Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: I would like to request a Pre-Submission / Resubmission consultation with a MCHRI reviewer. How do I go about doing that?

A: Pre-submission & Resubmission consultations are required to be requested at least 30 days prior to the application due date for the program and you may request a consultation via email at mchri_admin@stanford.edu. Please keep in mind that our reviewers are busy and may not be able to meet individually, immediately following the prior cycle, or based on an individual’s provided availability In addition, make sure you have discussed your proposal with your Primary Research Mentor prior to any meeting with a reviewer as their guidance should not take the place of any formal, individualized mentorship.

2. Q: I am an incoming postdoctoral fellow to Stanford. May I apply for the Postdoctoral Support Program?

A: Yes, you may apply. However, you must have a postdoctoral appointment date effective no later than the application deadline.

3. Q:  I submitted a new application but was not funded.  May I resubmit my application?A:  Yes, we allow one (1) resubmission.

4. Q: Are multiple applications from the same lab accepted?

A: No, multiple applications are not accepted from the same lab. The number of applications and total number of funded postdoctoral fellows per lab/PI shall be limited to one per cycle and at any given time.

5. Q: I am resubmitting my application.  Does my resubmission count toward the per lab/PI limit?

A: Yes, the one fellow per lab/PI limitation will be met with your resubmission.

6. Q: A postdoc from my lab currently holds a MCHRI award.  Can another postdoc from my lab submit an application?

A: No, another postdoc from your lab may not submit an application unless they are in the last 6 months of their renewal year.

7. Q: Should I wait until I am notified that my proposal has been funded to submit my IRB application?

A: No, you should submit your IRB application as soon as possible and list the MCHRI Postdoctoral Support Program as a possible funding source.  The IRB review meeting date must be included in your MCHRI application.

8. Q:  I am completing my Stanford IRB eProtocol and the IRB is requesting a SPO number associated with this award.  Do you know if one was assigned?

A:  Our MCHRI awards are internal grants and not considered sponsored research by the school’s definition.  A SPO number is not required.

9. Q: I submitted a proposal for the Postdoctoral Support Program. Approximately when should I expect to hear back regarding its funding status?

A: Fall Cycle: 1st or 2nd week of December. Spring Cycle: 1st or 2nd week of June.

10. Q: I was notified that I was awarded a MCHRI Postdoctoral Support Grant. What is required of me?

A: MCHRI requires a guarantee PTA at time of award such to protect the account from falling into overdraft. In addition, all requirements of the associated Notice of Award must be met in order to be eligible for renewal funding and any future MCHRI grants.

11. Q: My award notice stipulates that I am eligible for a non-competitive renewal. What is MCHRI’s definition of external funding?

A: MCHRI defines external funding as any non-Stanford, competitive funding mechanism that is applied for directly by the awardee. For instance, a NIH T32 training grant is not applicable. However, a NIH F32 meets the criteria.

12. Q: I would like clarification on if my Mentor has submitted the associated mentor support form.

A: As a requirement for your award, the MCHRI Mentor Support Form must be completed prior to the submission of your application. It is recommended that you complete the initial steps of creating an application record 4 weeks in advance of the deadline in our grant management system such that your mentor has sufficient time to complete the form. Late forms will not be accepted unless a significant rationale is provided.

13. Q:  I would like to update my application with the status of a newly published article.  Is this possible?

A:  No, this is not allowed due to the short turnaround time in our review process.  If publications are in press, please make sure to properly reference them on your NIH Biosketch.

14. Q: Are 4th and 5th year Postdocs eligible to apply for the MCHRI Postdoctoral Support Program?

A: Eligibility is limited to first through third year postdoctoral fellows (applicant must be in their first through third postgraduate year (PGY) at time of application). Priority is given to applicants in the first and second year of postdoctoral training at Stanford.  Third year applicants are eligible to apply for up to 1.5 years of funding to support the remainder of their third year, and through their fourth year. Third year applicants must justify how this funding will help their career path. e.g. facilitate a change into a new field, etc. 

15. Q: I am planning to apply for the MCHRI Postdoctoral Support Program, however, my sponsor will not be able to guarantee 50% support in the second year. Am I still eligible to submit for this funding opportunity?

