Background

Interactions of a young investigator with an experienced advisor or group of advisors can aid in technical and non-technical decision-making.  The D-CFAR will aid interested young investigators by forming mentoring groups consisting of a primary established investigator with expertise in HIV/AIDS research and training along with additional mentors to provide needed expertise.  Appropriate pairing of mentors with junior investigators can facilitate development of specific research directions and ideas, and enable positive critical feedback for potential manuscripts and grant proposals including NIH K or R award series. 

Eligibility

All persons involved in HIV/AIDS research who wish to participate in the mentoring program and are at the three D-CFAR institutions are eligible.  However, young investigators will be given priority if demand on the mentoring program exceeds the number of available mentors.  In general, young investigators will be considered persons in their first 5 years after entering permanent positions and before NIH RO1 funding.

Mentoring plan

Investigators will meet periodically with members of their mentoring groups. Meeting frequency should be based on the needs of the investigator for advice and supervision. At least three times per year, the investigator will present to the entire mentoring group summarizing progress made since the last group meeting. At these group meetings, the mentoring group will discuss the investigator’s plans for NIH or other grant submissions.  The groups will also review drafts of grants and manuscripts.  This plan is flexible and can be modified depending on the requirements of the investigator and group.

For further information

If you are interested in the mentoring program and would like to participate or learn more about it, please contact either the developmental core director or co-director or send an email to administrator@chicagocfar.org