What are the goals of this Summer Institute?
This summer program seeks to:

• Help investigators develop advanced skills in using theory and appropriate methodology to develop practices, interventions, or materials that improve the lives of children;
• To support investigators who are beginning careers as applied researchers by providing training that will build upon their existing content knowledge and research skills;
• Provide mentoring and guidance on topics including alternative funding support, dissemination of findings, and policy-relevant research.

What is applied research in child and adolescent development?
For this Institute, applied research in child and adolescent development is defined as:

The utilization of behavioral and social-science theory and data to describe, explain, and optimize the course of child and adolescent development and to enhance the key settings within which young people develop, (e.g., families, schools, after-school programs, community social service settings, or health settings).

Applied research in child and adolescent development may include a range of research settings, research designs, measurement methods, and quantitative and qualitative data analytic procedures to identify and enhance policies and programs for promoting healthy child and adolescent development.

What will participants do in the Summer Institute?
During the summer institute, participants will take part in a series of presentations, interactive seminars, and small group work that support the acquisition of advanced skills in planning and conducting applied research with children.

Days include: topical seminars; afternoon sessions during which attendees work with others on their research plans; dinner address or panel discussions intended to broaden the scope of the training to include “big picture” guidance and commentary.

Faculty and speakers are drawn from various disciplines and include leading members of the research, policy, or communications communities. Faculty will: serve as mentors to designated small groups of attendees; serve as resources during the week; and be available on an as-requested basis for individual consultations about applied research design and project ideas.

Core faculty and speakers include: Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, Ph.D – Teacher's College, Columbia University;
Jacqueline Eccles, Ph.D – University of Michigan
Alan Fleischman, Ph.D – NICHD National Children's Study
Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr. Ph.D – UCLA
Cynthia Guy, Ph.D – Annie E. Casey Foundation
Richard Lerner, Ph.D – Tufts University
David Schonfeld, MD – Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Edward Seidman, Ph.D – William T. Grant Foundation

Who is eligible to apply for the Summer Institute?
To be eligible for this Institute, individuals must:

• Have completed a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal degree within their field.
  • Have at least 1 year of post-doctoral experience in academe, private industry, non-profit, or government
  • Have not more than 5 years of subsequent research experience at the time of the Institute
• The highest priority will be given to individuals who intend to pursue an independent career in applied child and adolescent development research.

Who is sponsoring the Summer Institute?
The Child Development and Behavior Branch of the NICHD is organizing this Institute with financial support and guidance from the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD).

What is the cost of participation?
Participants will be reimbursed for travel and accommodations. There are no additional fees; registration and materials are covered by the NICHD.

Where will the Institute take place?
The Bolger Center
9600 Newbridge Drive
Potomac, MD 20854
http://www.bolgercenter.com/

How do I apply for the Summer Institute?
All applications materials must be submitted electronically. A complete application packet must include:

• Two letters of recommendation:
  • Letters should address:
    • Aspects of the applicant’s qualifications
    • One letter should address the applicant's professional environment to conduct applied research including support and resources
  • Letters should come from individuals who have worked professionally with the applicant within the last 2 to 3 years.
  • Letters can be from deans, department chairs, mentors, division chiefs, supervisors.
• Application cover sheet with the applicant's signature (you will need to scan the signed document to create a digital file with your signature)
• Personal statement of career interests and how this Institute fits into these interests
• Biographical Sketch
• Research Interests including a description of your specific applied research topic and applied research issues and challenges you would like the Institute to help you with.

Applications must be received no later than February 15, 2007.

Participants will be notified of their selection by April 1, 2007.

NICHD Summer Institute Application and Forms (PDF 100 KB)

Send the application form and supporting documentation electronically to: summerinst@mail.nih.gov.