Mentees and Coaches
Mentees
You’re divided into groups based loosely on the subject of their grants: there are a mix of basic science, computational, and clinical grants. A team coach and advisor will be assigned to each group. In addition, each mentee must identify an internal subject matter expert (ISME) to help with the proposal process, as well as an external subject matter expert (ESME) to review the final proposal.
The number of available spaces for the R01 Immersion Program are limited. Thus, if the mentee commits, they are responsible for the following:
- Active participation: Attend all sessions, workshops, and meetings promptly and actively engage in discussions and activities.
- Task completion: Submit assignments and complete required work on time and to the expected quality standard, including the submission of an R01 or equivalent NIH grant proposal within one year of program completion.
- Seeking guidance: Proactively reach out to mentors for advice, feedback, and clarification on concepts.
- Self-reflection: Regularly assess personal progress, identify areas for improvement, and actively work on developing those skills.
- Open communication: Communicate openly with mentors about challenges, concerns, and progress.
- Feedback provision: Offer constructive feedback to improve the program curriculum and overall experience.
- Networking: Build relationships with other mentees and leverage the network opportunities provided.
- Professionalism: Maintain a positive attitude, respect guidelines, and demonstrate professionalism.
Mentees will be expected to attend several large group events/workshops, monthly team meetings, writing accountability sessions, and meetings with their own internal subject matter expert (who will have specialized insight into the scientific field of study). Each mentee must also work with their department to schedule a Chalk Talk, an exercise designed to help mentees present and refine specific aims.
Mentees must allocate sufficient time to study, complete assignments, and participate in scheduled activities.
See 2025-2026 program timeline here.
| Attend the Kick-Off Meeting and participate in discussions/introductions. | 1 hour |
| Attend monthly peer group (team) meetings with activities and discussions (nine 1-hour meetings). | 9 hours |
| Meet monthly with Internal Subject Matter Expert (nine 1-hour meetings). | 9 hours |
| Attend monthly Writing Accountability Group meeting (nine 1-hour meetings). | 9 hours |
| Attend five scheduled workshops (one 8-hour workshop and four 2-hour workshops). | 16 hours |
| Present a Chalk Talk to your department. | 1 hour |
| Attend Mock Study Section. | 1 hour |
|
Total Scheduled Event Time Commitment |
Approx. 46 – 50 hours over 9 months |
With guidance from their department, each mentee must identify and connect with an Internal Subject Matter Expert (ISME) prior to the start of the R01 Immersion Program. The ISME—essentially a “personal scientific trainer”—will provide individualized guidance on the scientific content of the mentee’s R01 grant proposal.
Each mentee is required to identify an External Subject Matter Expert (ESME) to review their final proposal. The ESME will provide an NIH-style grant review along with suggested edits. ESMEs will be provided with a two-week window to review and return the proposals.
Coaches
A coach is assigned to a team of 4-5 mentees and will guide the group through the NIH policies and practices and the development of an R01 grant application.
In much the same way that a head football coach is not an expert on all the positions, an R01 Immersion Program team coach is not necessarily an expert on the scientific expertise needed for each mentee’s grant proposal. Rather, the team coach is a process expert. An Internal Subject Matter Expert (ISME) will be selected by each mentee to consult on the scientific content of the proposals.
Group activities include helping to determine a realistic deadline for each mentee, advising them on developing sections of a proposal, and reviewing proposals in the group. Team coaches will help the group find answers to other issues that may surface, such as how to contact NIH Program Officers or how to select a study section. The Office of Research is a resource for team coaches and can arrange for additional expertise when requested by the group.
Each team is self-governing; team coaches and group members determine when and where the group will meet.
Team Coaches’ Requirements and Time Commitment
| Attend the Kick-off Meeting and lead table discussions/introductions of assigned peer groups. | 1.5 hours |
| Coordinate and cooperate with the assigned Team Advisor. | As needed |
| Lead small peer group (team) meetings once per month with activities and discussions. Attend Workshops. | 10 hours |
| Review mentees’ research progress, specific aims, and final proposals. | 10 – 20 hours |
| Contact the program managers immediately to communicate any unmet needs of the group. | As needed |
| Evaluate program experience. | .5 hours |
|
Total Time Commitment |
Approx. 30 – 40 hours over 10 months |