Fall 2026 NIH Grant Writing Bootcamp

The UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) and DGSOM Office of Physician Scientist Career Development is offering a NIH Grant Writing Bootcamp for junior faculty and trainees who are submitting their first NIH K or R application.
The spring session is intended for participants who will submit a first-time NIH application between January and May 2027. Capacity is limited and participants will be selected based on the quality of their specific aims page and availability for in-person meetings.

IMPORTANT DATES
Application deadline: August 21, 2026, at 5:00PM PT
Acceptance notifications: Early September 2026
Bootcamp duration: September - December 2026

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
We will provide step-by-step, hands-on grant writing support through a series of in-person meetings to give real-time interactive feedback while the participant prepares their first K or R application, culminating in an NIH grant submission.

• Participants will be introduced to the format and requirements of an NIH K or R application.
• Participants will work together in a peer feedback group to develop drafts of each document.
• Participants will get feedback from faculty.

COMMITMENT

• Participants must commit to a weekly 2-hour in-person meeting from September – December 2026. Those who miss multiple meetings may be asked to withdraw from the bootcamp.
• Between meetings, participants will be asked to create document drafts and provide reciprocal feedback to peers.
• Participants are expected to submit their first NIH K or R application between January and May 2027

ELIGIBILITY

• Have a junior faculty or trainee appointment at one of the UCLA CTSI institutions (Cedars-Sinai, CDU, Harbor-UCLA/Lundquist Institute, and UCLA).
• Attend the in-person meetings at UCLA Westwood.
• Plans to submit their first K or R grant for one of the January and May 2027 NIH due dates.

**Notice for non-faculty applicants:
If you do not hold a faculty title, you will be required to provide a letter of support from your mentor, division chief, or department chair to confirm:

1. Approval that you have support to submit a K or R grant
2. If the grant is awarded, you have the necessary lab space and approval to conduct research at your institution.

HOW TO APPLY
Use the link to submit your application by August 21, 2026. Include:

• CV or NIH Biosketch
• Specific Aims (1 page)
• Draft of Candidate Statement (for K grants only)
• Letter of Support (for non-faculty applicants; see above)

Questions?
For specific questions, please email us. 

Last application cycle, the OPSCD hosted an information session to share more about the application and review process. View the recording
If you are still unsure if this opportunity is right for you, please consult with an OPSCD Director to discuss your candidacy before applying. 
Sign up for an office hours appointment here
Visit our website for more information about the NIH Grant Writing Bootcamp, or to sign up for notifications of the next bootcamp cycle.