Celiac Disease Foundation-Jocelyn Silvester Rising Villus Student Research Award

The CDF – Jocelyn Silvester Rising Villus Student Research Award was created to promote interest in celiac disease research in promising medical students, graduate students, and medical residents by funding a mentored 10-week experience at sites throughout the US, Mexico and Canada. This mentorship is a critical part of establishing the next generation of celiac disease researchers.

The research award is a tribute to Dr. Jocelyn Silvester, the inaugural winner of the Celiac Disease Foundation’s Young Investigator Prize which recognizes the exceptional achievements of an investigator in the early part of their career in celiac disease research.

• Applicants (MD, PhD, or MD/PhD) in good standing at an accredited medical or graduate school in the US or Canada, and residents in good standing with a US or Canadian accredited residency program.
• The applicant must have a commitment from a mentor for a 10-week research experience.
• Applicants may not hold similar awards from other organizations (e.g., National Institutes of Health).
• This award is not intended to provide salary support for individuals employed as laboratory technicians.
• Past recipients may reapply in subsequent years provided the required scientific progress report and any follow-up surveys were submitted following the previously funded project and other eligibility requirements are still met.

• Applicants are responsible for identifying a mentor with a track record of independent peer-reviewed research, previous success with trainees (students, residents, or fellows), and a commitment to providing a meaningful experience, including submission of a final research report and mentor survey.
• A Biosketch and letter of support from the mentor is required (limited to three pages). The letter must outline the following:
  • Previous experience in mentoring students and residents.
  • Funding available to support the student/resident project.
  • The nature and frequency of planned direct interaction with the student/resident, and individuals who will participate in the student/resident’s technical and scientific training.
  • Conferences and lab meetings the student will attend.
  • Facilities and resources available for the proposed project in the mentor’s lab or elsewhere with brief justification for funding support if necessary.
• An abstract and proposal (limited to five pages) describing the research you will perform during the award period. The proposal should include sections for:
  • Background and Significance
  • Hypothesis
  • Specific Aims
  • Methods
  • Plans for Data Analysis, Possible Results and Interpretations
  • References
• A statement on how the proposed research would contribute knowledge to the field of celiac disease (maximum 100 words).

• Recipients must submit a scientific progress report upon completion of the award.
• Award recipients are required to acknowledge the Celiac Disease Foundation-Jocelyn Silvester Rising Villus Student Research Award in all testimonials, publications, abstracts and/or presentations that result from the award.
• Recipients must participate in follow-up surveys and are expected to participate in future events as alumni of the program.
• Recipients will receive a $5,000 stipend, payable to the sponsoring institution. $2,500 of which will be paid on announcement of the award, and $2,500 to be paid after receipt and approval of the final research report. Funds are to be used for salary support exclusively with other sources of stipend support not allowed.
• Mentor labs may request funding support to offset the costs of hosting the student. Requests may be up to $1,000.

Please email [email protected] for questions or call Marissa Mahoney at 844.593.8169, x110.