initiatives identified in their application.

The Award will include:

• A stipend of at least $1,000 for the expressed and designated purpose described in the application;
• Recognition on PRIM&R’s website, blog, and Newsletter;
• A complimentary one-year PRIM&R membership; 
• A platform for the Awardee to present his or her work at a 2013 PRIM&R conference; and
• The opportunity for the Awardee to keep the PRIM&R community updated on the outcome and impact of his or her work through blog posts and Newsletter articles.

Eligibility Criteria
Evaluation Criteria
Application Requirements
Award Recipient Responsibilities

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible candidates include individuals who:

• Have entered into a career focused on human or animal research protections within the past seven years; and who
• Have identified a proposed or ongoing research project/initiative that they are actively facilitating to support the advancement of ethical research.

Graduate students, doctoral candidates, and post-doctoral candidates, as well as individuals who are transitioning into the field of research ethics from accredited academic institutions are encouraged to apply. There are no restrictions with regard to United States citizenship.

Evaluation Criteria

Award decisions will be based on the quality of the submitted information. Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• General sense of fit between the applicant and PRIM&R: To what extent are the applicant’s work and reason for entering the field of research ethics and/or human subject protections and/or animal care and use relevant to PRIM&R’s mission?
• Intent and application of the Award: How clearly is the need for and effect on the given community/organization identified in the plan’s description? To what extent are the goals and objectives of the project measurable? To what extent will the project have an impact on the practice of ethical research at the specified institution? What long-term impact will the project have on the field of research/research ethics?

The Pillars of PRIM&R Award Review Committee reserves the right to select the most qualified candidate for the Award based on the listed evaluation criteria.

Application Requirements

Complete applications consist of the following:

• Pillars of PRIM&R Award application coversheet
• Five page maximum description of the research initiative/project to which you plan to apply the Pillars of PRIM&R Award stipend. The initiative/project description must include the following:
  • Executive summary
  • Goals and objectives 
  • Budget
  • Ethics review requirements
  • Methods and materials
  • Selection criteria for population involved
  • Project timeline
  • Description of the expected outcomes and impact of the proposed initiative/project
• One page minimum typed cover letter describing your interest and experience in research ethics, as well as your career plans
• One page maximum abstract (limit of 400 words) of your graduate thesis, doctoral dissertation, or accepted and/or published manuscript
• Five page maximum resume/curriculum vitae
• One letter of support from a mentor, advisor, or supervisor stating your contributions to advancing ethical research and your proposed project/initiative

Please adhere to page limits. Your complete application should be no more than 14 pages, including your application coversheet. Applicants who do not meet all of the eligibility criteria and/or submit incomplete applications will not be considered. All applications must be received by October 15, 2012.

Award Recipient Responsibilities

Award recipients are responsible for the following:

• Using the funds awarded to support the designated and expressed purpose identified in the application.
• Preparing a status report that discusses the preliminary impact/results of your initiative within six months of receiving the Award.
• Presenting the stated research project/initiative, as well as any preliminary results, at a 2013 PRIM&R conference. PRIM&R will waive the registration fees to the event, as well as cover any travel and lodging expenses that are incurred according to PRIM&R guidelines.
• Submitting a final project report, which will be published in PRIM&R’s Newsletter, website, and/or blog.