PRISM Summer Institute 2026
The PRISM Summer Institute 2026 at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science will be held virtually June 8–13, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Pacific Daylight Time).
This intensive faculty development program brings together early-career faculty from across the United States for NIH grant readiness training, mentorship, and networking. Sessions are hosted online via Zoom and include seminars, small-group science discussions, mentoring activities, and peer networking.
The PRISM Institute is designed to prepare early-career faculty to become successful NIH principal investigators in collaborative biomedical research with basic, clinical, or behavioral outcomes to improve health across populations.
Eligibility
Required qualifications:
- Commitment to collaborative biomedical research that improves population health outcomes.
- Ability to prepare a two-page research prospectus focused on collaborative biomedical research.
- Prior research experience with publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Agreement to full participation in the 6-day Institute (9:00 AM–4:00 PM PDT), completion of Institute deliverables, and annual follow-up data collection.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience conducting collaborative biomedical research.
- Prior success in obtaining small or exploratory research funding (state, local, or institutional grants).
- Research experience across diverse populations.
Seminar Topics
Faculty development seminars focus on NIH grant preparation, research design, and professional growth. Topics include:
- Understanding NIH institutes, funding mechanisms, application requirements, and the peer review process
- Strategies for writing clear, compelling, and competitive NIH grant proposals
- Selecting appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Fundamentals of experimental design and approaches to avoid common methodological errors
- Developing a data analysis plan, including the use of power analysis
- Building effective mentoring relationships with NIH-funded investigators
- Identifying and overcoming institutional barriers to NIH grant submissions
- Key practical and ethical considerations in conducting research
- Approaches for balancing research, career development, and personal well-being
Deliverables for the PRISM Institute
Institute Preparation
Before the Institute begins, participants complete several preparatory steps to ensure they are ready to engage in the training experience fully. Preparation includes:
- Submitting a biographical sketch and professional photo
- Signing the media release form
- Signing confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements
- Completing the pre-Institute self-assessment
- Reviewing introductory materials and videos on grant development
- Submitting a brief literature review
- Submitting a draft professional development plan
- Submitting a preliminary draft of specific aims
- Establishing an NCBI account link
During the Institute
Throughout the Institute, participants take part in structured workshops and guided activities that strengthen their research skills and refine their proposal materials. Required activities include:
- Completing daily online program feedback
- Finalizing the professional development plan
- Refining the specific aims page
- Developing an approach outline for each particular aim
- Presenting their particular aims, key lessons learned, and anticipated next steps
After the Institute
Following the Institute, participants continue to receive support as they move toward grant development and future submissions. Post-Institute expectations include:
- Completing the post-assessment
- Completing the PRISM annual survey and submitting an updated CV for up to five years after participation
Applying to the PRISM Institute
Applications for the Summer 2026 PRISM Institute are now closed.
Please check back in June 2026 for updates on the 2027 Summer Institute application cycle.
