Presidential Scholars

For Junior Faculty Who Need Protected Time to Establish an Independent Research Career

The Presidential Scholars Program provides 50% salary coverage to early-stage investigators.

The Presidential Scholars Program supports University of Louisville faculty who need protected research time to advance their careers as independent investigators. Each year, the Louisville Clinical & Translational Research Center (LCTRC) appoints up to two faculty members to this prestigious program, providing 50% protected time for research for one year. A second year of support may be offered depending on scientific progress and available funds.

Presidential Scholars receive structured mentorship, career development support, and access to LCTRC scientific, statistical, and regulatory cores. The program is designed for faculty preparing for major grant submissions (e.g., NIH, DOD, Foundations) and who have not yet secured substantial research funding as principal investigators.

To learn more about the Presidential Scholars Program, please review the information below.

The Presidential Scholarship Program aims to protect research time for early-career faculty and accelerate their trajectory toward competitive extramural funding. Ideal applicants are within five years of their initial faculty appointment and are building toward independent research careers.

Projects close to initiation — with human subjects or animal protocols already in process or approved — may receive priority.

Eligibility Requirements

• Hold a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree
• Be University of Louisville faculty
• Be on the tenure-track or term-track (preference given)
• Must have Department Chair support 
• Must meet the NIH classification of an early-stage investigator 

Applicants who already hold large awards (e.g., NIH K, R01) are not eligible, while those with smaller awards (e.g., R21, R03) remain competitive.

Application

Applicants must submit the following materials through InfoReady:

• NIH Form Page 1: Face Page
• Candidate NIH Biosketch
• Mentor NIH Biosketches (Primary & Secondary)
• Specific Aims (1 page)
• Research Strategy (3–6 pages)
• Mentorship Plan (3 pages)
• Career Plan (3 pages)
• Letters of Support (2–3 total; one from primary mentor)

For InfoReady technical assistance: resdevel@louisville.edu