A: Yes, it is still possible to submit. However, MCHRI will only be able to provide 1 year of funding.

16. Q: My primary research mentor has left Stanford. Am I eligible to continue to hold an MCHRI Award?

A: Yes, it is possible for you to continue your MCHRI-supported project. Please note that you will be required to identify a new mentor and provide an updated mentoring plan which needs to be approved by the program panel chair(s).

17. Q: I am planning to resubmit my application. Does my Primary Research Mentor need to resubmit the mentor form?

A: Yes, a new mentor form is required for each resubmission. As this grant is designed to support career development, an updated status of the applicant’s progress is necessary given the 5-6 month duration between each funding cycle.

18. Q: Do you provide sample of past awarded grants or recommendations on formatting?

A: No, please refer to the associated program application form and grant instructions for reference on formatting and application packaging.

19. Q: What is the recommended format for the Primary Research Mentor letter attesting to salary cost sharing for the year 2 renewal?

A: Please refer to the MCHRI Grant Instructions – Letters of Support Section.

20. Q: My Primary Research Mentor did not receive (or complete) the mentor support form. What do I do now?

A: Our mentor form is completed via RedCap. The system sometimes has difficulty when a mentor has multiple SUNet’s. Please contact MCHRI Administration via email at mchri_admin@stanford.edu for additional support. MCHRI will resend the mentor form directly to your mentor for completion. Please Note: Last minute requests may not be able to be processed.

21. Q: What does the field “Cycle” or “FY” refer to?

A: MCHRI offers multiple funding opportunities per year each with chances for resubmission. To ensure proper tracking, please provide the current Fiscal Year (FY) or funding cycle (Cycle) for the associated submission date. (e.g. a Fall 2020 grant program would be FY 21, Fall Cycle)

22. Q: I was not funded by MCHRI in the last cycle. Do I have to resubmit for the next cycle or may I delay my resubmission for a future cycle?

A: You may delay your resubmission for any future cycle. If all eligibility requirements have been met.  Please note that our funding mechanism may change. Please check the associated MCHRI program page for more information.

23. Q: Please provide information regarding the definition of Principal Investigator (PI), Collaborator & Co-Investigator. Do they need to be included in my application?

A: MCHRI uses the NIH guidance for definition of Co-Investigators and Collaborators. PI’s are the individual submitting the project that is eligible for the funding mechanism. Please follow the associated program application form & grant instructions for guidance on how to include them in your application.

24. Q: Must the project commitment be a total of 2 full years (24 months)?  I may go for my residency and my postdoc appointment will be only 20 months.

A: The second year of funding is not guaranteed and is contingent upon the time you are a postdoc within your first to third year.  MCHRI will pro-rate the second year, if approved, to meet our policy requirements.

25. Q:  I just started by postdoc at Stanford but I already completed a postdoc at another institution.  Am I eligible to apply for the MCHRI Postdoctoral Support Award?

A:  Yes, you may apply for this funding opportunity.  We track your status starting from day that you started at Stanford.

26. Q:  Are applicants with an H or J visa eligible to apply?

A:  Yes, you may apply for this funding opportunity.  If an applicant has been approved to work at Stanford by the person’s department HR, then we will gladly accept the applicant pending they will be able to meet the other award terms.

27. Q: I have a question regarding the specific age range for child health. Can you please provide guidance on the age limits for your funding mechanism?

A: MCHRI uses the NIH “Child” definition. For more information, please view their website.

28. Q:  Do I need to be a MCHRI member to apply for the MCHRI Postdoctoral Support Grant?

A:  Yes, you do need to apply for membership prior to submitting your application as does your Primary Research Mentor.  Please click here to apply for membership.  Please note that it may take up to 2 weeks for us to process your membership request.

29. Q:  Can a NCX be requested for a Postdoc Grant?

A:  An NCX can be requested for up to 6 months (max) under unusual circumstance through this link.

