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Frequently Asked Questions: Mathilde Krim Fellowships in Biomedical Research

1. Research Scope

What areas of research are responsive to this RFP?

  • Krim Fellowship applicants may propose biomedical research that is relevant to the treatment, prevention, or cure of HIV.

Are there any types of HIV research that are not eligible?

  • The following types of research are not eligible and will not be reviewed:
    • Epidemiological studies
    • Behavioral or social science research
    • Health services research
    • Policy or implementation science studies

2. Fellow Eligibility

How do I know if I am eligible to apply?

  • Applicants must hold a research or clinical doctorate completed between three and six years prior to October 2026 (i.e. completed between October 2020 and October 2023) and be affiliated with a nonprofit institution.

I have a PhD; how will you determine if I meet the criteria?

  • The three- to six-year period starts with the date of successful dissertation defense.

I have an MD; how will you determine if I meet the criteria?

  • The three- to six-year period starts on the date that the candidate’s internship was completed.

What if I have a PhD and an MD?

  • The three- to six-year eligibility period starts from the date the most recent doctoral degree was completed.

How will reviewers determine if I will be poised to secure an independent position?

  • Your NIH-compliant SciENcv and list of publications and presentations will be taken into consideration. In addition, we will consult your NCBLI Bibliography to assess your track record of significant publications.
  • The personal statement in the SciENcv and the Career Statements you enter in the portal are your chances to detail other information about your background and experiences that indicate you have what it takes to s\ucceed in academia.
  • At the application stage, reviewers will assess whether an applicant demonstrates a well-defined trajectory towards independence. While it’s natural for postdocs to build on their mentors’ work amfAR expects applicants to show how their proposal positions them to develop a distinct and independent research program over time.

What if I think I’m a strong candidate who is poised for independence, but my doctoral degree falls outside of the eligibility window?

  • Candidates with an established track record of outstanding contributions to the field may request an exception to the eligibility window. Requests are submitted via the File Uploads section of the portal. Allowances can also be made for medical and family leave and military or other national service.

Do PIs or other personnel supported with grant funds have to be U.S. citizens?

  • No. There are no citizenship or residency requirements for PIs or other individuals. Although, because grants are awarded to institutions, the institution is required to ensure compliance with regulations that apply to personnel and consultants it employs and trainees enrolled in its programs.

I am a postdoc at a research university that is not in the U.S. Am I still eligible?

  • Yes. Fellows and mentors affiliated with a nonprofit research institution anywhere in the world are eligible and encouraged to apply.

I have another fellowship or training grant, am I still eligible to apply?

  • Yes. If you can commit the time and effort requirements (50%) to the Krim fellowship project, and do not maintain (or anticipate receiving) overlapping funding for the same project, you are eligible to apply.

3. Mentor Eligibility

How do I know if my mentor is eligible?

  • Your mentor must be an experienced investigator at the same institution as the fellowship candidate who is qualified to oversee the proposed research and has successfully supervised prior postdoctoral fellows.

My mentor and I are not at the same institution. Is this allowed?

  • No. The fellowship candidate and mentor must be at the same institution.

I have two mentors. May I include both in my LOI submission?

  • Yes. On the Project Personnel tab, you may include both mentors. One should be designated with the role “Mentor” and the other as “Co-Mentor.” A Co-Mentor does not need to be at the same institution.

4. Other Personnel

I will be working closely with other colleagues on my project. How do I include them?

  • At the LOI stage, you may include collaborations in your career statements or as Project Personnel. If you are invited to apply, you may also add collaborators to the Project Personnel at that time.

Am I required to enter an administrative contact? If yes, who should it be?

  • No. An administrative contact is not required, but it can be helpful to have contact information for anyone who is helping you with your LOI. Typically, this will be someone in your lab or department who assists with grant submissions and other administrative tasks.

Do I need to provide contact information for our sponsored projects or grants and contracts office?

  • No. Because an institution signature is not required at the LOI stage, a grants and contracts contact is not requested. If you are invited to apply, signature of and information for an institutional official will be required. Note: Any approvals required by the institution for the submission of an LOI or application are the responsibility of the applicant.

5. Finance and Award

What is the total funding amount for this grant?

  • Each grant provides up to $180,000 + $50,000, in two phases, including up to 10% in indirect costs. Phase 1 provides up to $180,000 over two years, beginning April 1, 2027. A fellow is eligible for Phase 2 funding if they secure an independent research position at an eligible institution within six months of the end of the Phase 1 performance period. Phase 2 provides up to an additional $50,000.

Part of my salary is funded by one of mentor’s grants. Is this allowed?

  • Yes. This is allowed, as long as you contribute at least 50% time and effort to the Krim fellowship project.

6. LOI Submission

May I submit my LOI by email?

  • No. All LOIs must be submitted via the portal.

I just learned about this RFP. Can I get an extension for LOI submission?

  • No. To ensure that the process is fair to all applicants, the deadlines are strictly enforced. But, please note that Krim Fellowship RFPs are typically released every year. You can sign up for email announcements the day RFPs go live.

Should I submit recommendation letters at the LOI stage?

  • No. Letters of reference are not accepted at the LOI stage. If you are invited to apply, we will require reference letters. That being said, a letter of support from your primary mentor is required for the LOI stage.

Should I submit a budget with my LOI?

  • No. Budgets are not required at the LOI stage. If you are invited to submit a full application, you will be required to submit a budget and justification.

Colleagues will be working with me on my LOI. Can I give them access to the LOI in the portal?

  • Yes. You may share your login with colleagues who will be assisting you. If you wish, you can change your password later to prevent continued access to your account.

Will amfAR provide feedback on all LOI submissions?

  • No. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of submissions, amfAR cannot provide feedback or discuss all submitted LOIs.

Can multiple prospective fellows from the same institution or lab apply?

  • Yes. As long as each application has a distinct research focus and meets all eligibility and submission criteria.

Are prospective fellows allowed to submit more than one LOI?

  • No. We do not permit prospective fellows to submit more than one LOI per cycle.

7. Application Process

What is the application process?

  • Submit a letter of intent through the amfAR Grants Portal.
  • LOIs are reviewed for eligibility and alignment with the RFP.
  • Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.
  • Invited proposals are externally peer-reviewed.