November 26, 2008

John Merck Scholars Program in the Biology of Developmental Disabilities in Children

As of the 2010 competition, institutional nomination will no longer be required.

Internal Deadline for preproposals: Thursday, December 18, 2008

We are pleased to announce that the John Merck Scholars Program in the Biology of Developmental Disabilities in Children has invited the University of Minnesota to enter its 2009 competition. Nominations are limited to two: one for a neurobiologist and one for a cognitive scientist.

The Fund has had a longstanding interest in the problem of children who who have co-occurring cognitive and emotional disorders. It is focusing on investigations of the underlying causes of developmental disabilities by neurobiologists and by cognitive scientists. By supporting the most promising basic research into the processes that impair the lives of the developmentally disabled, the Fund hopes to foster a better scientific understanding of the origin of these disabilities and thereby provide the foundation for more effective approaches to their prevention and treatment.

The John Merck Scholars are chosen from the ranks of the most promising assistant professors currently working, or planning to work, in neurobiological and cognitive sciences relating to the biology of mental disability and developmental disabilities, including developmental studies of cognition, perception, language, reading, learning, and motor performance. Applicants may not have more than four years experience in an independent faculty position. Tenured individuals are ineligible. In early May 2009 the Fund will announce the recipients of three grants of $300,000 each, to be paid in equal annual installments over four years.

To be considered for nomination, potential candidates and their letter writers should submit the following to the Faculty Grants Office e-mail facgrant@umn.edu by the internal deadline of December 18, 2008.

1. A letter of nomination from the department head or chair that could be converted into a letter from the dean. (The letter must indicate if the candidate is to be considered a neurobiologist or a cognitive scientist.)
2. The candidate’s CV and bibliography.
3. A three to five page description of the proposed research program, including candidate's background, plans and aspirations and how the candidate believes the work would improve the lives of children who are mentally disabled with emotional disturbances.
4. A list of current and pending funding support.
5. A proposed budget (1 page).
6. Three letters of reference from persons who are familiar with the candidate's work.  Please note: If selected, the writers must submit an updated letter directly to the John Merck Fund by their deadline of January 14, 2009.
   

Agency Program Guidelines

Please call the Faculty Grants Office at 612-625-2356 or email facgrant@umn.edu with questions.