30. Q:  Can an MCHRI Postdoc award be used to support an awardee’s salary & benefits while out on leave?

A:  MCHRI desires to facilitate awarded trainees during parental leave, while ensuring awarded funds directly support research training effort, to the extent possible.  Situations for such leaves must be approved on a case-by-case basis.  It is MCHRI’s preference that the award be used to fund any extension granted to the awardee and for the department to support the leave itself such that the awardee has sufficient time to complete the awarded project.

Before any such situation is granted approval, please email mchri_admin@stanford.edu and state whether or not the postdoc will be granted an extension and how the postdoc plans to complete the awarded project.

1. I would like to request a Pre-Submission / Resubmission consultation with a MCHRI reviewer. How do I go about doing that?
Pre-submission & Resubmission consultations are required to be requested at least 30 days prior to the application due date for the program. We highly encourage the use of MCHRI’s drop-in review meetings as the primary option for discussions related to your planned applications. However, if you require additional support, you may request a consultation via email at mchri_admin@stanford.edu. Please keep in mind that our reviewers are busy and may not be able to meet individually, immediately following the prior cycle, or based on an individual’s provided availability In addition, make sure you have discussed your proposal with your Primary Research Mentor prior to any meeting with a reviewer as their guidance should not take the place of any formal, individualized mentorship.

2. I submitted a proposal for the Pilot Grant Program. Approximately when should I expect to hear back regarding its funding status?
Fall Cycle: 1st or 2nd week of December. Spring Cycle: 1st or 2nd week of June.

3. I was notified that I was awarded a MCHRI Pilot Grant. What is required of me?
MCHRI requires a guarantee PTA at time of award such to protect the account from falling into overdraft. In addition, all requirements of the associated Notice of Award must be met in order to be eligible for renewal funding and any future MCHRI grants.

4. I would like clarification on if my Mentor has submitted the associated mentor support form.
As a requirement for your award (if an Instructor or Assistant Professor), the MCHRI Mentor Support Form must be completed prior to the submission of your application. It is recommended that you complete the initial steps of creating an application record 4 weeks in advance of the deadline in our grant management system such that your mentor has sufficient time to complete the form. Late forms will not be accepted unless a significant rationale is provided.

5. I would like to update my application with the status of a newly publication article. Is this possible?
No, this is not allowed due to the short turnaround time in our review process. If publications are in press, please make sure to properly reference them on your NIH Biosketch.

6. My primary research mentor has left Stanford. Am I eligible to continue to hold an MCHRI Award?
Yes, it is possible for you to continue your MCHRI-supported project. Please note that you will be required to identify a new mentor and provide an updated mentoring plan which needs to be approved by the program panel chair(s).

7. I am planning to resubmit my application. Does my Primary Research Mentor need to resubmit the mentor form?
Yes, a new mentor form is required for each resubmission for the “Pilot” category as proposals may evolve and significant progress in one’s career may be made given the 5-6 month duration between each funding cycle.

8. Do you provide sample of past awarded grants or recommendations on formatting?
No, please refer to the associated program application form and grant instructions for references on formatting and application packaging.

9. My Primary Research Mentor did not receive (or complete) the mentor support form. What do I do now?
Our mentor form is completed via RedCap. The system sometimes has difficulty when a mentor has multiple SUNet’s. Please contact MCHRI Administration via email at mchri_admin@stanford.edu for additional support. MCHRI will resend the mentor form directly to your mentor for completion. Please Note: Last minute requests may not be able to be processed.

10. What does the field “Cycle” or “FY” refer to?
MCHRI offers multiple funding opportunities per year each with chances for resubmission. To ensure proper tracking, please provide the current Fiscal Year (FY) or funding cycle (Cycle) for the associated submission date. (e.g. a fall 2018 grant program would be FY 19, Fall Cycle)

11. I was not funded by MCHRI in the last cycle. Do I have to resubmit for the next cycle or may I delay my resubmission for a future cycle?
You may delay your resubmission for any future cycle. Please note that our funding mechanism may change. Please check the associated MCHRI program page for more information.

