Varda Shoham Clinical Science Training Initiative

A message from the SSCP Varda Shoham Clinical Scientist Training Initiative Committee:

The SSCP Clinical Scientist Training Initiative was created in 2011 to support innovative efforts to advance the integration of science into clinical training programs at all levels. In 2014, this initiative was dedicated to the memory of Varda Shoham, who held positions at the University of Arizona and the National Institute of Mental Health, and was a renowned champion of clinical science and a past President of SSCP. Dr. Shoham passed away on March 18, 2014.

Winners of this award (typically 4 per year) will be training programs (predoctoral/graduate, practicum/externship, internship, or postdoctoral levels) offering especially innovative, transformative, or impactful proposals to improve scientifically grounded training.  Funds are intended to support programs in launching new projects or supporting ongoing initiatives that are designed to more effectively integrate science and practice into their training program. The awards committee gives priority to programs that engage students in the process of conducting clinical science – i.e., collecting, analyzing, evaluating, and/or reporting data on clinical assessments or interventions. 

Typically, faculty and senior staff apply for this award, but it is also possible for students to apply so long as their application clearly has the support of their department. People who are ineligible for consideration are current Board members and those who have won this award previously.

Applications will be evaluated in terms the feasibility of the proposal, the likelihood that clinical science will be enhanced, innovation, impact on underrepresented populations, involvement of students in the process of conducting clinical science, and sustainability (including institutional support) after completion of the project. Programs that have applied previously but were not funded are especially encouraged to apply.  Funding priority will go to programs that have not previously received a training grant through this initiative.

Applicants must specify one of four tracks, representing the most notable strength of their application. Applications will compete within tracks, with the aim of identifying one winning application per track. The tracks are: 1) Conducting science in/on applied settings, 2) Innovation in clinical science training or resources, 3) Value-added to the program, or 4) Diversity and inclusion.

Application packages should be emailed as a single document to sscp.traininginitiative@gmail.com. If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt, please contact us. Please see http://www.sscpweb.org/page-18201 for information on required content of applications and specific submission details. Inquires should also be addressed to sscp.traininginitiative@gmail.com.

Application packages should be received no later than March 31. Winners will be notified within 4-6 weeks, and awards will be announced in the SSCP Listserv, Newsletter, and website. Awards will be made up to $1,500, are non-renewable, and will be distributed in the summer following award announcement. This grant does not allow for indirect costs.

Click here to see past awardees

Click here for the application guidelines