The United States Bone and Joint Decade (USBJD) and Bone and Joint Decade Canada are dedicated to increasing research of musculoskeletal diseases. The USBJD has developed a grant mentoring program to provide early-career clinical investigators an opportunity to work with experienced researchers in the field to assist them in securing funding and other survival skills required for pursuing an academic career.

This program is open to promising junior faculty, senior fellows, or postdoctoral researchers nominated by their department or division chairs. It is also open to senior fellows or residents who are doing research and have a faculty appointment in place or confirmed. Basic and clinical investigators, without or with training awards (including K awards) are invited to apply.

Investigators selected to take part in the program attend two workshops, 12 months apart, and work with faculty between workshops to develop their grant applications. The next workshop is scheduled to take place in October 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The unique aspect of this program is the opportunity for attendees to maintain a relationship with a mentor until their application is funded.

The program has two annual deadlines: Jan. 15 and July 15.

To apply for this program, visit the Young Investigators Initiative Grant Mentoring Program