12. Please provide information regarding the definition of Principal Investigator (PI), Collaborator & Co-Investigator. Do they need to be included in my application?
MCHRI uses the NIH guidance for definition of Co-Investigators and Collaborators. PI’s are the individual submitting the project that is eligible for the funding mechanism. Please follow the associated program application form & grant instructions for guidance on how to include them in your application.

13. Are applicants with an H or J visa eligible to apply?
Yes, you may apply for this funding opportunity. If an applicant has been approved to work at Stanford by the person’s department HR, then we will gladly accept the applicant pending they will be able to meet the other award terms.

14. I have a question regarding the specific age range for child health. Can you please provide guidance on the age limits for your funding mechanism?
MCHRI uses the NIH “Child” definition. For more information, please view their website.

15. I received the RFA for the MCHRI Pilot Grant Program and am in the Clinician Educator (CE) Line. May I apply to this mechanism?
No, CE’s are not eligible to apply to this mechanism. MCHRI offers a specific opportunity for CE’s to submit research proposals through its Clinician Educator Grant Program.

16. I am a Resident/Fellow/other and will transition to an Instructor position on [specific date]. I was wondering if I am eligible to apply to Pilot Grant Program.
You may apply to this funding mechanism as long as you will be appointed to the position by the earliest start date for the award, January 1 (Fall Cycle) and July 1 (Spring Cycle). We understand there may be delays in processing one’s appointment, in this case we ask for specific requests to be submitted to mchri_admin@stanford.edu for review.

17. Is it permissible to have two Co-PIs for an MCHRI Pilot Grant or should it instead be a PI and Co-I?
We do not have restrictions for the number of co-mentors (Co-PIs) or Co-Is. However, one PI should serve as the submitter to avoid duplicate submissions in our application management system.

18. I was awarded an MCHRI Pilot or New Idea Grant in a prior fiscal year. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, you may apply again to this funding mechanism. However, we ask that the prior award be finished, any expense overage be cleared, and that the proposed project be significantly different than the prior awarded project.

19. Am I eligible to change my Primary Research Mentor associated to my application?
Yes, you may change your Primary Research Mentor prior to application submission as long as the new mentor will have sufficient time to complete the Mentor Support Form. We highly recommend that this activity not take place within 7 days prior to the application submission date so that our Administrative team may assist you properly.

20. I am not certain if my proposed project is relevant to Maternal Child Health according to MCHRI’s definition. Can someone please clarify this?
We would be happy to clarify Maternal Child Health relevance on a case by case basis. Please email mchri_admin@stanford.edu to request an evaluation.

21. I am applying for a CHRI Pilot grant this cycle. I am currently an Assistant Professor but will be promoted to an Associate Professor in January 1/July 1. I am wondering if I can forgo the required Mentor Support Form?
Yes, you may apply and forgo the Mentor Support Form as long as your appointment is granted by the recommended award start date, January 1 (Fall Cycle), July 1 (Spring Cycle). If your appointment will occur at a later date into the award performance period, please apply as your current rank. Reminder, in this case, please apply for the “New Idea” category and follow all other referenced policies and procedures.

22. Must I budget for PI effort on a MCHRI Pilot Grant?
No, you do not have to budget for PI effort on this mechanism. However, the proposed budget should be sufficient to justify the project and a clarification of how the PI plans to support the project should be included in the budget justification. Reminder, PI effort is not allowed for “New Idea” applications.

23. May I budget funds for a Co-PI/Co-I/Collaborator from another institution?
Yes, this is possible. However, MCHRI will not be responsible for coordinating the transfer of funds between Stanford and the other institution. It is recommended in this case to work with your assigned departmental research administrator and the Stanford Research Management Group to ensure funds are routed according to University policy.

24. May I be named as a Co-I on a Pilot Grant even though I am a Clinical Assistant Professor?
Yes, you can be named as a Co-I. If you want to apply as the PI, you will need to apply to our CE Grant.

25. I am completing my Stanford IRB eProtocol and the IRB is requesting a SPO number associated with this award. Do you know if one was assigned?
Our MCHRI awards are internal grants and not considered sponsored research by the school’s definition. A SPO number is not required.

26. Do I need to be a MCHRI member to apply for the MCHRI Pilot Grant?
Yes, you do need to apply for membership prior to submitting your application. Please click here to apply for membership. Please note that it may take up to 2 weeks for us to process your membership request.

