Required Sections and Page Limits

Within a maximum of 4 pages, with a font size of no smaller than Arial 11 in the main document with half-inch margins, and tables with font size of no smaller than Arial 9, please include the following in your application:

• Abstract (250 words): Succinctly summarize the research question(s) and hypotheses of your proposal, and how your research will be undertaken. Briefly describe how your proposal fits with the mission and goals of SPARTAN.
• Keywords: At least 3, including designation of whether your research is basic, translational, or clinical.
• Specific Aims
• Background: Highlighting significance and innovation.
• Research Approach: Including analytic methods and power calculations, if relevant.
  • Preliminary results may be included in this section, if available.
  • Comment on potential pitfalls and alternative approaches.
  • Tables and figures should be included within this section.
• Brief Budget Justification
• Timeline: Completion of project milestones within the funding period.

Additional pages outside of the 4-page limit should include:

• References: May be added as an appendix (maximum 2 pages).
• Mentor Biosketch (NIH format): Maximum 5 pages.
• Mentee CV or Biosketch: Maximum 5 pages with publications from the last 5 years.
• Mentor Letter of Support: Include research and mentoring track records, especially as it pertains to spondyloarthritis. Please comment on the mentee’s career trajectory, particularly as it relates to their commitment and likelihood of remaining in spondyloarthritis research.
• Institutional Letter of Support: From the director of fellowship, residency, or doctoral program, stating the availability of time and support for the trainee to engage in the proposed research project.