Biology of Aging Programs
Eligibility
Technical Stuff
AFAR and Gilbert Grants
BIG Award
Julie Martin Mid-Career

MSTAR Program

Biology of Aging Programs
Eligibility
Q: Are there citizenship requirements for your programs?
: There are no citizenship requirements for the biology of aging programs. The Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) and Beeson Career Development programs require that the applicant is a US citizen or permanent resident.

: The Gilbert/AFAR award is the ONLY award that is available internationally, and it is limited to Alzheimer's research in Israel and the United States. Otherwise, you must be conducting research at a U.S.-based not-for-profit institution by July 1, 2011.

: We are very sorry that your cat died, but, no you can not get an extension on the deadline for ANY reason.

: NONE. That's right: Zero. Zilch. Nada. The application process is now completely online, including letters of recommendation and other supporting materials. (We will still accept hard copies of the letters of reference, however.)

: After sending your application through the form at www.afar.org/apply, you will receive a confirmation email. Please keep this email for your records. If you do not receive this email within hours of submitting your application, please check your spam folder. If you do not receive the confirmation email, contact AFAR immediately.

: July 1, 2011, except for the Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) and Beeson programs.

: That's not really a question... but as long as the font is 12 pt for the 8 page proposal, that is fine.

: NO. All figures, etc. must be included in the 8 pages.

: Yes. But we only cover stipends, not tuition. (This does not apply to the postdoc program.)

: Yes. (This does not apply to the postdoc program.)

: Yes, but it varies by grant. Please read the grant materials carefully and contact us if you have questions.

: No.

: Yes, have them write a letter and include their NIH-style biosketch.

: No, you can only include it if it has been accepted for publication but has not yet been published.

Q: Do I need to include IRB/Animal Use Committee approval with my application?
: No, but if your application is recommended for funding you must provide it prior to the start date of the award.

: No, it has to arrive with the page of original scanned or electronic signatures (NO FAXES OR HARD COPIES) in the program's mailbox on Wednesday, December 15, 2010, by 5:00 pm EST. We will not accept late submissions. Please plan accordingly.

: Yes! We prefer that the letters arrive by December 15, but we will accept them up to two weeks after the deadline. (This does not apply for the Julie Martin Mid-Career Award.)

: Head on over to our administrative policies page.

: No, it's $100,000 total over one or two years.

: Yes, you will just need to have your department chair indicate in his or her letter that you will be junior faculty by July 1, 2011.

Q: Can the department chair also provide a letter of recommendation in addition to the chair's letter?
: Yes, but please provide two separate letters, otherwise it is very confusing. You may include additional letters, if you'd like. Three are required: one from department chair and two others.

: No. Only assistant professors or equivalent.

Julie Martin Mid-Career
Q: My institution does not award tenure to Associate Professors. That's ok, right?
: No, sorry. If your institution gives tenure-- even if tenure is only given to full professors-- you must be tenured. People at institutions that do not give tenure must demonstrate that their appointment is equivalent to a tenured position. This may be accomplished by a statement that the applicant has an appointment equivalent to that of a tenured Associate Professor, and how the institution determines tenure equivalent. Also, please keep in mind that this appointment must have been received after December 1, 2007.

: We no longer require letters of recommendation for the Mid-Career application. Now spend that extra free time double-checking your budget!

: Nope! Congratulations on your promotion!

: Yes. The Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) program requires that the applicant is a US citizen or permanent resident.

: Yes.

: While most applicants do complete the program between the first and second year of medical school, it is not required. It is only required that students have completed at least one year of medical school and that they are currently enrolled while participating in the program (i.e. they have not graduated).

However, students who travel to a National Training Center are encouraged to conduct the program during the summer as there are group activities that will not be available during other times of the year.

Q: When is the deadline?
: The deadline is January 31, 2011. After this date you will not be able to submit your application, whether or not it is complete. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

: The HIFS will be asked to submit a broad-based geriatrics research, clinical, and mentoring plan. This plan will help to ensure that your interest in academic geriatrics is sustained and further developed upon completion of your research program.

: They can submit their section of your application to medicalstudent@afar.org.

: No. Your HIFS can only submit one portion of your application. You must have someone else submit your reference.

: You are required to have a HIFS at your home institution to help ensure that your interest in academic geriatrics is sustained and further developed upon completion of your research program. If you are traveling to a National Training Center, you will be matched with a research mentor based on your interests.

: Once you are accepted into the program and placed at a National Training Center, you will be contacted by someone from the National Training Center and matched with a research mentor based upon your interests.

: Please try to get your supporting materials in by January 31. We will allow tardy submissions but if we do not receive the materials within two weeks after the deadline, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

: We are currently estimating that applicants will be notified on or around March 15, 2011.