27. Can a NCX be requested for a Pilot Grant?
An NCX can be requested for up to 6 months (max) under unusual circumstance through this link.

1. I would like to request a Pre-Submission / Resubmission consultation with a MCHRI reviewer. How do I go about doing that?
Pre-submission & Resubmission consultations are required to be requested at least 30 days prior to the application due date for the program. We highly encourage the use of MCHRI’s drop-in review meetings as the primary option for discussions related to your planned applications. However, if you require additional support, you may request a consultation via email at mchri_admin@stanford.edu. Please keep in mind that our reviewers are busy and may not be able to meet individually, immediately following the prior cycle, or based on an individual’s provided availability In addition, make sure you have discussed your proposal with your Primary Research Mentor prior to any meeting with a reviewer as their guidance should not take the place of any formal, individualized mentorship.

2. I submitted a proposal for the Clinician Educator Support Program. Approximately when should I expect to hear back regarding its funding status?
Fall Cycle: 1st or 2nd week of December. Spring Cycle: 1st or 2nd week of June.

3. I was notified that I was awarded a MCHRI Clinician Educator Grant. What is required of me?
MCHRI requires a guarantee PTA at time of award such to protect the account from falling into overdraft. In addition, all requirements of the associated Notice of Award must be met in order to be eligible for renewal funding and any future MCHRI grants.

4. I would like clarification on if my Mentor has submitted the associated mentor support form.
As a requirement for your award (if a Clinical Instructor or Clinical Assistant Professor), the MCHRI Mentor Support Form must be completed prior to the submission of your application. It is recommended that you complete the initial steps of creating an application record 4 weeks in advance of the deadline in our grant management system such that your mentor has sufficient time to complete the form. Late forms will not be accepted unless a significant rationale is provided.

5. I would like to update my application with the status of a newly publication article. Is this possible?
No, this is not allowed due to the short turnaround time in our review process. If publications are in press, please make sure to properly reference them on your NIH Biosketch.

6. My primary research mentor has left Stanford. Am I eligible to continue to hold an MCHRI Award?
Yes, it is possible for you to continue your MCHRI-supported project. Please note that you will be required to identify a new mentor and provide an updated mentoring plan which needs to be approved by the program panel chair(s).

7. I am planning to resubmit my application. Does my Primary Research Mentor need to resubmit the mentor form?
Yes, a new mentor form is required for each resubmission for this funding mechanism as proposals may evolve and significant progress in one’s career may be made given the 5-6 month duration between each funding cycle.

8. Do you provide sample of past awarded grants or recommendations on formatting?
No, please refer to the associated program application form and grant instructions for references on formatting and application packaging.

9. My Primary Research Mentor did not receive (or complete) the mentor support form. What do I do now?
Our mentor form is completed via RedCap. The system sometimes has difficulty when a mentor has multiple SUNet’s. Please contact MCHRI Administration via email at mchri_admin@stanford.edu for additional support. MCHRI will resend the mentor form directly to your mentor for completion. Please Note: Last minute requests may not be able to be processed.

10. What does the field “Cycle” or “FY” refer to?
MCHRI offers multiple funding opportunities per year each with chances for resubmission. To ensure proper tracking, please provide the current Fiscal Year (FY) or funding cycle (Cycle) for the associated submission date. (e.g. a fall 2018 grant program would be FY 19, Fall Cycle)

11. I was not funded by MCHRI in the last cycle. Do I have to resubmit for the next cycle or may I delay my resubmission for a future cycle?
You may delay your resubmission for any future cycle. Please note that our funding mechanism may change. Please check the associated MCHRI program page for more information.

12. Please provide information regarding the definition of Principal Investigator (PI), Collaborator & Co-Investigator. Do they need to be included in my application?
MCHRI uses the NIH guidance for definition of Co-Investigators and Collaborators. PI’s are the individual submitting the project that is eligible for the funding mechanism. Please follow the associated program application form & grant instructions for guidance on how to include them in your application.

