June 21-26, 2009
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;
- Support investigators who are beginning careers as applied researchers by providing training that will build upon their existing content knowledge and research skills; and
- 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. At the end of the week, participants will present their research goals and project ideas to the Institute audience.
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 include the following individuals:
- Jacqueline Eccles, Ph.D., University of Michigan
- Richard Lerner, Ph.D., Tufts University
- David Schonfeld, M.D., Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
- Robert McCall, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
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 AND
- Have at least one year of post-doctoral experience in academia, private industry, non-profit, or government, and
- Have not more than five 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 NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR).
What is the cost of participation?
Participants will be expected to pay for their own travel costs. A limited number of travel awards will be available for individuals who are accepted to participate in the Institute. Upon acceptance to the Institute, requests indicating special circumstances and need for travel award should be made to: summerinst@mail.nih.gov. There are no additional fees. Accommodations, meals, registration and materials are covered by the Institute.
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 application materials must be submitted electronically. A complete application packet must include:
- One Application Cover Sheet with applicant signature (you will need to scan the document to create a digital file that includes your signature)
- Two letters of recommendation:
- Letters should address:
- Aspects of candidate qualifications
- Professional environment to conduct applied research including support and resources
- Letters should come from individuals who have worked professionally with the candidate within the last two to three years.
- Letters can be from deans, department chairs, mentors, division chiefs, supervisors.
- Biographical sketch
- Personal statement of career interests and how this Institute fits into these interests
- Research interests, including a description of your specific applied research topic and applied research issues and challenges you would like the Institute to help address
For additional information, please review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Summer Institute.
Applications must be received no later than December 15, 2008.
Participants will be notified of their selection by March 15, 2009.
NICHD Summer Institute Application
Send the application and supporting documentation electronically to: summerinst@mail.nih.gov.
If you have additional questions or needs, please e-mail the Summer Institute staff at summerinst@mail.nih.gov.
=
