Doris M. Rubio, PhD ACTS Translational Science 2014 Moving from K to R: University of Pittsburgh Doris M. Rubio, PhD ACTS Translational Science 2014

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Moving from K to R – The Issues When to apply for the R? Should mentors be coinvestigators? Should you stop publishing with your mentors?

K to R The biggest question… How to do a study 10x the size with ½ the effort?

Getting the R Persevere Establish relationship with PO Find a biostatistician Participate in K to R program

Why Programs for K to R? Success for K awards K23 awardees awarded R01 28.5% (FY13) K23 awardees awarded R01 18% (FY2000-FY2005) K23s who remain unfunded 68% Length of time after K23 until First R01 funded 4.4 years Average age at time of First R01 funding 41 years old

How to Structure the Program Who should participate? KL2/K12 Scholars, Other K awardees What is the right time to participate? In the 3rd year of the K Should similar people be grouped? Yes – sensitive to specific issues No Absent of diverse perspectives No guarantee of background of reviewers Forces writer to be clearer and avoid jargon Avoids like-minded thinking

Important Components to Program Concept review Involve a Biostatistician Regular group meetings Frequently review aims Forces continued progress Imposes deadlines “Contract” with K awardees Define expectations (e.g. submission, role of mentors) Firm deadlines

Important Components to Program K awardees review each other’s grants Mentors involvement Grant writer/editor Mock review prior to submission Science part of grant No budgets Could include human subjects

The Mock Review No less than 6 weeks prior to submission Reviewers: 2-4 senior reviewers (not mentors) Biostatistician One other K awardee (for peer review) Reviewers get proposal 1 week prior to review Must complete NIH’s R01 reviewer template

The Mock Review Mentors & K awardee attend - Silent 20 minutes – NIH review (use R01 template) Initial level of enthusiasm Review grant Summarize issues Final level of enthusiasm 40 min discussion with K awardee & mentors Video taped Other K awardees invited

A Successful R investigator Hire good people Get the right people on the bus, and in the right seats! (Good to Great) Work smart: Use the CTSA to locate needed expertise Establish a timeline with milestones

R to R When to submit the next R? At least 2 people review (not Co-Is) Preliminary data Productivity Consider a competing renewal Talk to PO At least 2 people review (not Co-Is) Another person just read aims Grant Writer/Editor