13. Are applicants with an H or J visa eligible to apply?
Yes, you may apply for this funding opportunity. If an applicant has been approved to work at Stanford by the person’s department HR, then we will gladly accept the applicant pending they will be able to meet the other award terms.

14. I have a question regarding the specific age range for child health. Can you please provide guidance on the age limits for your funding mechanism?
MCHRI uses the NIH “Child” definition. For more information, please view their website.

15. I received the RFA for the MCHRI Pilot Grant Program and am in the Clinician Educator (CE) Line. May I apply to this mechanism?
No, CE’s are not eligible to apply to this mechanism. MCHRI offers a specific opportunity for CE’s to submit research proposals through its Clinician Educator Grant Program.

16. I am a Resident/Fellow/other and will transition to a Clinical Instructor position on [specific date]. I was wondering if I am eligible to apply to Clinician Educator Support Program.
You may apply to this funding mechanism as long as you will be appointed to the position by the earliest start date for the award, January 1 (Fall Cycle) and July 1 (Spring Cycle). We understand there may be delays in processing one’s appointment, in this case we ask for specific requests to be submitted to mchri_admin@stanford.edu for review.

17. Is it permissible to have two Co-PIs for an MCHRI Clinician Educator Grant or should it instead be a PI and Co-I?
We do not have restrictions for the number of co-mentors (Co-PIs) or Co-Is. However, one PI should serve as the submitter to avoid duplicate submissions in our application management system.

18. I was awarded an MCHRI Clinician Educator Grant in a prior fiscal year. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, you may apply again to this funding mechanism. However, we ask that the prior award be finished, any expense overage be cleared, and that the proposed project be significantly different than the prior awarded project.

19. Am I eligible to change my Primary Research Mentor associated to my application?
Yes, you may change your Primary Research Mentor prior to application submission as long as the new mentor will have sufficient time to complete the Mentor Support Form. We highly recommend that this activity not take place within 7 days prior to the application submission date so that our Administrative team may assist you properly.

20. Am I eligible to change my Primary Research Mentor associated to my application?
Yes, you may change your Primary Research Mentor prior to application submission as long as the new mentor will have sufficient time to complete the Mentor Support Form. We highly recommend that this activity not take place within 7 days prior to the application submission date so that our Administrative team may assist you properly.

21. I am not certain if my proposed project is relevant to Maternal Child Health according to MCHRI’s definition. Can someone please clarify this?
We would be happy to clarify Maternal Child Health relevance on a case by case basis. Please email mchri_admin@stanford.edu to request an evaluation.

22. I am applying for a CHRI CE grant this cycle. I am currently a Clinical Assistant Professor but will be promoted to Clinical Associate Professor in January 1/July 1. I am wondering if I can forgo the required Mentor Support Form?
Yes, you may apply and forgo the Mentor Support Form as long as your appointment is granted by the recommended award start date, January 1 (Fall Cycle), July 1 (Spring Cycle). If your appointment will occur at a later date into the award performance period, please apply as your current rank.

23. Must I budget for PI effort on the MCHRI Clinician Educator Grant?
No, you do not have to budget for PI effort on this mechanism. However, the proposed budget should be sufficient to justify the project and a clarification of how the PI plans to support the project should be included in the budget justification.

24. May I budget funds for a Co-PI/Co-I/Collaborator from another institution?
Yes, this is possible. However, MCHRI will not be responsible for coordinating the transfer of funds between Stanford and the other institution. It is recommended in this case to work with your assigned departmental research administrator and the Stanford Research Management Group to ensure funds are routed according to University policy.

25. I am completing my Stanford IRB eProtocol and the IRB is requesting a SPO number associated with this award. Do you know if one was assigned?
Our MCHRI awards are internal grants and not considered sponsored research by the school’s definition. A SPO number is not required.

26. Do I need to be a MCHRI member to apply for the CE Grant?
Yes, you do need to apply for membership prior to submitting your application. Please click here to apply for membership. Please note that it may take up to 2 weeks for us to process your membership request.

27. Can a NCX be requested for a CE Grant?
An NCX can be requested for up to 6 months (max) under unusual circumstance through this link.