Office of Pediatric Research Development
Empower. Catalyze. Strategize.
OPRD News and Events
SPONSOR UPDATES
Important Update: Extramural Loan Repayment Program (LRP) Now Open!
NIH will begin accepting applications for the Extramural Loan Repayment Program (LRP) on September 1! Awardees can receive up to $100,000 in qualified educational debt repayment with a two-year award.
To learn more about eligibility requirements, application dates, and the benefits of receiving an LRP award, be sure to visit the LRP website, and attend one of our upcoming events:
- October 6 – LRP Technical Assistance Webinar
- November 10 – LRP Ask Me Anything Session
Important LRP Application Tips!
- Ensure your NIH Commons password is up-to-date
- Review the recently published notices
- Review the LRP Application Guide
- Check out our LRP tutorial videos
- Contact an LRP Ambassador for guidance
- Reach out to an LRP Program Officer to discuss your research
- Inform your RPM of your plan to apply for a renewal award
We Have News!
On October 1, the Pediatrics Research Administrators’ Community of Practice will launch the Community Training & Mentorship Project (CTMP), a new pilot meant to engage membership and help them develop valuable skills for career advancement.
How Does It Work?
The pilot allows RAs to submit and execute their own training events, in exchange for a one-time stipend ($500 – can be split among co-presenters). These Community Scholars are assisted by experienced COP Mentors who help them hone their skills, refine their ideas, and successfully lead a training event for their peers. The Mentors for the CTMP pilot year are Ali Holder (PCRAFT) and Danny Sierra (OPRD).
Please join us for a CTMP Kickoff Event on Tuesday, October 13 at 10:00am PT!
At the kickoff event, the CTMP Mentors will discuss the pilot in detail and field questions from the COP members.
Zoom Link:
https://stanford.zoom.us/j/91705168217?pwd=PnNSPVmXBkd2Ga4dP4Fr3Ghon9J5CY.1&from=addon
Where Do I Sign Up?
Anyone in an RA or related role in Pediatrics is encouraged to apply! We will collect applications through the form linked here on a rolling basis throughout the year. Applicants will be contacted after November 15 with more information. The CTMP events calendar will commence in early 2027.
Anything Else?
Don’t fret – the RA COP is not dissolving! While the CTMP represents a change in how COP events are decided and presented, the mission of the group remains the same: sharing best practices, innovating, and connecting a vibrant community of administrators in Pediatrics.
On the COP calendar for FY27, we will continue to put on the Career Pathways Panel Discussion and host external webinars for the benefit of our members.
Questions? Please contact Danny Sierra (dmsierra@stanford.edu).
GENERAL UPDATES
Reminder! New Letter of Support Process
If you require a letter of support, such as for a grant or fellowship, signed by the Chair, submit a draft letter to the LoS intake form found on our new webpage (Letters of Support), within our Researchers’ Toolkit. Please be sure to submit draft letters at least 4 weeks in advance of the due date to allow sufficient time for review, approval, and signature.
Please do not submit letters of support for signature via email. They will be returned with instructions to submit it to the LoS Intake Form.
For more information about this new process and to access important resources, please see the new Letter of Support webpage.
Guidelines for Pediatric Research Transition Funding Task Force Released
The Department of Pediatrics is pleased to announce the Research Transition Funding Task Force (Learn more, requires SUNetID). This Task Force will guide decision-making regarding short-term support needed for our faculty facing deficits in their research funding directly related to Federal Government actions since January 20, 2025.
Chaired by Drs Jennifer Woo Baidal and Anna Gloyn, the Task Force has developed a framework and process for making requests (Learn more, requires SUNetID). Our framework is informed by University (April 17, 2025) and School of Medicine (April 2025) policies and recommendations.
As a reminder, if you receive a termination notice or stop work order, immediately contact the Office of the Senior Associate Dean of Research (SADR)- Dr. Ruth O’Hara (ROH@stanford.edu) as well as your Research Process Manager (RPM) within RMG (find your RPM on this page). Additionally, please cc Dr. Mary Leonard, Drs. Jennifer Woo Baidal and Anna Gloyn, your Chief and your post-award research finance administrator. Dr. O’Hara will advise you on next steps.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Questions?
Fill out a request for assistance and a member of our team will be in contact with you.
Federal Transition Resources and Updates
For the most current news regarding agency updates and policy guidance, please see Stanford's 2025 Federal Administration Transition Information & Resources page.
