K to R Program

The ITMAT Ed K to R program is designed to support early career scientists transition from mentor-directed investigator to independent investigator. The program is built upon 4 keys to independent funding success: (1) acquiring preliminary data, (2) demonstrating record of publication, (3) enhancing grant writing skills, and (4) personal development. These topics are addressed through quarterly sessions and educational opportunities focused on grant development.

We welcome junior faculty to join us who are pursuing clinical and translational science funded by a mentored career development award (NIH K award or equivalent). The translational science spectrum represents each stage of research along the path from the biological basis of health and disease to interventions that improve the health of individuals and the public. 

The application will open each fall, the program will begin the following January, and extend over the duration of your mentored career development award. Eligibility is listed below.

Program Elements

The program is designed to provide relevant knowledge, tools, and resources, and create an opportunity for this community to connect. It is individualized and flexible, by allowing participants to select the elements appropriate for their personal career development. Program components will be driven and organized by the participating cohort based on their priorities and interests.

Grant Development
  • MTR 6230 - Writing an NIH Grant, Online, Spring
  • Peer to Peer Review
  • Mock Study Section
Quarterly Virtual Sessions

Session topics, format, dates, and times will be determined by participants.

Sample Session Topics

  • Inside the NIH
  • Positioning your research independence
  • Acquiring preliminary basic and clinical study data
  • Enhancing your publication record from basic and clinical perspectives
  • Developing a research budget
  • Managing industry partnerships
  • Building teams and collaborations
  • Grant mechanics and working with your grants manager
  • Other ideas? Contact us!
Bi-Annual Symposium

Join us

We will open the application for 2025 in November 2024.

Participant Eligibility: 

  • Current faculty appointment in the Perelman School of Medicine. Preference is given to faculty on the CE track.
  • Current NIH K award (K01, K08, K23) or equivalent foundation/association career development award (faculty on K12 or KL2 may join if they are actively applying for an NIH R grant). We encourage you to join us early in your award funding.
  • Actively working towards an NIH R grant submission (or similar non-NIH independent research grant) 
  • Actively working on clinical or translational science research. The translational science spectrum represents each stage of research along the path from the biological basis of health and disease to interventions that improve the health of individuals and the public. 

Leadership and Administration

Karen Teff, PhD, ITMAT Ed Teaching Faculty - Karen.Teff@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Rachel McGarrigle, MSEd, ITMAT Ed Administrative Director - rmcg@upenn.edu