Guidelines and Application 2008

The John Merck Fund has had a longstanding interest in the problem of children who are mentally disabled and emotionally disturbed. 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 Fund inaugurated the annual John Merck Scholars Program in 1990 to award four-year fellowships to three scientists at academic institutions throughout the United States. The program is intended to serve as a major stimulus for gifted, young scientists to pursue careers in fields relating to the problems of children who are mentally disabled and emotionally disturbed.

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. The Fund will accept one application for a neurobiologist and one for a cognitive scientist from major universities and other research centers.

 

Research Areas

JMF has in the past funded and will continue to fund the most promising young researchers whose work illuminates neurodevelopmental disorders from the perspectives of (i) synapse formation and synaptic plasticity; (ii) learning and memory, and synaptic plasticity; (iii) perception, cognition and behavior; (iv) neurogenesis and pattern formation; and (v) genetics and early development. We also encourage proposals that (i) investigate the possible role of environmental chemicals in the origins of developmental disabilities, or that (ii) aim to distinguish subgroups within accepted diagnostic categories through the use of sophisticated behavioral and neuroimaging tests of perception, cognition, and emotions based on concepts from modern cognitive neuroscience. In all cases, we seek proposals from young scientists conducting research that is of the highest quality and that has the greatest chance of increasing our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Eligibility

Applicants must have the following:

·    Academic rank in a university or medical school, or equivalent standing in a research institute or medical center.

·    A record of research in areas relating to the Fund’s interest in the underlying causes of developmental disabilities.

·    Not more than four years of experience in an independent faculty position.

·    Evidence of a commitment to a career in neuroscience or cognitive science.

Applicants may not:

·    Hold tenured positions or their equivalents.

·    Apply in more than two rounds of competition.

·    Apply for continued postdoctoral support.

 

Scholarships and Restrictions

Scholars will receive $75,000 per year for a four-year period, subject to an annual review of research progress.  The sponsoring institution is responsible for fiscal management.  The award is for the exclusive use of the Scholar and may not be used for institutional or departmental support.  Payments will be made to the Scholar’s institution with the understanding that the total amount of the award will be used only by the John Merck Scholar and will be transferred should the Scholar change institutions.  At the Scholar’s discretion, up to 25 percent of the award may be used for his or her summer salary support, including, when necessary, fringe benefits.  The balance may be expended for research assistants, equipment, or other purposes that promote the Scholar’s scientific activities.

Note: Holding other fellowships concurrently with the John Merck Scholars Award is discouraged. Prior approval by the Fund for an overlapping fellowship is required and will be given only in unusual circumstances.

 

Filing of Application

To request application forms or other information, write, email or call: The John Merck Scholars Program, The John Merck Fund, 47 Winter Street, 7th Floor, Boston, MA 02108; email Nancy Stockford at nstockford@jmfund.org; telephone: (617) 556-4120.

Applications are considered complete only when they include the original plus EIGHT COPIES of the following six items:

1.   Completed cover sheet.

2.   The university president’s, dean’s, or institution’s president's letter of nomination that includes his or her evaluation of the candidate.  Please note that this is in addition to the letters of reference.

3.   Bibliography, including a list of all professional publications and nine copies of no more than three of the candidate’s recent publications.

4.   Description of the proposed research program, describing his or her background, plans and aspirations.  This description must not exceed 5 pages, in 11-point type, with 1-inch margins.

5.   Description of how the candidate believes the work to be supported will improve the lives of children who are mentally disabled and emotionally disturbed.

6.    Proposed budget.

Note:  The application must also include letters of reference from three persons who are familiar with the candidate and his or her work: former teachers, supervisors or senior colleagues.  All letters of recommendation from those listed as references on the cover sheet of the application are confidential and are to be mailed directly to The John Merck Fund by the letter writers.  They are not to be submitted by the applicant with the application form. 

All applications and letters of reference must arrive no later than January 16, 2008.  Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

 

Review and Notification Procedures

A distinguished panel of experts will review all applications and select six applicants to be interviewed in New York City in April 2008.  The Fund will reimburse these applicants for the travel expenses required for the interview.  The committee will make its final selections, subject to approval by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, from those interviewed.  Applicants selected for interviews will be notified by March 19, 2008. Successful applicants will be notified by early May 2008. 

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