PFN-STRIDE Clinical Research Training in Pediatric Fungal Disease

Funded by the PFN-STRIDE Rare Disease Clinical Research Network Consortium

Funding provided by the PFN-STRIDE Consortium aims to support early investigators engaged in clinical research focused on pediatric invasive fungal disease (IFD) by providing individualized training and mentorship specific to pediatric IFD clinical research. The crucial link to improving outcomes of any rare disease is ensuring a critical mass of informed, dedicated clinicians coupled with talented research scientists who focus their energies on that problem. There is a critical need for providers facile in disease management and investigators committed to advancing pediatric IFD. 

The purpose of this award is to educate through innovative seminars and research conference presentations and provide a training pathway to support the next generation of clinical research through mentorship and involvement in existing and future studies. Seminars about clinical research topics will be delivered by investigators as part of the rare disease consortium, and then specific pediatric IFD topics delivered by IFD experts to focus on this subfield. 

Recipient must be a physician (MD/DO or equivalent) with a strong commitment to a research-based career in pediatric IFD. Priority will be given to early career researchers including fellows or junior faculty members who have not been a principal investigator on an NIH grant. Candidates should be US citizens, US permanent residents, or non-US citizens with a valid visa to work in the US. PFN-STRIDE trainees do not have be at a PFN site.

The PFN-STRIDE career development program provides dedicated, unique mentored research training to prepare trainees for an independent research career in the specific field of pediatric IFD. The PFN-STRIDE career development program is 1-2 years in duration and selected trainees may receive up to $1,500 to support research costs and travel to PFN sites to learn specific skills and/or to scientific meeting(s) to present the results of their research. After completion of a first year in the program, a recipient can seek a second year of support pending approval after interim report demonstrating adequate progress on the individual’s research and career development plan. Indirect costs are not allowed. Scholars are encouraged to pursue NIH (e.g., K award), departmental, or private foundation support for their research and further career development.

Each trainee will identify a primary mentor and meet with them every other week (virtually) to assess progress, provide feedback, and identify problems. The trainee will also meet with the PFN-STRIDE career advisory committee (CAC) twice per year for a comprehensive review of the training, research project, and progress towards completion of career goals. Trainees will be in the program for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years. Each trainee’s research program will include: 1) An Individualized Learning Plan; 2) Formal training in manuscript and grant writing; 3) Individualized career map updated every 3 months during research years; and 4) PFN-STRIDE-specific mentoring seminar series.

Applicants will upload the elements of the application to the RDCRN Grants portalno later than May 1, 2026

·        Specific Aims (1 page)

·        Research proposal developed in collaboration with the primary mentor (2 pages)

·        Applicant research experience, career goals, and research training plan (1 page)

·        Applicant NIH Biosketch (max 5 pages)

·        A letter of recommendation from the primary mentor supporting the applicant’s research potential. The primary mentor letter must detail the research training plan for the applicant, including any research skills, didactics, workshops or professional skills to be developed.

·        Primary Mentor NIH Biosketch

Application Due:              May 1, 2026 

Review Completed By:   July 1, 2026

Funding Commences:     October 1, 2026

Applications are evaluated by the PFN-STRIDE CAC based on the following criteria:

Trainee (40%)

    o   commitment to a career in academic research

    o   demonstrated interest in and/or previous educational or research achievement (e.g., master’s degree, PhD, publications) in clinical or translational research

    o   demonstrated potential to become an academic leader

Training plan, environment and mentorship (30%)

Scientific merits of the research plan (30%)

PFN-STRIDE is a member of the Rare Disease Clinical Research Network Consortium supported by U54 AI198184.

For inquiries, please contact:

Program Lead: William J. Steinbach, MD | WSteinbach@uams.edu  

Program Manager: Sarah K. Johnson, PhD | skjohnson@uams.edu 

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